All dates

  • 7 Sep
  • 8 Sep
  • 9 Sep
  • 10 Sep
  • 11 Sep
  • 12 Sep
An illuminated windmill seen from a tour boat during Illumination Week in Kinderdijk.
Monday 7 September to Saturday 12 September

Cruise past the illuminated windmills of Kinderdijk

As dusk falls and the windmills light up, Kinderdijk's iconic landscape transforms into a magical evening setting. Step aboard and enjoy a unique cruise through the waterways, where the illuminated windmills are beautifully reflected in the surrounding canals.

Hopper & Cruiser Cruise – 30 minutes

Every evening, several boats depart for a scenic 30-minute cruise past the illuminated windmills. The two Hoppers and the Cruiser take you through the heart of the windmill area, offering spectacular views of these iconic landmarks from the water.

 

During the cruise, an onboard host shares the story of Kinderdijk, its centuries-old water management system, and the fascinating history behind the windmills. As you enjoy the scenery, you’ll also discover why this remarkable landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

 

Depending on the day and selected time slot, the price for this boat tour ranges from €10 to €13.50 per person. Check our tickets online for the current price for your preferred day and time slot.

 

 

Borrel Boat – 1 hour

Looking to make the evening last a little longer? Step aboard the Fop Smit and discover the Dutch tradition of ‘borrelen’ (= sharing drinks and delicious bites while enjoying good company) as you cruise past the illuminated windmills. The combination of atmospheric lighting, stunning waterside views, and a relaxed social atmosphere makes this cruise perfect for an evening out with friends, family, or colleagues.

 

The Borrel Boat operates every evening during Illuminated Week, except Thursday.

 

 

Visiting Wednesday to Saturday?

With your ticket, you can also visit the Nederwaard Museum Mill. The museum mill is open from 8 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

 

 

Book early! Illumination Week cruises sell out every year.

 

 

Will you join us?
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The regular 30-minute cruise is suitable for visitors of all ages, and children are more than welcome to experience the illuminated windmills from the water.

 

Please note that the Borrel Boat and the Beer Tasting & Cruise are exclusively for guests aged 18 and over.

Where do the boats depart?

The Hoppers depart from Jetty 1.
The Cruiser departs from Jetty 2.
The Fop Smit (Borrel Boat) and the Jantina (Beer Tasting & Cruise) depart from Jetty 4.

Do the cruises operate in bad weather?

Yes. Cruises generally operate in most weather conditions. Only in the case of extreme weather, such as strong winds or thunderstorms, may sailings be cancelled for safety reasons. Should this happen, we will inform you as soon as possible.

Which boats operate during Illuminated Week?

During Illuminated Week, the two Hoppers, the Cruiser, the Fop Smit, and the Jantina are all in service.

 

The Hoppers and Cruiser operate the regular 30-minute cruises, the Fop Smit is used for the Borrel Boat, and the Jantina operates the cruise included in the Beer Tasting & Cruise experience.

Illuminated windmills in Kinderdijk during the blue hour at Illumination Week.

Photographer: Lisanne Vermaas

The Borrel Boat sailing past the illuminated windmills during Illumination Week in Kinderdijk.

Photographer: Ingrid Koppelaar

Illuminated windmills during Illumination Week in Kinderdijk.

Photographer: Cees van der Wal

An illuminated windmill seen from a tour boat during Illumination Week in Kinderdijk.

Photographer: Lisette Haneveer

An illuminated windmill during Illumination Week in Kinderdijk.

Photographer: Lisanne Vermaas