Why Volunteers Are Indispensable to Kinderdijk
“People often think the windmills simply exist on their own, but without our 270 volunteers, this entire site simply couldn’t continue to operate.”
After her career as a bank manager, Mathilde was looking for a new challenge. She found it at Kinderdijk, where she became not only a tour guide but also chaired the volunteer council for six years. Her mission? To turn a passion for the windmills into a professional and memorable visitor experience.
About Mathilde
Mathilde lives in the nearby village of Oud-Alblas and has been volunteering at Kinderdijk for more than eight years. In addition to working as a guide, she helped develop training programmes for new volunteers to ensure everyone has a solid understanding of the history and significance of the site.
A typical day for Mathilde starts early, often around 8 a.m. when the first cruise ships arrive. What follows is an intensive tour during which she speaks English almost all the time. “That’s what makes it so enjoyable. You keep your language skills sharp and learn something new from different cultures every day. Americans are often amazed when I tell them that 40% of the Netherlands would be underwater without our water management system.”
During her tours, Mathilde shares details that visitors won’t find in any brochure. She takes them to the kaak to explain traditional windmill construction and tells the story of the families of up to thirteen people who once lived in these remarkably small mills.
Did you know?
Volunteers at Kinderdijk do much more than guide visitors. A whole network of dedicated people keeps the site running. They include maintenance volunteers who carry out technical work, skippers who operate the tour boats, and hosts and ticket desk volunteers who welcome guests. Experienced volunteers like Mathilde also help train new volunteers, ensuring the high quality of the UNESCO World Heritage experience.
The Driving Force Behind the Scenes
During her years on the volunteer council, Mathilde witnessed firsthand how closely volunteers and paid staff work together. “You really get to see everything that happens behind the scenes. From recruiting new volunteers after the pandemic to celebrating anniversaries – some people have been volunteering here for more than 15 years. That says everything about the atmosphere and the strong sense of community.”
Her involvement went far beyond volunteering itself. Mathilde helped develop training programmes for every volunteer role at Kinderdijk. “I felt it was important that not only the guides, but everyone working here understands the basics of Kinderdijk’s story. Whether you’re in the kiosk or on a tour boat, we’re all sharing the history of this place. I’m truly proud of that professionalism.”
A Community with a Heart for Heritage
The reason volunteers return week after week lies in the small moments. They feel appreciated. Whether it’s a simple thank-you after a tour or enjoying coffee together afterwards, the volunteers form a close-knit community. “You’re not tied down. You have the freedom to choose when you help, but most people stay because it’s simply a wonderful place to be.”
For Mathilde, the circle has come full turn. From skating past the windmills as a child to becoming the person who now shares Kinderdijk’s story with visitors from around the world. “It’s about nature, people and the fight against the water. Being able to pass that story on to others is incredibly special.”
The greatest compliment is when visitors finish a two-hour tour truly understanding why we’re still fighting the water today. That’s when you know you’ve really made a difference.
Would you like to join this wonderful group of volunteers?
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