Kinderdijk Receives Two Michelin Stars

Kinderdijk now ranks among the destinations that Michelin considers worth a detour. The renowned travel guide has awarded our UNESCO World Heritage site two stars. This recognition once again highlights the international significance of a place where people have lived and worked with water for more than 750 years.

An Award for Exceptional Destinations

Many people know Michelin for its restaurant stars, but the organisation also evaluates tourist attractions around the world. Travellers use these guides to visit remarkable places and gain a deeper understanding of them. Michelin awards one star to a site worth visiting, two stars to a destination worth a detour, and three stars to a place that justifies a journey of its own. With this distinction, Kinderdijk joins a select group of internationally recognised attractions.

The Story Behind the Windmills

The nineteen windmills are the most recognisable symbol of Kinderdijk, but together with the reservoirs, pumping stations, dikes and waterways, they form one functioning water management system. During a visit to the site, a tour of the museum windmill or a boat trip through the waterways, you can see how the Dutch have kept water under control for more than 750 years. This combination of historic engineering and modern water management shows why Kinderdijk remains relevant today.

A Meaningful Recognition

Michelin’s distinction confirms what has attracted visitors from around the world to Kinderdijk for many years. The site tells a story that goes far beyond the windmills themselves. As you explore the area, you can see how craftsmanship, innovation and perseverance have shaped a landscape that is appreciated worldwide. With two Michelin Stars and its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Kinderdijk remains one of the Netherlands’ most important destinations and deserves a place on every bucket list.