Our windmills are hugely popular. Every year, we receive dozens of film crews, journalists, bloggers, and vloggers from all over the world. As a rule, they all receive support and guidance from the Kinderdijk World Heritage Foundation communications department. This is necessary not just because it can be very crowded here at times: in addition, most of our mills are inhabited, and moreover, Kinderdijk is situated in a protected nature reserve. For these reasons, your prior announcement is mandatory. We are happy to help you produce the best possible reports and documentaries. Understandably, we have to charge a remuneration fee for these services; especially to the more commercially oriented parties involved.

Access to significant parts of the Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage grounds is restricted to its residents. Most of our windmills are inhabited. Filming in and around our museum mills is allowed, as is conducting interviews, provided that your visit has been announced prior to your arrival. We do not grant access to any press arriving without prior announcement. Furthermore, the windmill area is situated in a vast expanse of land. Getting your equipment to its target location can be quite a challenge. This is why we have a special-purpose film boat available for camera crews. This highly stable vessel provides a perfect platform for shooting the best footage from the water. The electric-powered boat carries you straight to all the best spots, taking you within arm’s reach of the windmills. You wouldn’t be the first film crew intent on wrapping the film boat up and taking it home with you once you’re done…

We have professional drone footage available that any film makers can use for free. The reason why we do this is our attempt to reduce the use of drones throughout Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage. To be sure, drones are amazing devices that can be used to capture the most breath-taking images. Nonetheless, their use is a regular source of serious nuisance. We find it very important to respect the privacy of our miller residents. After all, who would want to see inquisitive cameras hovering overhead on a weekly basis?

In addition to the above, the Kinderdijk World Heritage grounds are part of a broader Natura 2000 protected area. A plethora of plants, birds, and other wildlife find the shelter they need here to keep species and vital habitats alive. By default, all flying in Natura 2000 areas is off-limits due to potential disruption of flora and fauna. Any professionals require prior permission from the Omgevingsdienst Haaglanden authorities. National guidelines govern flying by private individuals.

Under current legislation, drone pilots can be fined based on the Molenlanden Municipality Local Ordinance (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening; APV) whenever they are caught in the act of causing any demonstrable nuisance. The amount fined is hardly a laughing matter: 410 euros. If you do intend to shoot personal drone footage, and you have the required permits, please make sure to contact us so we can notify the windmill occupants in advance.

The windmill area of ​​Kinderdijk is a beautiful backdrop for photos of the best day of your life. We even see bridal couples who fly specially for their photos to the Netherlands. Where else than in Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage do you show that you love each other and the Netherlands? Please contact us to discuss the possibilities together.