#summerbudgettrip In the land of wind and water, few places capture the Dutch spirit quite like Kinderdijk—a quiet village of ancient windmills lined up along the dikes. Pair it with a short train ride to The Hague, home of Vermeer and world justice, and you have a perfect one-day journey through two sides of the Netherlands: nature and nobility.
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Morning: Mist and Windmills in Kinderdijk
I started early in Rotterdam, hopping on the waterbus to Kinderdijk—a scenic and affordable ride that beats any bus or train. As the boat glided down the rivers, modern cities faded and wetlands took over. By the time I stepped off, I was surrounded by reeds, sky, and windmills that looked as if they’d spun through centuries.
Kinderdijk has 19 historic windmills, and many are still operational. Some paths are free to walk, while a small fee lets you enter one and climb its narrow wooden stairs. Inside, you’ll find tiny bedrooms, antique furniture, and the rhythm of blades creaking overhead.
I wandered the footpaths for hours—just me, ducks, and the wind. There are few better places in Europe to feel both the power of nature and the ingenuity of people trying to control it.
Bring snacks and water—there are few shops, and the stillness is part of the charm.
