Zaanse Schans Windmill Cruise
About this activity
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- This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!
Experience Highlights
Embark on a 25-minute cruise through the Zaanse Schans and get an up-close look at the windmills and traditional Dutch houses in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cruise the canals aboard an intimate boat, limited to 12 people, and be guided by a skipper who will tell you about the rich history of this Dutch gem.
The meeting point is at the main quay of the Zaanse Schans windmills (Schansend, 1509 AW, Zaandam). The tour is conducted in English and Dutch, both by the skipper and the guide. Simply show your ticket on your mobile when you arrive.
- Book now and secure your place on this exclusive cruise.
- Experience Zaanse Schans from the water like never before.
- Enjoy a 25-minute whirlwind tour of the UNESCO-protected Zaanse Schans area.
What’s included
- 25-minute cruise through the Zaanse Schans.
- Professional guide on board in English and Dutch.
- An expert captain who acts as a historical narrator.
- Food and drink.
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Step by Step
Experience a 25-minute whirlwind tour that concentrates the best of the Zaanse Schans, a UNESCO-protected collection of traditional Dutch windmills and farms, in just a few moments. From the main quay, you will set sail in a boat designed for small groups, allowing a close atmosphere and a panoramic view of the water and wood landscapes.
Your captain, a true enthusiast of the region, will share anecdotes and curiosities about the construction and operation of each mill, revealing how these structures boosted industry and trade in the 17th and 18th centuries. Thanks to his knowledge and charisma, each turn of the propeller becomes a living history lesson.
As you walk through the canals, you will see up to 10 different mills, some dedicated to sawing wood and others to grinding grain or spices. The contrast between the green of the banks, the blue of the water and the orange roofs of the houses creates a postcard you will remember forever.
You'll also get a glimpse of clog making and artisanal cheese processing, which you can watch from the boat. This cruise is the quickest and most complete way to soak up the rural and seafaring essence of Holland without compromising on comfort.
To ensure the quality of the experience, seating is limited to 12 passengers, ensuring an intimate and highly personalised cruise, ideal for solo travellers as well as small groups and families with children of any age.
