Activity description
If you ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of the Netherlands, most will say windmills, tulip fields, and Amsterdam's vibrant city center. Highlights include its picturesque canals, historic buildings, exotic nightlife, and open-minded culture. And while Amsterdam is undeniably one of the country's most fascinating tourist destinations, the Dutch countryside and surrounding windmills are often overlooked.
Fortunately, you can easily combine your visit to the country's bustling capital with a phenomenal countryside and windmill tour from Amsterdam. The tranquil villages of Zaanse Schans, Marken, Edam, and Volendam are just a short drive from the city center. There, you can enjoy the tranquility of the area and immerse yourself in the old way of life while admiring the colorful Dutch windmills.
An open-air museum
Leaving the Dutch capital, you enter a different world, with many of the small towns surrounding the city resembling open-air museums. The Dutch countryside and windmills tour will take you from Amsterdam to the villages of Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and the ancient island of Marken; the tour order may vary.
A visit to Zaanse Schans means you can experience the historic windmills. More than ten windmills line the banks of the Zaan River, and the area around them is free for you to marvel at, as it's truly an open-air museum. You can enter some of the windmills for a small extra fee (a visit included in the All-In tour). Zaanse Schans is one of the best places to see windmills in the Netherlands.
Volendam is a typical Dutch fishing village, and a stroll along De Dijk and the harbor area won't disappoint. Here, you'll visit the cheese factory to taste delicious cheese and, if you have time, learn how it's made. If you're staying in town for lunch, we recommend the fresh fish.
Edam is home to Edam cheese, the small, often red, ball of cheese that has been transported to all corners of the world for centuries. But there's much more to this authentic village, which dates back to the 12th century. Here, you'll take a thirty-minute walk through the village.
The fourth place visited on the tour is the village of Marken, a former island in the Markermeer, now a peninsula. You'll travel between Marken and Volendam by boat, with a scenic 30-minute trip across the IJsselmeer. Enjoy the views as you sail past the towns of Monnickendam and Kattwoude.
As you walk between the houses in Marken, be careful to stay on the road, because before you know it, you'll be in someone's garden. A visit to a traditional wooden clog or shoe maker completes our tour. Here, clogs are still made according to a 100-year-old tradition using steam-powered tools. They're surprisingly comfortable, as you'll be able to try them on for yourself.
An unforgettable experience
During this tour, you'll discover a world unlike any other, an experience sure to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax while visiting one of the Netherlands' best-kept secrets.
Amsterdam's countryside is waiting to welcome you and introduce you to a completely different side of the Netherlands than its bustling capital. You can buy your ticket for a fun adventure among the Dutch windmills here.
Please note that this tour requires moderate walking.
Notes:
Please check in at least 30 minutes before your tour departs. Seats can only be guaranteed up to this time. Go to the Tours & Tickets office located at De Ruijterkade 34A in the IJ hall of Central Station. It's in the back corner of the building, on the right-hand side.
