Historic Windmills & Afsluitdijk Day Tour by Camaleon Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels given gentle walking involved
Overview
Step beyond Amsterdam’s streets with Camaleon Tours on a private day trip to the legendary Zaanse Schans windmills and the massive Afsluitdijk dam. This immersive five-hour journey highlights Dutch engineering and traditional craftsmanship in a unique outdoor setting.
Private Day Trip to the Windmills Zaanse Schans and the Enclosing Dike
We pick you up at your Hotel (Amsterdam City) • 5 Hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 5-hour journey through Dutch history with an expert guide. Explore the iconic Zaanse Schans Windmill Park, witness traditional clog-making, and marvel at the monumental Afsluitdijk, a vital dam that transformed the landscape. Enjoy personalized attention and free time for photos and shopping along the way.
Duration
5 hours
About
Learn with an expert guide two of the greatest achievements in the history of the Netherlands: the Zaanse Schans mills and the Enclosing Dike "Afsluitdijk".
We will begin by heading to the Zaanse Schans Windmill Park, the economic engine of the country between the 16th and 18th centuries, as the Dutch took advantage of the force of the wind to grind the spices they brought from the colonies, make oils, mustards, etc. We will visit the amazing windmills and we will enjoy a workshop of clogs, where they will make a demonstration of the traditional Dutch footwear.
Then, we will head for the Enclosing Dike, which connects the provinces of North Holland and Friesland and which closed the South Sea forever, making it one of the largest lakes in Europe. It is the most important dam in the country, over 30 kilometres long, which slows the tides in the North Sea to avoid flooding.
As it is a private visit, the client can enjoy free time to take photos or make purchases. The itinerary can be agreed at the beginning of the tour to adapt it to the wishes of the client, always considering the duration of the tour.
We will pick you up at your Hotel (City of Amsterdam)
Adventure Tips
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Paths around Zaanse Schans and the Afsluitdijk involve uneven surfaces and some light walking.
Bring a waterproof jacket
Wind and rain are common near the dike and open fields, even on otherwise clear days.
Charge your camera battery
The tour offers numerous photo opportunities, from historic mills to expansive water views.
Limited mobility considerations
Some areas around windmills and the dike might not be wheelchair accessible due to historic terrain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mute swans near Zaanse Schans waterways
- Seagulls and other coastal birds at the Afsluitdijk
History
The Afsluitdijk, completed in 1932, is a critical flood defense that reshaped the Dutch coastline and inland waterways.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to maintain the historic windmills and protect the delicate ecosystems around the dike, balancing tourism with preservation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Amsterdam
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against wind and rain, common around the dike and open areas.
spring|fall|winter specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures comfortable footing on mixed terrain at the windmills and along the dike.
Camera or smartphone
Captures the striking views of traditional windmills and the monumental dike.
Layered clothing
Allows adaptable warmth against changing temperatures and wind.
spring|fall|winter specific