Windmills Zaanse Schans and Leiden Tour
Wheelchair accessible experience
Discover authentic Dutch culture just outside Leiden, where a hidden gem awaits: Zaanse Schans. This charming community is nestled along the Zaan River and features wooden houses, windmills, shops, and restaurants. Your guide will lead you through this picturesque area, showcasing traditional Dutch cheese production and the art of making wooden clogs. While windmills can be found throughout the Netherlands, here you’ll see some of the most iconic examples.
After immersing yourself in the rustic charm of Zaanse Schans, the adventure continues with a guided tour of Leiden. In the second part of your day, explore the vibrant streets of this historic city, uncovering its rich history, distinctive architecture, and lively culture. Your guide will lead you through some of the city’s most captivating sites, ensuring a comprehensive experience of Leiden’s dynamic atmosphere.
The guided tours offered by Accessible Travel Netherlands can be customized to suit your needs. You can arrange different routes and times to fit your preferences. Your guide will ensure the entire tour, both in Zaanse Schans and Leiden, is accessible to wheelchair users, with all locations featuring accessible entrances. Every stop along the route has been personally selected by the Accessible Travel Netherlands team.
Highlights
- Windmills
- Traditional Zaanse houses
- Clog museum and workshop
- Cheese workshop
- Leiden Central Station
- Leiden Town’s Hall
- Pieterskerk
- The Botanical Garden
- Leiden University
- Rapenburg Canal
Accessibility info
- Flat terrain
- Cobblestones: from smooth to bumpy
- Accessible bridges
- Use of sidewalk ramps
- Involve walking/rolling between the sites
- Accessible toilet
- Adapted vehicle for transportation
Included
- Private tour with a professional guide
- Tour adjustable to your wishes
- Adapted vehicle for transportation
- Duration: 7 hours (incl. transfer)
- Start: your accommodation in Amsterdam or surroundings
- End: your accommodation or on request.
- Participants: max 10 per guide
Not included:
- Food/drinks
Discover the tour
Zaanse Schans
Your private guide will meet you at your accomodation in Amsterdam. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Zaanse Schans in a private adapted vehicle. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the sight of iconic wooden windmills gracefully standing along the banks of the Zaan River, with picturesque meadows stretching into the distance. This enchanting landscape offers a quintessential Dutch view: charming windmills surrounded by vibrant greenery and serene waters. As you explore Zaanse Schans, you’ll also get a glimpse into life during the 18th and 19th centuries in the Zaanstreek, which is renowned as the oldest industrial region in Western Europe. Once bustling with hundreds of windmills, this area played a significant role in the region’s industrial history, producing a variety of goods and contributing to the development of Dutch industry.
Catharina Hoeve cheese farm
Your tour also includes a visit to a traditional cheese farm, where you’ll experience Dutch cheesemaking at its finest. At Catharina Hoeve cheese farm, you’ll see cheesemakers dressed in traditional Dutch costumes, giving you an authentic glimpse into the art of cheese production. They will guide you through the cheese-making process, explaining the differences between various types of Dutch cheese and the techniques used to produce them. This hands-on demonstration allows you to learn about the rich traditions and flavors of Dutch cheese. After the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of cheeses and purchase your favorites at the farm’s shop. The farm offers a delightful chance to savor the rich, creamy flavors of Dutch cheese in an authentic setting.
Dutch Clogs Factory
Another highlight of your visit is the clog factory, where you’ll discover the traditional craftsmanship behind Dutch wooden clogs. In this factory, skilled artisans carve clogs from single blocks of wood, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating these iconic Dutch footwear pieces. You’ll have the chance to observe the entire process, from the initial carving to the final finishing touches. If you’re interested, you can even participate in a workshop to make your own pair of clogs, gaining hands-on experience with this traditional craft. Additionally, while you’re at the clog factory, be sure to enjoy some classic Dutch pancakes, which add a delicious touch to your cultural exploration. This experience offers a unique and immersive way to engage with Dutch traditions and craftsmanship.
Windmills
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the historic windmills that have become symbols of Dutch heritage. Each windmill has its own unique name and historical significance, serving as a small-scale factory in its own right. Inside the windmills, you’ll learn about the various tasks they performed, from cutting wood and oil to grinding flour, spices, and dyes. The process of operating these windmills was both intricate and labor-intensive, reflecting the ingenuity and hard work of the Dutch craftsmen who operated them. Some of the windmills at Zaanse Schans are still in operation, providing a rare chance to observe traditional milling techniques and see how these age-old processes functioned in their prime. Witnessing these working windmills offers a deeper appreciation of the skill and effort involved in maintaining such historical practices.
Leiden Central Station
Leiden Central Station is more than just a transportation hub; it’s a modern gateway to one of the Netherlands’ most historically rich cities. Originally opened in 1842 and redesigned in 1996, the station combines contemporary design with subtle nods to Leiden’s academic heritage. The station features a bright, open interior with large windows that let in natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the thousands of daily travelers, students, and visitors. As the starting point for exploring Leiden, the station serves as a seamless introduction to the city’s unique blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy.
Leiden’s Town Hall
Located in the heart of the city, Leiden’s Town Hall is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, reflecting the city’s prosperous past. Originally built in the 14th century and later reconstructed after a fire in the early 20th century, the Town Hall showcases a blend of historical and modern elements. The building’s grand facade, adorned with intricate stonework and statues, stands as a testament to Leiden’s rich civic history. Inside, the ornate council chambers and elegant halls provide a glimpse into the city’s governance over the centuries. Surrounding the Town Hall, the bustling streets are lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings, offering a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of Leiden.
Pieterskerk
Pieterskerk, a Gothic-style church dating back to the 14th century, is one of Leiden’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built as a Catholic church, it later became a Protestant place of worship following the Reformation. The church’s towering spire and impressive stained glass windows are notable features of its architecture. Inside, visitors can explore the grand nave, adorned with historical plaques and monuments that tell the stories of Leiden’s past. The churchyard, with its peaceful garden and ancient tombstones, offers a quiet space for reflection. Pieterskerk not only serves as a place of worship but also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, making it a central part of Leiden’s community life.
The Botanical Garden (Hortus Botanicus)
Leiden’s Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, is a green oasis in the heart of the city. Established in 1590, the garden played a crucial role in the study of plants and the development of botany as a science. Visitors can wander through beautifully landscaped areas, including the Clusius Garden, which replicates the original layout from the 16th century. The garden is home to an impressive collection of rare and exotic plants, including the famous tulip, which sparked a frenzy during the Dutch Golden Age. The accessible pathways and serene environment make it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature while appreciating Leiden’s contributions to botanical science.
Leiden University
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and a cornerstone of the city’s academic reputation. As you stroll through its historic campus, you’ll encounter a blend of classical and modern architecture, each building reflecting different eras of academic excellence. The university has been home to many notable scholars, including René Descartes and Albert Einstein, and continues to be a leading institution in research and education. Key sites to visit include the Academy Building, with its rich history and grand halls, and the Old Observatory, the oldest university observatory in the world. The vibrant student atmosphere and the university’s deep intellectual heritage make it an essential stop on any tour of Leiden, offering a glimpse into the city’s long-standing tradition of knowledge and discovery.
Rapenburg Canal
Rapenburg Canal is one of Leiden’s most picturesque waterways, flanked by historic buildings and lush greenery. This canal has been a vital part of Leiden since the 17th century, serving as a hub for trade and transportation. Today, it offers a tranquil setting for leisurely walks or boat tours, where you can admire the elegant townhouses, many of which are associated with Leiden University. The canal’s calm waters reflect the beauty of the surrounding architecture, creating postcard-worthy views at every turn. Rapenburg Canal is more than just a scenic spot; it’s a window into Leiden’s storied past and a symbol of the city’s enduring charm.