Discover the Zaan district from the water
See the Zaanse Schans from a completely new perspective by exploring it from the water! Every day, a variety of boats sails a number of routes along the River Zaan. Why not get on board the Cow Boat? The captain of this old cattle boat will be happy to enlighten you about the history of the windmills and the region. The boat sails right past the meadows, where the cows often come to say hello!
Windmill hopper
Let go of your daily worries and sit back on the Windmillhopper. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Windmillhopper makes a boat trip in an open sloop along the windmills of the Zaanse Schans with a local guide. During this informative cruise, you will receive an explanation of the history of these unique windmills in the Zaan region. The cruise takes 25 minutes with a maximum of 12 people.
The Windmillhopper departs from the square called ‘t Glop, next to the spice mill De Huisman. Departures are every half and full hour.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Open |
| Sunday | Open |
View the opening hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
View the opening hours |
| Adults | € 10,00 |
| Children | € 7,00 |
The Cow Boat
Take a guided boat tour through the Kalverpolder on a former cattle boat. The route passes through the meadows where the cows graze peacefully in their fields. We will sail past a diverse range of windmills and homes in the Zaanse Schans: truly a feast for the eyes! The Cow Boat is also available for group bookings, which can be made via the website.
Zaandijk pedestrian ferry
Every day, volunteers sail between the banks of the Zaan on the pedestrian ferry. You can board at Kalverringdijk or Zaandijk. The ferry can transport a maximum of 12 passengers and takes around five minutes to cross to the other side. You can read more about the passenger ferry via www.voetveerzaandijk.nl.
Openingshours
Mai – September daily from 10:00 till 17:00u
Public jetties
You can moor your private/rental boat or sloop at any of the public jetties on the River Zaan. There are two public jetties in the Zaanse Schans. To visit the Zaanse Schans, you can choose from two public moorings or the marina at the De Onderlinge Sailing Association on the north side of the De Poel lake, which is a great base of operations for a visit to the Zaanse Schans. Motorboat owners are also welcome in the marina. The usual facilities are available, such as electricity and water. Another potential mooring spot in the Zaanse Schans is a small short-stay jetty on the River Zaan. You can find the jetty between the Bonte Hen and Klaverblad windmills. It is a small jetty with room for just one boat. The jetty is in a picturesque rural setting between the windmills. The third option is an equally small jetty in the De Poel lake. The jetty is on the south bank in front of the Haaldersbroeker bridge. The jetties are highlighted on the map at points 24 and 30. These two public jetties are managed by the Municipality of Zaanstad. For information and mooring opportunities, contact the Zaanstad Harbour Service:
Harbour Office
Westkade 2, 1506 BA Zaandam
Tel. +31 (0)75-681 68 88
Fax. +31 (0)75-681 67 99
Email [email protected]
Opening hours
Monday-Friday: 08:00 -12:00 and 13:00-16:00. For emergencies outside these hours, you can contact the Zaanstad Standby Harbour Service: +31(0) 75 6701 701.