Windmill & Cheese Tour from Amsterdam: Your Complete Guide

Discover Dutch Windmills: A Journey Through History

When you visit the Netherlands, seeing the beautiful old windmills is simply a must. These iconic structures tell the story of Dutch ingenuity, resilience, and the nation's unique relationship with water.

A tour to one of the most unique places in the Netherlands — where centuries-old windmills still stand as monuments to human craftsmanship and determination.

The Golden Age of Dutch Windmills

The Dutch started building windmills as early as 1200 A.D. for grinding grains. By the 19th century, more than 9,000 windmills dotted the landscape, serving essential functions:

• Land reclamation — Pumping water to create farmland from lakes
• Grain milling — Producing flour for bread
• Oil pressing — Extracting oils from seeds and nuts
• Industrial processing — Paper, textiles, chalk, and spices
• Sawmills — Processing timber for construction

Did you know? At their peak, there were more than 18,000 windmills in the Netherlands. Today, only 1,252 historic windmills built before 1800 remain in good condition and operation.

Windmills and the Dutch Landscape

The rural windmill area offers a striking contrast to the nearby city of Amsterdam, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of these traditional landscapes.

Without windmills, the Netherlands as we know it wouldn't exist. Much of the country lies below sea level, and these engineering marvels helped create the fertile land that now supports agriculture and those famous tulip fields.

During our Tulip Tours in April and May, the windmill visit becomes one of the most unique moments of the trip — standing among colorful flower fields with a historic windmill as your backdrop.

The Schermerhorn Polder Windmill Experience

We visit one of the most beautiful and oldest windmills in the area around Amsterdam. This isn't just a photo opportunity — it's a working piece of history that shaped the landscape you see today.

How the Windmill Drained the Polder

This windmill helped drain the Schermerhorn polder, which means water was pumped out of the land using only the power of the wind. Here's how it worked:

The Engineering Marvel:

• A large screw inside the mill moved water from the polder into a main canal
• The canal carried water to other lakes and eventually to the sea
• The miller played a crucial role in operating the windmill, ensuring smooth function and managing water levels
• Of course, this only worked when there was wind

Creating Land with Wind Power

Together with 52 other windmills, this entire polder was created. Thanks to this achievement:

• Farmers could expand agriculture
• More food could be produced
• From the 1950s onwards, large tulip fields bloomed in this area

The craftsmanship is incredible. These massive windmills were built entirely by hand, without cranes or modern machines, using wood as the primary construction material. Remarkably, many of these windmills are still standing today — a testament to their enduring presence and iconic status in Dutch heritage.

What You'll See Inside

We don't just admire the windmill from outside. You'll step inside and discover:

• The massive wooden gears and mechanisms
• How the miller controlled water levels
• The living quarters where the miller's family resided
• Traditional tools and equipment still in use

Almost everyone experiences this as one of the most unique moments of their trip to the Netherlands, enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounds the windmill and its picturesque landscape.

Visit Edam: Holland's Hidden Cheese Village

While many visitors choose Volendam — a former fishing village — Edam is just as historic, but older, quieter, and more intimate, with a richer history than most villages in the region.

Discover the Village of Edam

Edam is a still-undiscovered village close to Amsterdam. The village became famous because of its location on the Zuiderzee (now the Markermeer). In the past, many trading ships docked here to do business. The old canals where this trade took place are still clearly visible today.

What makes Edam special:

• Historic canals from the trading era
• Centuries-old wooden facades and gabled roofs
• Authentic atmosphere without mass tourism
• Rich cheese-making heritage

Cheese Trading History

One of Edam's most important products has always been cheese. Warehouses were filled with cheeses that were aged and traded from this town. Even today, the Edam Cheese Market is still held every summer.

The cheese tradition continues. The methods used centuries ago to produce and age Edam cheese are still practiced today, making this one of the most authentic cheese experiences in the Netherlands.

Cheese Tasting and Village Walk

During the tour, we visit a cheese shop right in the center of the village, located on the main square and surrounded by historic houses. Here's what you can expect:

At the Cheese Shop:

• Taste different varieties of authentic Edam cheese
• Learn about traditional cheese-making methods
• Discover how cheese is aged to perfection
• Option to purchase cheese to take home

Exploring the Village:

• Walk through charming streets lined with historic buildings
• Cross a historic bridge into the heart of Edam
• Enjoy scenic views of the canals
• Visit local shops and cafes at your own pace

Visit the Edam Cheese Market

Would you like to visit the famous Edam Cheese Market? This traditional market takes place every summer and offers a unique glimpse into Dutch heritage.

The cheese market experience:

• Watch traditional cheese trading ceremonies
• See cheese carriers in historic costumes
• Learn about the cheese grading process
• Experience authentic Dutch culture

For more information about visiting the cheese market, check our dedicated Edam Cheese Market page.

Why Book an Early Morning Windmill & Cheese Tour?

This tour is organized early in the morning, and for good reason. We leave Amsterdam early and arrive at the windmill and Edam before the crowds. This makes the experience calm, relaxed, and much more enjoyable.

A Calm and Relaxed Experience

The morning advantage:

• Beat the tourist crowds at both locations
• Enjoy peaceful photo opportunities
• Experience authentic village atmosphere
• Better weather for outdoor activities
• More time with your guide

The early start means you'll have the windmill and Edam's streets practically to yourself. No waiting in lines, no fighting for photo spots, no noise — just you, the history, and the beautiful Dutch countryside.

Combine Two Tours in One Day

Another advantage is that Tulip Tours Holland uses the same bus for the Giethoorn tour starting at 11:00 AM. This means you can enjoy two amazing excursions in one day — without wasting time. Your day is perfectly planned and stress-free.

Your perfect day itinerary:

• Morning: Windmill & Cheese Tour (early start)
• Midday: Relax in the bus during scenic 1.5-hour drive
• Afternoon: Giethoorn boat experience
• Evening: Return to Amsterdam

From Windmills to Giethoorn

Start your day with the Windmill & Cheese Tour, then relax in the bus while enjoying the Dutch countryside during the drive to Giethoorn. Once there, you can enjoy a beautiful boat trip — with a captain or by renting your own boat.

Important: If you want to combine this tour with Giethoorn, you must select the 11:00 AM departure from Amsterdam to Giethoorn.

Visiting Zaanse Schans in Winter (October - March)

From October 1st onwards, our tour travels to the windmills of Zaanse Schans instead of Schermerhorn. This is because the Schermerhorn windmills are only open to visitors during the high season, from April to September.

Seasonal schedule:

• April - September: Schermerhorn Polder Windmill
• October - March: Zaanse Schans Windmills

For this reason, from October 1st until March 30th, we visit the Zaanse Schans. This iconic windmill area offers a beautiful and authentic windmill experience, making it a perfect alternative during the winter season.

What is Zaanse Schans?

The Zaanse Schans is a famous windmill area near Zaandam. It's not an outdoor museum but a public area and regular residential neighborhood where history comes alive. The area developed as a heritage site to preserve traditional timber construction and Dutch craftsmanship. Want to plan a visit on your own? Check out our complete Zaanse Schans guide for tips on timing, tickets, and what to expect.

Getting there:

• Only 15 minutes from our pickup location by bus
• About 18 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station
• Parking available at €15 per day for those driving

Visitor information:

• Open 365 days a year, including public holidays
• Most shops and restaurants open 9 AM - 5 PM
• Restrooms available (€1 usage fee)
• Dogs allowed but must be on a leash

The Historic Windmills of Zaanse Schans

The windmills at Zaanse Schans were built after 1574 and are part of a preserved architectural reserve. The area features several types of working windmills, each with its own specialty:

De Kat (The Cat) - Paint Mill Produces vibrant pigments and paints using traditional methods. Watch as natural materials are ground into beautiful colors that artists have used for centuries.

Het Jonge Schaap (The Young Sheep) - Sawmill Operates in the traditional manner, sawing giant logs. This massive windmill demonstrates the industrial power of wind energy.

De Huisman (The Houseman) - Spice Mill Processes mustard and other spices. The air fills with aromatic scents as you watch the millstones grind exotic spices.

De Bonte Hen (The Spotted Hen) - Oil Mill Originally used to pump water, now presses oil from seeds and nuts. Learn how the Dutch extracted cooking oils long before modern machinery.

Traditional Dutch Crafts at Zaanse Schans

A visit to the Zaanse Schans is like stepping into a living museum, where the art of traditional Dutch crafts is celebrated every day. Beyond the windmills, you'll discover workshops and museums showcasing centuries-old skills.

Cheese Farm Witness the fascinating process of cheese-making firsthand. Friendly staff guide you through each step, from curdling the milk to aging the cheese. Plenty of delicious samples to try!

Bakery Museum Discover the secrets of traditional Dutch baking. The aroma of fresh bread and pastries fills the air as you watch bakers use recipes passed down through generations.

Wooden Shoe Workshop See skilled artisans craft iconic wooden shoes (clogs) using traditional methods. Learn about their cultural significance and why they remain cherished symbols of Dutch heritage.

Pewter Foundry Watch craftsmen create beautiful pewter items using techniques unchanged for centuries.

Exploring the Village

The Zaanse Schans features beautifully preserved wooden houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, their distinctive green facades and ornate gables providing a picturesque backdrop.

What to explore:

• Historic wooden houses with traditional architecture
• Scenic walking trails along the river
• Nature preserve with local wildlife
• Shops selling local crafts and souvenirs
• Restaurants serving traditional Dutch cuisine
• Zaans Museum for deeper historical insight

Pro tip: Use the interactive map available at the entrance to plan your route. It shows locations, opening hours, and entrance fees for each attraction.

Entrance fees:

• The village itself is free to visit
• Some windmills and museums require an entrance fee
• Many museums offer free or discounted rates for children
• Family-friendly and accessible destination

Ready to Book Your Windmill & Cheese Tour?

Experience the authentic Netherlands on our highly rated Windmill & Cheese Tour from Amsterdam. This carefully designed morning tour combines everything you need for the perfect Dutch countryside experience.

What's Included in Our Tour

Windmill Visit Step inside a working historic windmill and learn how the Dutch created land from water using only wind power. Meet the miller and discover centuries-old engineering techniques.

Edam Village Experience Explore this charming, undiscovered village with its historic canals and traditional architecture. Walk across centuries-old bridges and soak in authentic Dutch atmosphere.

Cheese Tasting Taste authentic Edam cheese at a traditional cheese shop in the village center. Learn about cheese-making traditions and sample different varieties.

Small Group Experience Travel with a small group in a comfortable vehicle. Our intimate group size ensures personal attention from your guide and plenty of time for questions.

Expert Local Guide Our knowledgeable guides share insights about Dutch history, culture, and traditions. Learn stories most tourists never hear.

Perfect for All Travelers

Families Kids love seeing the giant windmill mechanisms and tasting different cheeses. The village offers safe, pedestrian-friendly streets for exploring.

Photography Enthusiasts Early morning light creates perfect conditions for stunning photos. Capture windmills, historic architecture, and Dutch countryside without crowds.

History Buffs Dive deep into Dutch engineering, trading history, and traditional crafts with our expert guides.

Food Lovers Experience authentic Dutch cheese culture and traditional food preparation methods.

Why Choose This Tour

Unlike generic bus tours that rush through stops, our tour focuses on authentic experiences:

• Small groups (never overcrowded buses)
• Early departure to avoid crowds
• Time to truly explore each location
• Expert local knowledge and stories
• Combination options with Giethoorn
• Seasonal variations for year-round quality

From April to September: Visit the historic Schermerhorn Polder Windmill and experience the countryside at its best, often with blooming tulip fields nearby.

From October to March: Explore the famous Zaanse Schans with its collection of working windmills and traditional craft workshops.

Practical Information

Tour Duration: Morning departure, typically 3-4 hours

Departure Location: Central Amsterdam pickup point

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera for photos
• Light jacket (weather can change)
• Appetite for cheese tasting!

Accessibility: The tour involves some walking and stairs inside windmills. Please contact us if you have specific accessibility needs.

Book Your Experience

Join Tulip Tours Holland and discover the real Netherlands.

Visit a working windmill, taste authentic cheese in a historic village, and experience Dutch countryside at its most charming. This morning tour offers everything you need for an unforgettable Dutch experience.

Your Dutch Adventure Awaits

The Windmill & Cheese Tour is more than just sightseeing — it's a chance to immerse yourself in Dutch culture, history, and tradition. From the engineering marvel of working windmills to the timeless craft of cheese-making, you'll experience the authentic Netherlands that shaped this remarkable country.

Whether you visit during tulip season in spring or the quieter winter months, this tour offers an intimate look at Dutch heritage. The early morning departure ensures you enjoy each location before the crowds arrive, making your experience calm, personal, and truly memorable.

Start planning your Dutch countryside adventure. Book your tour, combine it with a Giethoorn boat trip, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The windmills, the cheese, and the charming village of Edam are waiting to share their stories with you.