Netherlands Tour: Windmills, Dikes, and UNESCO Sites

Amsterdam

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Explore Dutch heritage: windmills, dikes, and UNESCO sites on a water-themed tour from Amsterdam. Discover the Woudagemaal steam pumping station.

Duration: 10 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

De Rijp - De Rijp is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in The Netherlands. It retains much of its charm from the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). The stunning town hall and historic ship-lock date back to that era. The village thrived due to whale and herring fishing. Previously, the area was underwater, but it was transformed into land by the windmills of Schermerhorn (our next destination). Our guide will lead you on a delightful scenic walk through this picturesque village.
Schermerhorn - The centuries-old windmills of Schermerhorn are among the most impressive in the country. One mill has been converted into a museum, which you will explore both inside and out. Discover how the mill functioned as a wind-driven water pump to reclaim land from water. The sight of the three windmills of Schermerhorn set against the beautiful landscape is unforgettable.
Den Oever - Our next stop is the village of Den Oever, where you will see the famous “Afsluitdijk” (enclosing dike). This 32-kilometer-long water barrier is a prime example of Dutch water management. Here, you will also view the “Wadden Sea,” a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. It is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mudflats in the world.
Woudagemaal & Visitor Center - In Lemmer, we visit the Wouda Pumping Station. Opened in 1920, it is the largest steam-pumping station ever built and still in operation. It represents the pinnacle of Dutch engineering and architectural efforts to protect their land and people from water. The pumping station is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rich Heritage - Schokland is the third UNESCO World Heritage site we visit today. Once a peninsula, it became an island by the 15th century. It was occupied and later abandoned as the sea encroached, leading to its evacuation in 1859. However, following the draining of the Zuider Zee, it has been part of the reclaimed land since the 1940s. Schokland has remnants of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times and symbolizes the heroic, age-old struggle of the Dutch people against the encroaching waters.

What's Included

All admission fees
Bottled water
Snacks
Tour Guide

What's Not Included

Lunch

Additional Information

Exploring The Netherlands through its relationship with water is truly unparalleled. Water has brought prosperity to the country, drained by windmills, and safeguarded by dikes to protect the reclaimed land. This tour showcases iconic Dutch symbols such as windmills and dikes. Additionally, visitors will explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the “Woudagemaal,” the largest steam pumping station ever constructed.