Too many windmills, too many tourists? That’s the challenge facing Zaanse Schans, a postcard-perfect Dutch village near Amsterdam. Renowned for its centuries-old windmills, wooden houses, and colorful tulip fields, this charming open-air museum attracts millions of visitors each year. But soon, travelers will have to pay to step into this heritage gem.
From spring 2026, all tourists visiting Zaanse Schans will need to purchase an entry ticket. The new €17.50 ($20.50) fee is being introduced to curb overtourism, protect the area’s fragile cultural heritage, and fund upgrades such as better parking, modernized toilets, and ongoing maintenance of the historic windmills.
Why the Tourist Fee?
Zaanse Schans has become a victim of its own popularity. Often described as a “living museum,” the village is home to only about 100 permanent residents. Yet in 2024 alone, it welcomed 2.6 million tourists—an astonishing figure for such a small community.
Locals say the constant stream of day-trippers has made life difficult. Crowds often block driveways, cause traffic jams, and strain facilities that were never designed to handle millions of people. Many residents now feel they have “no privacy at all.”
The new entry ticket is designed not only to regulate the flow of visitors but also to improve the overall experience. It will include admission to a historic windmill and the local museum, which previously required separate tickets. Proceeds will go directly toward conservation, facility upgrades, and ensuring the site remains accessible for future generations.
A Day-Trip Darling From Amsterdam
Located just 20 minutes north of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans has long been one of the most popular day trips from the Dutch capital. It offers a unique glimpse of “old Holland,” where visitors can step back in time and see traditional craftsmanship in action.
Highlights include:
- Windmill tours showcasing machinery once used for sawing wood, grinding spices, and making oil.
- Clog-making demonstrations where wooden shoes are carved the traditional way.
- Cheese-tasting sessions at local farmhouses.
- Picturesque wooden homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Once home to over 600 windmills, only a handful survive today, and their preservation has become a matter of national pride. These windmills remain the crown jewels of Zaanse Schans, drawing millions of camera-toting tourists every year.
A Global Trend: Tourist Taxes on the Rise
The move by Zaanse Schans reflects a broader global shift as destinations grapple with the pressures of overtourism. Popular sites around the world are turning to entry fees, taxes, and visitor caps to protect their cultural heritage and quality of life for locals.
- Venice, Italy: Day-trippers must pay a €5 fee during peak periods.
- Barcelona, Spain: Authorities have restricted cruise ship arrivals and capped short-term rentals.
- Hawaii, USA: From 2026, visitors will pay a climate impact fee to fund conservation projects.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: The city has already banned new hotel developments, tightened rules on overnight stays, and imposed restrictions in its red-light district.
These measures highlight how destinations are rethinking their approach to tourism, seeking to strike a balance between economic benefits and preserving local identity.
Balancing Tourism and Tradition
For Zaanse Schans, the new entry fee is not just about reducing numbers—it’s about creating a sustainable tourism model. By limiting crowds and investing in infrastructure, the village aims to make visits more enjoyable while ensuring that the site remains intact for decades to come.
The shift also reflects a wider conversation about responsible travel. While many tourists seek authentic cultural experiences, destinations like Zaanse Schans are learning that too much popularity can put those very traditions at risk.
As more iconic locations implement fees and regulations, one thing is clear: the future of travel is no longer about visiting everywhere, but about visiting responsibly. For travelers, paying a little more means helping protect places like Zaanse Schans—so its windmills can keep turning for generations to come.
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