• Molen De Adriaan Museum - In 1778 the Amsterdam businessman Adriaan de Boois bought an old defense tower. He received permission from the city of Haarlem to build a windmill. Adriaan built his windmill on top of the old Goê Vrouw tower. As a result, the mill blades rise high above the Spaarne and catch every breeze possible.

On 19 May 1779 the Adriaan smock mill is put into use. For years Adriaan de Boois ground tuff, a sort of volcanic stone, into trass. Trass is a special additive added to mortar to make walls waterproof.

• Waag - The building was designed by Lieven de Key around 1597 and is built with Namense steen from Namur, Belgium. It is the only building in Haarlem that was built this way, and was designed in its day as a landmark that befits an authority. The weigh house masters needed to be able to judge the correct measure of a shipload of grain that was delivered in Haarlem. Inside the large cast iron balance can still be seen. The location of the weigh house was strategically located where the Spaarne river joins the beek, a small canal that according to tradition was used to carry fresh water from the dunes to serve the brewers of Haarlem. Haarlem was known for its beer brewing in the 15th-17th centuries. A large wooden crane operated by wheels driven by manpower was used to hoist the grain on ships into the Waag building and back into other ships or carts for further transport. The wooden crane can be seen on most historic pictures of the Spaarne up until 1872.
• Teylers Museum - Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem, Netherlands. Established in 1778, Teylers Museum was founded as a centre for contemporary art and science. The historic centre of the museum is the neoclassical Oval Room (1784), which was built behind the house of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst (1702–1778), the so-called Fundatiehuis (Foundation House). Pieter Teyler was a wealthy cloth merchant and banker of Scottish descent, who bequeathed his fortune for the advancement of religion, art, and science. He was a Mennonite and follower of the Scottish Enlightenment.
• Heemstede - Heemstede formed around the Castle Heemstede that was built overlooking the Spaarne River around 1286. Before 1296, Floris V, Count of Holland, granted Heemstede as a fiefdom to Reinier of Holy. During the 14th century, a village formed near the castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt several times in this period. A resident of this castle was Adriaan Pauw, who bought it in 1620. In 1653, Bennebroek split off from Heemstede, becoming a separate fiefdom.
• Spaarne - The Spaarne is a river in North Holland, Netherlands. This partially canalized river connects the Ringvaart to a side branch of the North Sea Canal. It runs through Haarlem, Heemstede, and Spaarndam.

The historic canals of Haarlem’s moats are connected to the Spaarne. A lock at Spaarndam separates it from the North Sea Canal.

According to Sterck-Proot, a historian, the name Spaarne probably comes from Spier, which means reed in old Dutch.

• On-board WiFi
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and taxes included
• On-board restrooms

Experience the serene allure of Haarlem, located just a short distance from Amsterdam.

This leisurely adventure blends a picturesque cruise along the Spaarne River with a visit to one of the Netherlands’ most renowned windmills. Glide past historic warehouses, charming houseboats, and lush riverbanks as your skipper narrates tales of Haarlem’s trading history and contemporary life. From the water, the city unveils a tranquil and genuine aspect often overlooked by visitors.

Following the cruise, enjoy a guided tour of a functioning Dutch windmill. Learn about the impact of wind power on the Netherlands, observe the machinery up close, and discover how millers historically managed land and water.

Perfect for travelers eager to explore authentic Dutch heritage away from the crowds.

Boat tour departure times and guided tour schedule:
11:15 boat tour – 12:30 guided tour of Molen de Adriaan
12:45 boat tour – 14:00 guided tour of Molen de Adriaan
14:15 boat tour – 15:30 guided tour of Molen de Adriaan

• Please note that except for service animals, pets are not allowed on board.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.