• Spaarne - The Spaarne is a river located in North Holland, Netherlands. This partially canalized river links the Ringvaart to a branch of the North Sea Canal. It flows 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 historian Sterck-Proot, the name Spaarne likely originates from the word Spier, meaning reed in old Dutch.

• Waag - Designed by Lieven de Key around 1597, this building is constructed with Namense steen from Namur, Belgium. It is the only building in Haarlem built in this manner and was designed as a landmark befitting authority. The weigh house masters needed to accurately measure a shipload of grain delivered to Haarlem. Inside, the large cast iron balance is still visible. The weigh house was strategically located where the Spaarne river meets the beek, a small canal traditionally used to carry fresh water from the dunes to serve Haarlem’s brewers. Haarlem was renowned for its beer brewing in the 15th-17th centuries. A large wooden crane, operated by wheels driven by manpower, was used to hoist grain on ships into the Waag building and back into other ships or carts for further transport. The wooden crane is visible in most historic images of the Spaarne until 1872.
• Teylers Museum - Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem, Netherlands. Founded in 1778, Teylers Museum was established as a center for contemporary art and science. The historic center of the museum is the neoclassical Oval Room (1784), built behind the house of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst (1702–1778), known as the Fundatiehuis (Foundation House). Pieter Teyler was a wealthy cloth merchant and banker of Scottish descent, who left his fortune for the advancement of religion, art, and science. He was a Mennonite and follower of the Scottish Enlightenment.
• Heemstede - Heemstede developed around Castle Heemstede, 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 during this period. A resident of this castle was Adriaan Pauw, who purchased it in 1620. In 1653, Bennebroek separated from Heemstede, becoming a distinct fiefdom.
• Molen De Adriaan Museum - In 1778, Amsterdam businessman Adriaan de Boois purchased an old defense tower. He received permission from the city of Haarlem to construct a windmill. Adriaan built his windmill atop the old Goê Vrouw tower. Consequently, the mill blades rise high above the Spaarne and catch every possible breeze.

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

• 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.