Windmill community in the Netherlands experiences heated discussions regarding excessive tourism

Windmill community in the Netherlands experiences heated discussions regarding excessive tourism

Controversial Entrance Fee Proposed for Zaanse Schans Near Amsterdam

A proposed entrance fee of €17.50 (approximately US$20) is set to be implemented at the Zaanse Schans, a popular tourist destination near Amsterdam, starting in 2026. This fee is aimed at easing the impact of overtourism and funding the preservation of the historic windmills and heritage buildings.

Currently, the Zaanse Schans remains a publicly accessible area without a general entrance fee. However, a separate "Ticket Zaanse Schans" is available for around €29.50, providing entry to museums and windmills, as well as additional benefits like a guided audio tour and discounts at local restaurants. As of August 2025, the village remains free to enter, with the fee yet to be enforced.

The proposal has sparked a heated debate, reflecting a wider global backlash against overtourism seen in similar heritage sites like Venice. Tourists often encounter long queues and crowded spaces, leading local authorities to argue that the entrance fee is vital to protect and maintain the area’s historic fabric. However, visitors and stakeholders express concerns about access and the impacts of monetizing what was traditionally a free-to-visit heritage site.

The planned entrance fee could potentially reduce the annual visitor volume to around 1.8 million. Despite local opposition, the Zaanse Schans council remains undeterred and continues to plan for the implementation of the entrance fee next year. The plans have been amended to allow for possible delays, with 2026 now being considered a short deadline.

The Kraakmans, residents of Zaanse Schans for 33 years, have collected over 2,000 signatures for a referendum against the planned entrance fee. They believe that the fee would be detrimental to the local economy and jobs, as around 80% of it is dependent on tourism. The cheese shop run by the Kraakmans is currently attracting tourists with free samples and souvenirs, but they fear the entrance fee would reduce spending.

On the other hand, Spanish visitor Robert Duque supports the entrance fee, believing it would help stagger tourist arrivals and improve the overall experience. Buses bring in scores of day-tripping tourists throughout the day, contributing to the long queues and crowds that are common during peak tourist season.

The council has pledged that the site will remain free for locals and there will be no physical fence around the area. They estimate that an entrance fee could bring in millions of euros to preserve the historic buildings, ensuring the village's continued popularity as a national symbol of overtourism. Despite the controversy, most tourists interviewed expressed that they would still find the trip worth it even with the entrance fee.

1. The debate over the proposed entrance fee at the Zaanse Schans, a popular international travel destination, echoes the global concern against overtourism in other heritage sites like Venice.
2. In the home-and-garden of the Zaanse Schans, residents like the Kraakmans are concerned that the proposed entrance fee could negatively impact the local economy and jobs, which are heavily dependent on tourism.
3. Some travelers, such as Spanish visitor Robert Duque, support the proposed entrance fee, believing it would improve the overall experience by staggering tourist arrivals and reducing the crowding that has become a common issue.

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