Zaanse Schans Introduces Entry Fee for Tourists Amid Growing Visitor Concerns

Fri Oct 10 2025 16:17:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The picturesque Dutch village of Zaanse Schans will implement a visitor fee to manage tourist numbers and preserve the community’s integrity amid overwhelming annual visits.

Zaanse Schans, known for its historic windmills and traditional charm, is set to charge tourists an entry fee starting next spring due to increasing visitor numbers that have reached 2.8 million. The local council aims to control the influx and maintain the village's integrity as residents face privacy infringements from tourists. The fee will also provide funding for village maintenance, though local businesses worry it may deter visitors and impact their livelihoods.

The historic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, famed for its iconic windmills and traditional architecture, is set to introduce a visitor entry fee starting next spring, aimed at controlling the number of tourists in the area.

Last year, an impressive 2.6 million tourists visited, which is substantial given the village's size and its resident population of just 100. The local council expressed concern about the growing numbers, leading to the decision to charge a €17.50 (€20.50; £15) entry fee for visitors from outside the area.

Marieke Verweij, director of the village's museum, emphasized the need for such measures, noting that the visitor count has surged from 1.7 million in 2017 to an anticipated 2.8 million this year. Verweij highlighted the strain on local residents, who often find their privacy violated as tourists trespass into gardens and homes.

As many tourists flock to the picturesque scenery, the plan for an entry fee aims to ensure that the village remains manageable. The fee will include access to popular attractions like the museum featuring Claude Monet's work and the windmills' interiors, which previously required separate tickets.

Local businesses, however, fear this change will severely impact their operations. Sterre Schaap, who co-owns a traditional gift shop, expressed concern that the charge may deter budget-conscious families, thereby reducing visitor numbers to local shops and restaurants. We’re likely to lose a lot of our shoppers, Schaap said.

Tourists have mixed reactions to the fee. While some express reluctance at the added expense, others acknowledge the benefit of a less crowded experience.

Experts note the trend of charging fees for entry in popular tourist destinations is becoming more common, with examples across the globe including Bhutan and Venice. Still, communities like Zaanse Schans are rare in adopting such measures.

As Zaanse Schans prepares for the change, it remains a point of contention between maintaining the village’s charm and supporting local businesses. The upcoming fee policy reflects a growing recognition of the challenges posed by mass tourism and the need for sustainable solutions.