Schiedam, is a small city near Rotterdam that’s renowned for its giant windmills and as one of the historic centres of jenever (Dutch gin). Founded in the late 13th century, Schiedam’s rich heritage is intricately tied to its waterways, distilling industry and unique architecture. Today, it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past in a wonderfully picturesque setting. I recently spent a night there and got to explore this gorgeous city. As I walked around Schiedam, I wondered why it took me so long to finally plan a visit! Guarded by towering windmills, the old town, with its waterways and beautiful buildings, is absolutely charming. I discovered lots of things to see and do in Schiedam during my walk around the old town.
Lange Haven in Schiedam
Located in the province of South Holland, Schiedam (map) is easy to visit from Rotterdam. From Rotterdam Central Station, Schiedam is a 5-minute train ride away. Rotterdam’s urban public transport network also includes numerous points in Schiedam.
A brief history of Schiedam
Schiedam’s origins can be traced back to around 1230 when a dam was built on the River Schie to protect the low-lying land from the North Sea. A trading settlement was established around the dam and grew quickly because of its strategic location. In 1275, Lady Aleida, the sister of William II of Holland, gave the flourishing trading settlement ‘city rights’. This marked the beginning of its development as an important centre of trade and commerce.
Schiedam’s historic distilling industry and its giant windmills
In 1575, a distillery for commercial production started operations in Schiedam – arguably the world’s first commercial distillery. The industry grew rapidly and in the 18th and 19th centuries, Schiedam became synonymous with jenever (traditional Dutch gin). The city’s distilleries flourished, with over 400 operational at the industry’s peak. Traditional windmills supported this industry by grinding grain. Due to their location in the town, the windmills were built higher than the rooftops to capture the wind. At one point, there were over 30 of these windmills in the town.
Schiedam’s iconic Walvisch windmill
From Schiedam, gin was exported around the world to far flung posts in the Americas and the Far East. This era cemented Schiedam’s reputation as the “City of Jenever,” contributing significantly to its economic prosperity. These days, numerous gin distilleries still exist, some of which are world-renowned. Perhaps the most famous brand is Ketel One, which is produced at the Nolet Distillery, a family distillery founded in 1691.
1. Explore the Old Town
The best thing to do in Schiedam is to explore the old town on foot. A stroll through Schiedam’s historic centre (the areas bordered by the Nieuwe Haven and Noordvest canals, and the Schie) reveals a tapestry of well-preserved buildings, quaint canals and drawbridges, and atmospheric streets. I recommend walking the length of the Lange Haven, a scenic canal lined with historic warehouses. Many of these warehouses now serve as art galleries, shops and cafés.
Various drawbridges cross Lange Haven 
Historic warehouses along Lange Haven 
View of the Schie towards De Kameel windmill. 
Korte Haven
2. Go on a canal cruise
From April till October, it’s possible to join a ‘whisperboat’ canal cruise and see the old town from the water. Admire the town’s picturesque canals while you listen to fascinating stories of the town’s colourful past. The canal cruise departs from Museummolen De Walvisch (windmill museum). You can purchase tickets here.
Canal cruise departure point
3. Windmills of Schiedam
The city boasts the tallest traditional windmills in the world, standing over 33 meters high. These giants – De Noord, De Vrijheid, De Nieuwe Palmboom, De Walvisch, De Kameel, De Drie Koornbloemen and (the new) De Nolet – are a testament to Schiedam’s industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the interiors of some of these windmills, like De Nieuwe Palmboom and De Walvisch which house museums detailing the history of jenever production and the role of windmills in the industry. De Noord houses a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal inside the windmill.
De Drie Koornbloemen
The Museummolen De Walvisch (Walvisch windmill museum) showcases the history and mechanics of windmills. De Walvisch provides an interactive experience where visitors can see the mill in operation and understand its significance in grain processing and jenever production.
De Walvisch windmill museum
The panoramic views from the ‘balcony’ of the mill are a highlight, offering stunning vistas of the city and as far as the skyline of Rotterdam. See if you can spot all of Schiedam’s historic windmills. Note that getting to the top requires climbing a series of steep and narrow staircases.
Learn about the milling process 
Spot Schiedam’s other windmills 
Beautiful views from the ‘balcony’, with the skyline of Rotterdam in the distance 
Windmills at sunset
4. National Jenever Museum
The Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam offers an immersive experience into the world of Dutch gin. Housed in a former distillery, the museum provides a comprehensive history of jenever production, from the distillation process to its cultural impact. The museum often includes tastings, allowing visitors to sample different varieties of this traditional spirit.
The National Jenever Museum 
Inside the jenever museum
5. Admire the historic churches
Schiedam’s religious heritage is exemplified by its historic churches, such as the Grote or Sint Janskerk. This Gothic church, with its towering spire and intricate stained glass windows, dates back to the 14th century and offers insights into the city’s architectural evolution.
Sint Jans Church
The church’s interior is equally impressive, featuring an organ that dates back to the 18th century. Organ concerts are regularly held in this beautiful church.
Stained glass windows in the church
6. Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
Housed in a former hospital, the Stedelijk Museum showcases contemporary art. Its collection includes works by Dutch artists from the 20th century to the present, with a focus on local talent. The museum’s rotating exhibitions ensure there is always something new to see, making it a cultural hotspot in Schiedam. Purchase your tickets here.
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
7. National Cooperative Museum
The Cooperative Museum is a lovely candy shop on the corner of Lange Haven and Appelmarkt that offers a unique glimpse of Schiedam in the 1920’s. Entry is free and you can purchase all sorts of candy. Ask the friendly staff if you can take a peek inside the adjacent living quarters.
Co-op museum
8. Schiedam Library
Step inside the Bibliotheek Schiedam (Library) in the Korenbeurs building to admire its library-in-a-forest ambiance. Its terrace is also a lovely place for a drink or a meal with a view of the Lange Haven canal.
Korenbeurs 
Inside the lush library
9. Have a wonderful dinner on a barge
There are numerous excellent restaurants in Schiedam. I had a lovely dinner at 1714 Drinks and Bites. Located in a historic building (1714), the restaurant also has a barge on the Lange Haven canal where diners can enjoy a terrific meal and drinks on the water.
Dine on the 1714 barge
10. Stay in a historic mansion
I stayed at the gorgeous Stadsvilla Mout at the Lange Haven canal and can definitely recommend it. This boutique hotel features a striking contemporary design inside a beautiful mansion.
Stadsvilla Mout is housed in a historic canalside mansion 
My room at Stadsvilla Mout
Schiedam is arguably one of the most beautiful towns in The Netherlands to visit. Due to its proximity to Rotterdam, it makes for an easy day trip if you’re visiting the port city. However, I do recommend spending a night there to truly enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and its terrific restaurants. Search for accommodations in Schiedam (Booking.com).
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