Just five kilometers from Rotterdam lies the historic city center of Schiedam – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Famous for its centuries-old gin tradition and home to the tallest windmills in the world, Schiedam offers a truly authentic Dutch experience. This walking tour will introduce you to the very best of the city.
City of Gin and Windmills
Schiedam is synonymous with Dutch gin, known locally as jenever. For centuries, the city thrived on its gin industry, which once boasted over 400 distilleries. The wealth and heritage of this golden age can still be seen today in the old warehouses, canals, and distillers’ houses. Alongside this history, you’ll find Schiedam’s most iconic landmarks – the tallest traditional windmills in the world, standing impressively close to one another in the cityscape.
Between Rotterdam and Delft
Throughout history, Schiedam developed in the shadow of its larger neighbors, Rotterdam and Delft, yet always maintained its own unique identity. On this tour, you’ll learn how these cities rivaled and influenced each other over the centuries. For an even deeper experience, we can add a visit to the National Jenever Museum. Schiedam also combines perfectly with nearby Delfshaven – an ideal option for visitors who want to explore more of the region in a single day.
