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Zaanse Schans to Introduce Entry Fee in 2026 to Manage Overtourism

Zaanse Schans, home to just 100 residents, introduces an entry fee to tackle overcrowding. While it may fund improvements, local businesses worry about reduced visitor numbers.

This is the picture of a place where we have some buildings to which there are some windows, green...
This is the picture of a place where we have some buildings to which there are some windows, green color clothes and also we can see some shops, boards and some trees and plants around.

Zaanse Schans to Introduce Entry Fee in 2026 to Manage Overtourism

Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch village renowned for its historic allure and windmills, will implement an entry fee in 2026. The move aims to control overtourism and finance enhancements, following the success of similar initiatives in nearby Almere. The new fee will grant access to the village, museum, and two iconic windmills.

Zaanse Schans, home to just 100 residents, has witnessed a surge in tourism, with 2.6 million visitors in 2024 alone. This overwhelming number, equivalent to 26,000 locals, has led to concerns about overcrowding and poor visitor behaviour. The village museum's director supports the entry fee as a solution.

The new fee, set at €17.50, is cheaper than the current Zaanse Schans Card. However, local business owners worry it may discourage visitors and reduce footfall, potentially impacting visitor spending. Some visitors interviewed in the area have mixed feelings about the fee, with some supporting it and others expressing concern about paying to enter the village.

Zaanse Schans' entry fee, set for 2026, seeks to balance tourism and local life. While it may help control crowds and fund improvements, it also raises concerns about visitor numbers and spending. Meanwhile, nearby Almere offers an alternative day out with unique architecture and no entry fee, providing a different experience for tourists.

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