- Molen De Adriaan Museum - In 1778 the Amsterdam businessman Adriaan de Boois bought an old defense tower. He received permission from the city of Haarlem to build a windmill. Adriaan built his windmill on top of the old Goê Vrouw tower. As a result, the mill blades rise high above the Spaarne and catch every breeze possible.
On 19 May 1779 the Adriaan smock mill is put into use. For years Adriaan de Boois ground tuff, a sort of volcanic stone, into trass. Trass is a special additive added to mortar to make walls waterproof.
- Waag - The building was designed by Lieven de Key around 1597 and is built with Namense steen from Namur, Belgium. It is the only building in Haarlem that was built this way, and was designed in its day as a landmark that befits an authority. The weigh house masters needed to be able to judge the correct measure of a shipload of grain that was delivered in Haarlem. Inside the large cast iron balance can still be seen. The location of the weigh house was strategically located where the Spaarne river joins the beek, a small canal that according to tradition was used to carry fresh water from the dunes to serve the brewers of Haarlem. Haarlem was known for its beer brewing in the 15th-17th centuries. A large wooden crane operated by wheels driven by manpower was used to hoist the grain on ships into the Waag building and back into other ships or carts for further transport. The wooden crane can be seen on most historic pictures of the Spaarne up until 1872.
- Teylers Museum - Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem, Netherlands. Established in 1778, Teylers Museum was founded as a centre for contemporary art and science. The historic centre of the museum is the neoclassical Oval Room (1784), which was built behind the house of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst (1702–1778), the so-called Fundatiehuis (Foundation House). Pieter Teyler was a wealthy cloth merchant and banker of Scottish descent, who bequeathed his fortune for the advancement of religion, art, and science. He was a Mennonite and follower of the Scottish Enlightenment.
- Heemstede - Heemstede formed around the Castle Heemstede that was built overlooking the Spaarne River around 1286. Before 1296, Floris V, Count of Holland, granted Heemstede as a fiefdom to Reinier of Holy. During the 14th century, a village formed near the castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt several times in this period. A resident of this castle was Adriaan Pauw, who bought it in 1620. In 1653, Bennebroek split off from Heemstede, becoming a separate fiefdom.
- Spaarne - The Spaarne is a river in North Holland, Netherlands. This partially canalized river connects the Ringvaart to a side branch of the North Sea Canal. It runs through Haarlem, Heemstede, and Spaarndam.
The historic canals of Haarlem’s moats are connected to the Spaarne. A lock at Spaarndam separates it from the North Sea Canal.
According to Sterck-Proot, a historian, the name Spaarne probably comes from Spier, which means reed in old Dutch.
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and taxes included
- On-board restrooms
Set sail on the scenic Spaarne river and uncover the stunning outskirts of Haarlem city centre.
Take pleasure in the majestic Mill to Mill boat journey on Haarlem’s river Spaarne. Navigate off the conventional routes in Haarlem, and during your voyage, get mesmerized by the quintessential Dutch windmills - a treat to every traveller’s eyes. Not just grown-ups, even kids find these water-side marvels fascinating.
Our experienced boatman guides you from Haarlem city centre past noteworthy landmarks like Mill the Adriaan, the Waag and Teylers Museum. Post this, you will proceed towards Heemstede, enjoying the sight of picturesque houseboats on your way. The journey continues past the renowned ‘’Unicorn’’ mill, where you can admire the lush greenery and grand houses lining the Spaarne.
Our skilled crew has been navigating Haarlem’s canal waters for years, ensuring a satisfying sailing experience.
During summer, we navigate through Haarlem using open and semi-open boats, while in winter, we sail in comfy and warm, covered boats.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.