E-Bike Tour Amsterdam: Windmills & Zaanse Schans, Small Group

Ride past the crowds on paths only locals know, with e-bikes that let you coast through 40km without the effort.

This small-group e-bike tour from Amsterdam cycles through countryside and the 't Twiske nature reserve to working windmills at Zaanse Schans and the heritage site Zaandam, covering 40km on electric bikes with a live English-speaking guide. The route uses dedicated bike paths and narrow trails inaccessible to tour buses, with an extended stop at Zaanse Schans to explore and meet the people who operate the windmills. The tour runs rain or shine and takes 5.5 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. De Bijenkorfpass by
2. Zaanse Schans1h 15m
3. Amsterdam Central Station5m

E-bike tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

• Start cycling from Amsterdam city
• Take the free ferry behind train station to Noord
• Visit a live working windmill
• Cycle through narrow paths by farmers fields
• Pass through Het Twiske recreational area
• Extended stop at Zaanse Schans heritage site
• Explore unique homes in nearby city
• Cycle through NDSM werf with street art
• End tour at Amsterdam Central Station
• Return to shop and say goodbye

The experience

The tour starts at Amsterdam Central Station and heads to a free ferry behind the train station that carries you across to Noord, the first step out of the city proper. From there the route opens into countryside. You'll pedal through farmers' fields with cows and sheep, then into 't Twiske, a recreational area where locals swim and relax. The e-bikes do the heavy lifting on the 40km route, which means you spend your energy noticing the landscape instead of fighting traffic or steep grades.

The working windmills at Zaanse Schans are the centerpiece. You get up close to the mills themselves and meet the people who run them, not just photograph them from a distance. The guide knows the local stories and hidden spots that don't appear in standard itineraries, and the small group size means the pace can flex for photo moments or questions. After Zaanse Schans, the route passes through Zaandam, where you'll see homes converted into hotels that evoke the era of Monet's paintings.

The return follows the NDSM werf, a former shipping hub now covered in changing street art, before looping back to Central Station. Rain ponchos are provided if the weather turns, and helmets are available at the shop. You need to be comfortable riding a bike (these are e-bikes, not scooters), and meet a minimum height of 1.50m for adults (1.55m for children, limited kids' bikes available for riders 1.40m–1.55m, so message ahead if that applies).

What’s included

• Electric bike with comfortable saddle.
• helmet.
• rain poncho.
• live English-speaking guide (German, Spanish, French, and Dutch available for private tours).
• access to the free ferry to Noord and the 't Twiske nature reserve paths.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Those Amsterdames shop: **New Address: Oosterdokskade 63a**. *Please note*: we are located within a bike parking garage. The entrance is between *Train More Gym and Albert Heijn* grocery store.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Those Amsterdames

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the windmills and countryside around Amsterdam without organizing transport, navigating bike traffic yourself, or joining a large group: the e-bikes and small-group pace let you absorb the route instead of managing the ride.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 14 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

What are the working windmills at Zaanse Schans and why do they matter?

Zaanse Schans is a Dutch heritage site where functional windmills still operate, and this tour includes time to explore the site and meet the people who run them, rather than passing by as a photo stop.

How hard is a 40km bike ride if I'm not a strong cyclist?

The e-bikes handle the pedaling effort, so you coast through the distance without fighting traffic or hills. The route runs mostly on countryside paths and dedicated bike lanes, and the pace is set by the small group, not a schedule.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Tours operate rain or shine, and high-quality rain ponchos are provided at the shop to keep you dry.

Does the tour include a stop for food or drinks?

The extended stop at Zaanse Schans gives you time to grab a quick bite, though food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What's included in the tour price?

The e-bike with comfortable saddle, helmet, rain poncho, and a live English-speaking guide are included. German, Spanish, French, and Dutch guides are available on private tour request.