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Schiedam is the distilling city of the Netherlands. The is the city of gin and gin and the site of the world's tallest windmills. In the historic downtown, the long history of spirits still draws you in. Schiedam, for example, still has many gin distilleries, beautiful harbors, historic warehouses and characteristic drawbridges. And the beauty: you'll find the hip and up-and-coming Schiedam-based Dutch Distillers District less than a ten-minute drive from Rotterdam. So ideal for a visit to Schiedam. combine with a fun city break to Rotterdam.
Schiedam as international gin city
For centuries, the gin industry dominated in Schiedam. In its heyday, there were 392 distilleries, distilleries and mills in Schiedam. You can still taste and smell this everywhere in the city. The historic center of Schiedam and the 6 highest windmills in the world still remind you of the time when Schiedam was the international heart of the jenever industry.
The gin industry gave Schiedam the nickname Black Nazareth, because of its blackened buildings. Many old warehouses, distilleries and distilleries have since been transformed into homes, stores, restaurants, museums and galleries. During A visit to the city of Schiedam you can then also delve into the history of the distilleries and mills of Schiedam.
Schiedam is the distilling city of the Netherlands not only because of its past, but precisely because of its present. Schiedam gin is still exported worldwide. Well-known names such as Loopuyt and Ketel 1 are based here. The nickname Black Nazareth has since given way to a hipper and more modern one: the Dutch Distillers District.
What to do in Schiedam? Visit the National Gin Museum Schiedam
The National Gin Museum is one of the main attractions of Schiedam. During a visit to the Jenevermuseum you literally step into the world of the jenever industry. Here you will take a look at the history of jenever, learn about the distillery and meet a number of distillers. Curious about the taste of jenever? You can also go to the National Genever Museum for a genever tasting. In addition, the museum regularly organizes exhibitions highlighting genever in surprising ways.
You can visit the National Genever Museum for €12.50 (per person). Would you also like to visit the Museummolen de Walvisch? Then a ticket costs €15,00. For other prices (such as tours and tastings) the National Gin Museum website.
Schiedam Distillers District: famous gins and genevers
Besides the National Gin Museum, there are plenty of ways to experience the Schiedam Distillers District. What many people don't know is that some of the most famous distilleries in the world come from Schiedam. Think Ketel 1, De Kuyper, Loopuyt, Boompjes and Bobby's Gin.
Want a truly unique experience? Then book the Peaky Blinders Mystery Tour and visit distillery Loopuyt. A nice trip in the Netherlands, especially for lovers of spirits and discovering authentic crafts.
The windmills of Schiedam: indispensable in the Dutch Distillers District
Did you know that the gin industry in Schiedam is inextricably linked to its windmills? These impressive mills were once used to grind the grain needed for the production of jenever. Without the mills, Schiedam's gin industry could never have flourished as it did. Today, seven mills adorn the cityscape of Schiedam:
Mill The Whale
Mill The Three Cornflowers
Mill The Freedom
Mill The North
Mill The Palm Tree
Nolet Mill (built in 2008)
Mill The Camel (rebuilt in 2011)
The seven tallest windmills in the world are all located in the center of Schiedam. Want to discover these impressive mills? Then follow a special walking route along all mills in Schiedam.
International Dutch Distillers Festival 2025
From May 16 to May 31, 2025, Schiedam will be the place to be for lovers of gin and genever during the International Dutch Distillers Festival (IDDF).. This event offers a mix of music, culinary surprises and, of course, the best distillates.
IDDF In Concert | May 30 & 31, 2025
The highlight of the International Dutch Distillers Festival is IDDF in Concert on May 30 and 31, 2025. Enjoy a fun lineup of top artists while sipping special drinks.
IDDF Restaurant Week & Around Town | May 16 to 29, 2025
Restaurant Week
During this week, restaurants will serve special IDDF menus, including high gin packages, gin chocolates and surprise cocktails.
Around Town
Several downtown locations host events that bring together culture and distillates.
The nice restaurants and bars in Schiedam
You can tell from everything that Schiedam is an up-and-coming city. Thus, more and more hip hotspots are established in Schiedam. From cozy coffee shops, to high-end restaurants, there is plenty to choose from! Popular bars where you can literally smell and taste the Schiedam Dutch Distillers District are 1714 Drinks & Bites and Jenevercafé 't Spul. At 't Spul, you can participate in a tasting where you will be introduced to some of the 500 (!) different genevers and 60 types of gins.
Historical sights in Schiedam
Would you like to combine your visit to the Dutch Distillers District with culture and history? Then discover the most beautiful historical sights of Schiedam in our extensive article!
A weekend trip to the Dutch Distillers District
After a few glasses of gin, you'll probably sleep like a log, so why not stay a night? In Schiedam you will find charming boutique hotels and cozy B&Bs where you can recover after a tasty evening.
Want to extend your trip? Rotterdam is just ten minutes away, ideal for combining your weekend getaway with a vibrant city break!
Be surprised by Schiedam
Schiedam is one of our favorite cities for a getaway in the Netherlands. The city's rich gin history makes it well worth a visit. But we also love the historic character of the city center with its ancient Dutch buildings, facades and drawbridges. Looking for tips for a day out in Schiedam? Get inspired with our articles about Schiedam.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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