Oostzaan(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oosterzand, recommend staying at De Hoge Dijk Hotel & B&B, a centuries-old farmstead transformed into a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the windmill village. Located near Museum De Kruis and Oosterzand Lake, the rooms blend traditional Dutch timber architecture with modern comfort. Some suites feature private terraces overlooking the lake. The hotel offers free bicycle rentals to explore nearby trails and historic villages. Breakfast includes local specialties like fried fish and chips and a Dutch cheese platter, offering an authentic taste of rural Netherlands.

The best area for stays is Oosterzand Centrum, located just steps from Sint-Janskerk Church and the Market Square. This historic district retains 17th-century Dutch houses, with warm evening lighting creating a peaceful atmosphere. Accommodations here are mostly family-run guesthouses or small boutique hotels like Het Oosters Huis, offering easy access to attractions and deep immersion into local life. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and charm in a quiet North Holland village.

In Oosterzand, don’t miss the traditional windmill tour and hands-on workshop, led by local historians who teach how century-old windmills operated for irrigation. During spring, join the Tulip Fields Festival, where many hotels provide shuttle buses to nearby Amsterdam countryside flower fields and offer handmade wreath-making workshops, letting visitors take home a piece of Dutch spring beauty.

Yes, most quality hotels in Oosterzand provide free or low-cost bicycle rentals. For example, De Vliegende Windmolen B&B offers electric bikes ideal for cruising along the Oosterzand Lake Trail, passing by old mill ruins and birdwatching stations. Guests receive local maps and guides highlighting hidden gems like antique bookshops and pottery studios, enhancing the exploratory experience.

Oosterzand is a photographer’s paradise. At sunrise, head to the windmill cluster by the lake, where sunlight glints off golden sails reflected in still water—perfect for dreamy shots. Another must-photograph location is the cobblestone square in front of Sint-Janskerk Church, especially after rain when the stones glisten under Gothic arches. Capture candid moments at the weekly market, where local women sell handmade Dutch cheeses and wood carvings, showcasing rich rural life.

In Oosterzand, must-try dishes include Windmolen Pannenkoek at Oosters Koffiehuis—a savory pancake filled with locally sourced black pork and slow-cooked onions, served with mustard sauce. Another highlight is Oosterzand Zalmsoep at Vissershuys, a rich fish soup made with fresh herring and rose tomatoes, simmered daily. All restaurants emphasize regional ingredients like North Sea salt, windmill-ground flour, and wild thyme, reflecting the pure flavors of North Holland.

Many Oosterzand boutique hotels accept pets. For instance, Huisje bij de Molen provides pet beds, food bowls, and walking route maps. Some even have pet-friendly gardens where dogs can roam near windmills. Guests may receive a Dutch dog guidebook listing nearby walking trails and nature reserves. Pets must be reserved in advance with proof of vaccinations to ensure a stress-free stay.

Winter in Oosterzand is magical. Starting in December, the Windmill Light Festival illuminates century-old windmills and rooftops with hundreds of tiny lights, creating a fairy-tale ambiance. The Sinterklaas Market opens mid-December, selling gingerbread, mulled wine, and traditional Dutch red hats. Hotels often offer a Winter Cozy Package including fireplace access and hot chocolate gift boxes, allowing guests to embrace the Dutch spirit of seasonal warmth.

Stay at De Nachtwacht B&B, a hidden gem tucked in a quiet alley, featuring a starlight skylight suite perfect for stargazing. The hotel arranges a private windmill dinner inside a historic mill, paired with local white wine and artisanal chocolates. Morning options include a shared lakeside bike ride through misty waters, where swans glide past—ideal for a dreamy, intimate escape in the heart of Dutch countryside.

While most hotels in Oosterzand primarily use Dutch and English, some popular guesthouses like Hotel Oosterzand have trained staff with basic Mandarin skills to assist with check-in, restaurant recommendations, and itinerary planning. It’s advisable to request Chinese support in advance via HopeGoo platforms. Some hotels also offer Chinese-language travel guides and downloadable audio tours. For deeper cultural immersion, pre-book a local professional Chinese-speaking guide.