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

In Schaarlande, the top choice for families is Het Huisje aan de Vliet, a charming countryside B&B designed with traditional Dutch windmill architecture. Located just 5 minutes from the Schaarlandevaart Canal, it offers a private garden, children's play area, and bike rentals. Guests can enjoy weekly local craft markets and participate in hands-on activities like wooden shoe making and farm visits. The hotel also provides guided nature walks through the Waal River Valley Nature Reserve, perfect for kids to explore flora and fauna. Its central location makes it ideal for discovering nearby attractions like the Dutch Agriculture Museum Branch.

The central district of Schaarlande is the most convenient and scenic area for sightseeing. It’s steps away from the Schaarlande Church and the Old Town Hall Square, both rich in historical charm. Stay at De Vlietpolder B&B, which offers views of the canal and hosts seasonal events like Dutch gardening tours and folk dance performances. The area is well-connected to Rotterdam Central Station (30-minute drive), making it easy to explore South Holland Province. Enjoy morning walks along the water or evening strolls through cobbled streets lined with artisan shops selling handmade pottery and local honey.

Don’t miss the annual Windmolenfeest (Windmill Festival) held every May, where the historic Oude Molen is revived for visitors to grind oats and bake traditional black bread (Pannenkoek). Local residents dress in 19th-century attire and sell handwoven baskets, ceramics, and vanilla sugar at the Old Market Street. On weekends, join a Dutch gardening tour at De Vlietpark to learn about tulip and hyacinth cultivation. These authentic experiences offer deep insight into the community’s heritage and sustainable lifestyle, creating lasting memories beyond typical tourist spots.

For couples seeking romance, choose De Zonnewijzer Boathouse, a 18th-century canal-side houseboat with a private rooftop hot tub and panoramic views of the Schaarlandevaart Canal. Each evening features a custom candlelit dinner using locally sourced ingredients like smoked salmon and caramelized crème brûlée. Rent a tandem bicycle and cycle along the Waal River Trail, or take a sunrise boat ride to Molde Lake for fishing. The hotel also offers a Love Letter Vault service—seal your handwritten message in an antique oak chest to be opened during a future visit, adding a touch of timeless magic to your stay.

Backpackers love Schaarlande Hostel & Bike Hub, located near the old train station with dorm beds, private bathrooms, and free bike rentals. The hostel hosts weekly Dutch language exchange nights and street music performances. Guests can earn a free night by volunteering at the community garden. Just 200 meters from the Schaarlandevaart Canal, it’s perfect for hiking and exploring farmland. Every first Sunday of the month, there’s a free flea market tour—a great way to buy vintage items and handmade crafts at low prices while connecting with locals.

The best times to visit Schaarlande are spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October). Spring brings blooming tulip fields and the lively Windmill Festival, while autumn features the Harvest Festival (Herfstfeest) with glowing lanterns and pumpkin displays. The weather is mild, rainfall is minimal, and crowds are smaller than in summer. Early mornings offer ideal photo opportunities at De Vlietpark, where mist lingers over the canals. Avoid July and August if you prefer quiet, rural charm—this is peak tourist season.

Must-see landmarks in Schaarlande include the Oude Molen (Old Windmill), the only operational manual windmill still in use; the Schaarlande Church, featuring Gothic spires and 15th-century frescoes; and the Old Town Hall Square, where traditional Dutch dances are performed during festivals. The Schaarlandevaart Canal itself is a living landmark—lined with century-old oaks and frequented by wild ducks. Explore hidden alleyways to discover pottery studios and woodcarving workshops, offering authentic glimpses into the town’s artisan legacy.

Try Houslander Cheese, a rich, slightly salty cheese made from local pasture milk; Bitterballen, crispy fried meatballs served with mustard; and Windmolenbrood, a nutty whole-grain loaf baked with flour ground in the historic Oude Molen. At De Vlietkroeg Restaurant, savor the daily special: canal fish soup, made from fresh catches from the Schaarlandevaart. Don’t miss the family-run bakeries selling almond cookies and vanilla-filled croissants—perfect souvenirs. All dishes emphasize organic, regional ingredients, reflecting Schaarlande’s commitment to sustainability and culinary tradition.

Yes, Schaarlande is ideal for road trips due to its peaceful countryside roads and scenic landscapes. Drive from Rotterdam via A16 Highway to N201 National Road, passing through the Waal River Valley Nature Reserve. Stop at De Vliet Bridge for panoramic views. Continue along the Schaarlandevaart Canal, passing the Oude Molen and Old Church, ending at Molde Lake Viewpoint. Along the way, access multiple eco-trails and picnic areas. Use the NL Maps app for real-time traffic updates. En route, visit three local cafés serving tulip lattes and vanilla croissants—a delightful pit stop.

Top photogenic spots in Schaarlande include the windmill meeting the canal, where morning light creates golden reflections; De Vlietpark’s arched bridge, framed by weeping willows and distant hills; and the cobblestone square with red carpets and lanterns during festivals. Visit early (before 10 AM) or late (after 5 PM) for soft light and fewer crowds. Capture the side entrance of the Old Town Hall or a bench beneath a century-old oak tree. For a unique angle, rent an electric paddle boat and photograph the windmill and rooftops from the water—ideal for wide-angle shots of the serene landscape.