Schiedam

Schiedam, a city in South Holland, presents a captivating blend of industrial heritage and distinctive Dutch character. Often in the shadow of its larger neighbor Rotterdam, Schiedam reveals a more authentic and unhurried experience. The city is known for two distinct features: its soaring windmills, which are the tallest traditional windmills in the world, and its deep-rooted history as the 'Jenever Capital' of the Netherlands.

Exploring Schiedam means strolling along serene canals lined with classic Dutch gables, historic warehouses, and converted distilleries. The walkable city center invites visitors to discover independent cafes, unique shops, and a slower rhythm of life. For those seeking a destination that combines fascinating history and distinctive architecture without large crowds, Schiedam presents an enticing alternative.

## From Dam to Distilling Capital Schiedam's story began around 1230 when a dam was constructed on the River Schie to safeguard the low-lying land from the North Sea. This strategic location, facilitating trade between towns like Leiden, Delft, and Haarlem, quickly fostered a settlement around the dam. In 1275, Schiedam was granted city rights by Lady Adelaide, the sister of William II, Count of Holland and King of the Romans. She also commissioned the building of Te Riviere Castle, remnants of which are still visible today.

Throughout the 1400s, Schiedam prospered as a pilgrimage site due to Saint Lidwina, who lived in the area. Despite a devastating fire in 1428 that destroyed much of the wooden town, Schiedam was rebuilt and continued to thrive. The city gained significance through herring fishing and grain trade.

## The Golden Age of Jenever The 18th century marked Schiedam's 'Golden Age,' driven by the flourishing jenever (Dutch gin) industry. The halt in French spirit imports fueled the growth of Schiedam's distilleries, leading to the worldwide export of its jenever. At its height in the 18th and 19th centuries, nearly 400 roasting houses and distilleries operated, earning Schiedam the nickname 'Black Nazareth' due to the dark smoke from its coal-fired distilleries. To grind the vast quantities of grain needed for jenever production, massive windmills were constructed. These mills, some reaching heights of up to 33 meters, were built taller than surrounding industrial buildings to catch sufficient wind, making them the tallest traditional windmills in the world.

## Modern Transformations As the jenever industry declined in the 20th century, Schiedam reinvented itself. Shipbuilding became a major industry in the late 19th and 20th centuries with companies like Wilton-Fijenoord. While much of the jenever industry is now gone, the city has lovingly restored its historic canals and industrial buildings, transforming former distilleries and warehouses into art spaces and cultural centers. Today, Schiedam continues to honor its distilling heritage, with some distilleries, like Nolet, operating since 1691 and still producing spirits.

Begin your exploration along Schiedam's picturesque canals, such as Lange Haven, Nieuwe Haven, and Noordvest, which are lined with classic Dutch gables and historic buildings. A whisper boat tour offers a unique perspective of the city from the water.

Experiencing its iconic windmills is central to any visit to Schiedam. Six of the world's tallest traditional windmills still stand within the city center, including De Walvisch, De Drie Koornbloemen, De Vrijheid, De Noord, De Palmboom, and De Kameel. Visit Museum Molen De Walvisch to see the inner workings of a restored distillery mill and learn about its role in jenever production. You can also enjoy expansive views of the city from its 'balcony.'

Delve into Schiedam's distilling past at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum, housed in a historic distillery. Here, you can learn about the craft of jenever production through hands-on exhibits and demonstrations, and even participate in a tasting. The Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, situated in a former hospital, showcases modern and contemporary Dutch art, with a notable collection of Cobra art. For a tranquil escape, wander through De Plantage, the oldest city park in the Netherlands, established around 1767. Take time to see the impressive Grote of Sint Janskerk (Great or St. John's Church) and the historic De Korenbeurs building, which now houses a public library.

The best time to visit Schiedam is during the spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring the city on foot or by bike, and tourist crowds are generally smaller. The warm season, from late June to early September, is ideal for warm-weather activities. Schiedam also hosts events like National Windmill Day in May and the Jenever Festival in October, offering unique cultural experiences.

Schiedam is easily accessible by train, with frequent direct services or connections from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam to Schiedam Centrum Station. If driving, take the A4 and A20, but be mindful that parking can be expensive and often reserved for residents. The city center is compact and very walkable, with many attractions within easy reach of each other. Cycling is also an excellent way to explore the city. For a unique perspective, consider a canal cruise.

While tipping is not expected in the Netherlands, it is appreciated for good service, with 5-10% being a common gesture in restaurants. Schiedam offers a range of local dishes to try, including bitterballen, stroopwafels, and herring, alongside its famous jenever.