Just south of Amsterdam, near the historic city of Leiden and the blooming fields of the Bollenstreek, lies one of the most scenic and water-rich regions of the Netherlands: the Amsterdam Lakes, locally known as the Kagerplassen. This unique area is made up of dozens of interconnected lakes, canals, and waterways — dotted with charming villages, hidden islands, and more windmills than anywhere else in the country. But unlike places like Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk, the windmills here are spread out across the landscape — and best discovered from the water.
- What are the Amsterdam Lakes (Kagerplassen)?
- What to see & do at the Amsterdam Lakes
- Map of the Amsterdam Lakes (Kagerplassen)
- Windmill Cruises from Warmond, Katwijk & Amsterdam
- Tours from Amsterdam – Windmills, Tulips & Keukenhof
- How to get to your Windmill Cruise departure point
- Opening hours Amsterdam Lakes
What are the Amsterdam Lakes (Kagerplassen)?
The Amsterdam Lakes, locally known as the Kagerplassen, form a beautiful network of lakes, rivers, and canals in the Dutch polder landscape, located just south of Amsterdam near Leiden and the Bollenstreek flower region. These waters were created centuries ago through peat extraction and water management — and have become one of the most scenic, authentic areas in the Netherlands.
The region is dotted with historic windmills, tiny lake islands, and traditional farms, all set within a flat and wide-open Dutch landscape. Unlike Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans, the windmills here are not part of a single visitor site — they are part of daily rural life.
There’s no “main entrance” to the Amsterdam Lakes — it’s a destination to explore by boat, bike, or tour, with different departure points and routes depending on the season.
What to see & do at the Amsterdam Lakes
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in this peaceful waterland region. Whether you’re here for a springtime tulip tour or a summer boat trip, the Amsterdam Lakes offer a true countryside escape.
- Take a windmill boat tour from Warmond or Katwijk, and sail past working mills in the middle of the lakes
- Cycle scenic routes from Leiden or Lisse through fields, farms, and along dikes
- Visit De Tulperij, a family-run tulip farm where you can walk among the flowers and learn about bulb cultivation
- Combine with Keukenhof Gardens, just a short drive or tour stop away
- Enjoy watersports, sailing, or a relaxing lakeside picnic in summer
The Amsterdam Lakes are lesser-known than other Dutch hotspots — but offer an authentic, crowd-free way to experience windmills, water, and wild beauty.
Map of the Amsterdam Lakes (Kagerplassen)
The Amsterdam Lakes, or Kagerplassen, cover a broad area of lakes, rivers, and polders between Leiden, Lisse, Warmond, and Katwijk. There is no central entrance or visitor center — it’s a landscape to explore by boat, bike, or tour.
Windmill Cruises from Warmond, Katwijk & Amsterdam
One of the best ways to experience the Amsterdam Lakes is by joining a windmill cruise — a relaxing and scenic boat tour that takes you past some of the most authentic and picturesque windmills in the Netherlands.
Departures are available from:
- Warmond – a charming village with direct access to the central lakes
- Katwijk – combining coastal charm with river access to the polder
- Amsterdam – as part of a full-day countryside tour including transport
From the water, you’ll glide past historic working windmills, traditional farms, grazing cows, flower fields (in spring), and wide-open Dutch skies. These tours offer a unique and peaceful way to explore the countryside — far away from the crowds.
| Windmill Cruises Amsterdam Lakes | from Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-hour cruise from Warmond Adult (>14) Child (3-13) Child (0-2) | € 19.50 € 11.50 Free | Book now |
| 2,5-hour cruise from Katwijk Adult (>14) Child (3-13) Child (0-2) | € 29.50 € 21.50 Free | Book now |
| Day Tour from Amsterdam + Duration: 6h + 1-hour Windmill Cruise + Visit Flower Farm De Tulperij + During spring and summer | € 69.50 | Book now |
| Day Tour from Amsterdam + Duration: 8h 30min + 1-hour Windmill Cruise + Visit Flower Farm De Tulperij + Visit Keukenhof Gardens + Only during Tulip Festival | € 87.50 | Book now |
Tours from Amsterdam – Windmills, Tulips & Keukenhof
Several full-day tours from Amsterdam include a stop in the Amsterdam Lakes region as part of a larger countryside itinerary. These often combine:
- A windmill cruise on the Kagerplassen
- A visit to De Tulperij, a family-run tulip farm with blooming fields and bulb greenhouses
- Entry to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens
These tours are perfect for those who want to experience real Dutch countryside — beyond the tourist crowds.
How to get to your Windmill Cruise departure point
There is no single entrance to the Amsterdam Lakes — instead, tours and cruises depart from different locations in the region. Here’s how to reach each starting point:
Full-day tours including windmill cruises depart from a central location in Amsterdam.
Address: Overhoeksplein 51, 1031 KS Amsterdam
This is behind Amsterdam Central Station, accessible in 2 minutes via the free ferry to Amsterdam North (Buiksloterweg). Look for the designated meeting point for your tour operator.
Most windmill cruises in Warmond depart from the village harbor.
Address: Gemeentehaven 1, 2361 CM Warmond
Easily accessible by car or bike. Free or paid parking is available nearby. From Leiden, it’s a 15-minute drive or ±30 minutes by bike through scenic countryside.
In Katwijk, cruises depart from the marina near the river mouth.
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 42, 2225 TZ Katwijk aan Zee
Located just steps from the beach. Parking is available in nearby garages. Also a great spot to combine with a coastal walk or lunch by the sea.
Opening hours Amsterdam Lakes
The lakes themselves are part of the Dutch countryside and accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. You’re free to explore by bike, walk along the dikes, or enjoy a picnic by the water whenever you like.
However, windmill cruises and guided tours operate seasonally and have specific departure times. Please check availability of cruises and tours below and book your tour directly.
Tour with Windmill Cruise, Flower Farm Tulperij
Tour with Windmill Cruise, Flower Farm Tulperij and Keukenhof Gardens
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