Zaandijk is a charming town in North Holland known for its iconic windmills and picturesque scenery, but it’s also a fantastic spot to explore Dutch brewing tradition. What makes Zaandijk especially appealing for beer lovers is the chance to combine cultural charm with authentic craft brewing experiences. Among the options, we particularly like the Zaanse Schans: Brewery HOOP Tour and Tasting for its approachable, in-depth look at craft brewing, and the Zaanse Schans: Beer Tasting Experience at Brewery HOOP for a relaxed tasting session that lets you savor four distinct beers. Both tours offer a taste of local flavor combined with engaging stories that make learning about beer fun and easy.
Zaandijk offers a variety of brewery tours, from guided walking adventures that explore the brewing process in detail to relaxed beer tastings paired with local snacks. To give you a clear idea of your options, we’ve selected the two best experiences, focusing on their unique aspects and what kind of traveler each suits best. Let’s dive into each one.
1. Zaanse Schans: Brewery HOOP Tour and Tasting
This guided tour with tasting, lasting around an hour, takes you directly into the heart of Brouwerij HOOP, a beloved local brewery. The tour is a deep dive into the brewing process, where you’ll learn about the ingredients, techniques, and passion that go into each beer. The guide shares insights into the history of the brewery and its unique philosophy, making it more than just a tasting—it’s a story about craft and community. After the tour, you’ll sample 4 different craft beers, paired with bitterballen (Dutch snacks) and nuts, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
What sets this tour apart is the personal touch. Visitors mention how the guide’s enthusiasm makes learning about brewing both accessible and engaging. With only two reviews, it’s clear that this experience is highly rated, with a perfect 5/5 score. Reviewers praise the passionate guide and the authentic atmosphere, noting it’s an ideal stop for anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at a small brewery that’s proud of its Dutch roots.
This tour is best suited for beer enthusiasts eager to understand the craft, as well as travelers who appreciate a cozy, intimate setting. Its value lies in the combination of a guided tour and tasting, providing a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed. The only potential downside is the short duration—if you’re craving a full-day brewery adventure, you might want to add a second activity.
Bottom line: A personable, informative tour perfect for those wanting a local, authentic brewery experience combined with a good variety of craft beers.
2. Zaanse Schans: Beer Tasting Experience at Brewery HOOP
For a more relaxed, social experience, the Beer Tasting Experience at Brewery HOOP offers a full day of tasting, pairing, and learning. This tour includes a guided tasting of 4 signature beers with a curated tasting plank, which features light snacks like bitterballen. You’ll also get a chance to learn about the ingredients, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles behind each beer, making it both educational and palate-pleasing.
One of its standout features is the opportunity to take home your favorite beers at a 10% discount, making this a good choice for beer fans who want to bring home a souvenir. The experience is rated 4.8/5, and reviews highlight the delicious beers and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The tour’s format allows for a leisurely day of taste-testing, making it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace over a quick tour.
This experience is ideal for casual beer lovers, friends groups, or anyone interested in exploring different beer styles without focusing solely on the brewing process. The inclusion of snacks enhances the tasting and keeps it fun and light. A potential drawback is that it’s a full-day experience—best suited for those with time to spare or looking for a more immersive day in Zaandijk.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, enjoyable tasting adventure for anyone wanting to explore Dutch craft beers in a casual setting.
How to Choose Between These Brewery Tours
When deciding which tour fits your plans, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re curious about the brewing process and want a personal, behind-the-scenes tour, the Brewery HOOP Tour and Tasting is your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed, social tasting experience that lets you sample several beers at your own pace, then the Beer Tasting Experience offers a more laid-back day of flavor exploration.
Budget-wise, both are quite reasonable for the quality and depth of experience, but the tasting experience provides more time to enjoy the beers and snacks. For travelers with limited time, the guided tour and tasting packs a lot into a short visit, while the full-day tasting is perfect for those who want to savor everything at a leisurely pace.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Both experiences are conveniently located in Zaandijk, just a short walk from the iconic windmills and Zaanse Schans attractions, making them easy add-ons to your sightseeing day.
Final Thoughts
Zaandijk offers some of the best opportunities in North Holland to experience Dutch brewing culture firsthand. If you’re interested in a guided tour that reveals the secrets of craft brewing, the Brewery HOOP Tour and Tasting is a standout. Meanwhile, those who want to sample a variety of beers in a relaxed setting will enjoy the Beer Tasting Experience at Brewery HOOP. Both tours provide a genuine taste of local craftsmanship, perfect for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance will help you secure a spot during busy months. These experiences will make your visit to Zaandijk memorable—not just for the windmills but for the quality brews and stories you’ll discover along the way.
