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D'Swarte Walvis logo

INFORMATION

The Zaanse Schans is a living neighbourhood where the 18th and 19th centuries come to life. Stroll past the windmills, smell the fresh cookies, watch clogs being made, and then come and relax with us. Here's everything you need for a smooth visit.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Your day at the Zaanse Schans is not complete without a stop at our table, in a restaurant that feels like a living museum.

OPENING HOURS

Daily: 12:00 to 17:00. Outside these hours, we open on request for groups, meetings and events.

Table set on the terrace of D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Restaurant D'Swarte Walvis on the Zaanse Schans

GETTING HERE

By train: from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans takes less than 20 minutes. From the station it's a 15 minute walk to our door. By boat: moor at our own jetty, right at the restaurant. Address: Kalverringdijk 15, 1509 BT Zaandam.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Zaanse Schans gets busy, especially in high season and when tour groups arrive. Book a table to be sure of your spot, and ask for the Terrace on the Zaan for the best view.

Windmills of the Zaanse Schans near D'Swarte Walvis

IN A HURRY? VISIT BALEINE

Fries, bitterballen, stroopwafels, ice cream and drinks to go, at our take away right next to the restaurant. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:30.

Drinks and bar bites at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a ticket to visit D'Swarte Walvis (The Black Whale)? No. We are a restaurant in three monumental buildings, not a museum with an entrance fee. You only pay for what you eat and drink.

Do I need to book? We recommend it, especially at weekends and in summer.

Is the Zaanse Schans free to visit? For current visitor information and possible entrance fees, check the official website zaanseschans.nl before your visit.

Do you have vegetarian and gluten free options? Yes, just let our team know.

Can we come with a group? Absolutely. For groups, please send us a request so we can prepare.

FULLY BOOKED?

Our sister venues are close by: Café De Slager and Brouwerij HOOP are just across the river in Zaandijk, and LAB-44 is a short drive away on the Hembrug site in Zaandam.

Front facade of D'Swarte Walvis in spring
Boat with the flag of D'Swarte Walvis on the river Zaan

LET’S PLAN YOUR EVENT

Tell us what you have in mind and we'll put together a proposal that fits, whether it's a meeting for ten or a party for a hundred. Prefer to see the rooms first? You're very welcome for a personal tour.

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