The Netherlands, the dilemma of the TikTok king village: overtourism or a ticket, fences and caged residents.

With its windmills and gabled houses along the river, the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans, located just outside Amsterdam's northern suburbs, a favorite destination for tourists and TikTokers, is a must-see for anyone visiting the Netherlands. But this village of centuries-old buildings north of Amsterdam has become "a national symbol of overtourism ," according to local authorities, who plan to introduce a controversial entrance fee.

Tickets at 17.50 euros from next year

The heated debate over the ticket and its price, which is set to be set at €17.50, is part of a global push against mass tourism, which has led popular destinations like Venice to require full-day admission. On a summer day, especially one bathed in bright sunshine, crowds form long lines in front of the gates leading to the famous windmills, almost all visitors waiting their turn to snap photos of the bucolic landscape. Throughout the day, buses pour in rivers of tourists who flock to the small village, which is currently free to enter.

For the city council of the nearby town of Zaanstad, the entrance fee is essential to preserve its heritage, as the historic buildings are under "severe pressure" due to the number of tourists. "For several years, the Zaanse Schans has been a national symbol of overtourism," laments Deputy Mayor Wessel Breunesse.

2.6 million tourists in 2024

Last year, approximately 2.6 million tourists visited. If nothing is done, according to the city council, this figure is expected to rise to 3 million in the coming years. An entrance fee could reduce the annual number of visitors to approximately 1.8 million and fund the preservation of the historic buildings.

"Doing nothing is not an option. Without sufficient resources to ensure adequate maintenance, the heritage will be lost in the short term (five to seven years)," the municipality said in a statement.

What many tourists don't realize is that, although most of the village's buildings date back to the 16th century, the site itself is somewhat artificial. Indeed, after World War II, the old houses with wooden gabled roofs were threatened with extinction throughout the region. Keen to preserve this heritage, the then mayor, Joris in 't Veld, developed a plan: relocate these houses to a new protected site. The first mill arrived in 1955, the first house a few years later. Eventually, the Zaanse Schans site became so famous that it was officially inaugurated by Queen Juliana in 1972.

An “author's fake”

“The Zaanse Schans was never intended to attract international crowds like it does today, with millions of visitors from all over the world,” observed Deputy Mayor Breunesse.

But for Ingrid Kraakman, a resident, this project would be disastrous for the dairy where she works. "As a resident of this area, I don't want to live behind a fence... it's unacceptable," the 62-year-old told Agence France Presse from her 17th-century home in the heart of the village.

“Fatal ticket for our microeconomy”

The woman and her husband have lived in the area for 33 years and believe that an entrance fee would be fatal to the local economy and employment. "There's a lot of concern," she continues, estimating that about 80% of the local economy depends on tourism. Although her dairy farm attracts crowds of visitors with free tastings and souvenir sales, she believes an entrance fee would have a significant negative impact on consumption. A family of four would already have to spend about 80 euros on parking, which would reduce their budget for local purchases, she says.

The Kraakmans have collected more than 2,000 signatures for a referendum on the issue, but their initiative has so far remained a dead letter at city hall. Aware of the hostility of some residents, the city council has pledged to maintain free access for residents and not install physical fencing around the area. Although the measure is scheduled for next year, an amendment has been introduced to allow for a possible postponement.

Tourists: "We'd come even if we had to pay."

Most of the tourists surveyed believe the trip would still be worth it, even if they had to pay. "It's a lovely place, but sometimes it's too crowded and you can't fully enjoy the experience," laments Robert Duque, a 35-year-old Spanish executive who supports the introduction of an entrance fee. For him, "it's a good thing; it allows us to filter the arrival of tourists and better enjoy the attractions."