Hey Lykkers! Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where history comes alive, with traditional windmills spinning against a picturesque Dutch landscape? Zaanse Schans is the perfect destination!
Located just outside Amsterdam, this charming village offers a unique glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Holland, featuring working windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts. Whether we want to explore history, taste authentic Dutch cheese, or enjoy stunning views, this guide will help us make the most of our trip!
Half-Day Trip to Zaanse Schans Windmills, Marken and Volendam from Amsterdam, the Netherlands
video by Viator
Where is Zaanse Schans?
Zaanse Schans is a historic windmill village in the North Holland province, situated in Zaandijk, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Amsterdam. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Netherlands, welcoming around 900,000 visitors annually.
Address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: The village itself is open 24/7, but individual attractions have different hours. Most windmills and museums operate between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
How to Get to Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is easily accessible from Amsterdam, making it a perfect half-day or full-day trip. Here are the best ways to get there:
By Train:
Take the Sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans.
Duration: 17 minutes
Ticket Price: $4.90 (one-way)
From the station, walk 10 minutes to the village.
By Bus:
Take Bus 391 (Industrial Heritage Line) from Amsterdam Central Station.
Duration: 40 minutes
Ticket Price: $6.50 (one-way)
The bus stops right at the entrance of Zaanse Schans.
By Car:
Driving from Amsterdam takes about 20-25 minutes.
Parking Fee: $13 per day (paid at the parking lot near the entrance).
By Bicycle:
If we want a scenic ride, cycling from Amsterdam takes about an hour along beautiful countryside routes.
Must-See Attractions in Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a living museum filled with fascinating sights. Here are the top attractions we shouldn’t miss:
1. The Historic Windmills
Zaanse Schans is home to eight working windmills, each with a unique function. Some charge entry fees, but we can admire them from outside for free.
De Kat (The Cat) – Paint Mill
Produces natural pigments for paint.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Entrance Fee: $5.40 per person
De Zoeker – Oil Mill
Produces linseed oil using traditional methods.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: $5.40 per person
Het Jonge Schaap – Saw Mill
Demonstrates traditional wood-cutting techniques.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Entrance Fee: $5.40 per person
Windmill Pass: If we plan to visit multiple windmills, purchasing a Zaanse Schans Card ($32 per adult) allows unlimited entry.
2. Zaanse Museum & Verkade Experience
Exhibits on the region’s history and Verkade chocolate & biscuit factory.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee:
Adults: $16
Children (4-17 years): $11
3. Wooden Shoe Workshop (Klompenmakerij)
Entrance Fee: FREE!
Watch traditional wooden clogs being made and even try on a pair!
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
4. Cheese Farm Catharina Hoeve
Entrance Fee: FREE!
Watch a cheese-making demonstration and buy authentic Gouda & Edam cheese.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
5. Bakery Museum (In de Gecroonde Duyvekater)
Try traditional Dutch Duivekater sweet bread and fresh stroopwafels.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Zaanse Schans is from April to October when the weather is pleasant, and the windmills are operational.
Spring (March-May): Best for tulip lovers! Combine the trip with Keukenhof gardens.
Summer (June-August): Ideal weather but more crowded.
Autumn (September-November): Fewer tourists, beautiful fall scenery.
Winter (December-February): Quieter but cold; some attractions may be closed.
Best Time of Day: Arrive before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM to avoid crowds.
Useful Tips for Visiting Zaanse Schans
Arrive early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before tour groups arrive.
Wear comfortable shoes – the village has cobblestone paths.
Bring cash – Some small shops only accept cash payments.
Try local snacks – Don’t miss stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, and fresh herring.
Check the weather – The village is best enjoyed on a clear day.
Final Thoughts: A Trip to Remember
Zaanse Schans is more than just a tourist attraction – it’s a living postcard of Dutch history. Whethng the windmills in action, tasting delicious cheese, or stepping into a wooden clog workshop, every moment here is special. With its easy access from Amsterdam and rich cultural experiences, this village is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Netherlands.
So, Lykkers, are you ready to explore this fairytale village? Let’s plan a trip and enjoy the magic of Zaanse Schans together!
