Zaanse Schans is almost always included in tour packages, normally I would find such places too touristy but this place has charm, and I find myself drawn to include it whenever I am in Amsterdam too. There is just something about those Windmills.
Getting here:
In the Amsterdam post, I recommended highly to buy the Amsterdam Regional Travel Ticket which enables you to do multiple trips in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Zaanse Schaans is one of the valid destinations.
By Bus: This is the most direct way and comfortably places you in front of the attraction. From Amsterdam Centraal Bus 391 heads to Zaanse Schans pretty frequently – Check out the bus schedules here https://www.ns.nl/en
By Train: From Amsterdam Centraal, there is the Sprinter with the stop Zaandjik Zaanse Schans, after that there is some further 1.4km walking to reach the attraction from the train station. https://www.ns.nl/en
If you have your car with you , there are plenty of parking spaces and the parking cost is round about 10 euros.
Seeing Zaanse Schans
The special feeling when you step through the gates, is like you have time-travelled back to the past and could imagine how it was like to be here centuries ago. Here there are the wooden houses, wind mills, cheese mills, clog-making workshops, distilleries, museums and the list goes on. What I like most is just soaking in the atmosphere. To help make the most of the trip there, Here is the link to the activities and opening hours.
You can consider getting a Zaanse Schans card if you plan to see a lot during your time here. Me personally never needed it! The outdoor section with the cheese mills and the clog work areas are free. The museums and the wind mills have entrance fees.
Some scenes below in Zaanse Schans.
Day Trip Ideas:
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We have not travelled to Amsterdam yet. High on our list would be a visit to the windmills. Thanks for the information and the great photos.
Who knew windmills could be so picturesque?! I have not yet been to the Netherlands, but would love to visit this place. This is the sort of scenery I image, when I think of places in the Netherlands that are not Amsterdam.
I remember visiting Zaanse Schans during my college days on what was an epic Euro trip. We weren’t sure until the last minute whether we should visit or not but I’m glad we did. The place is absolutely charming and they sure have some delicious cheese over there.
I’ve been here a few times since I keep going to Amsterdam for work regularly. I do agree that almost every tour stops at Zaanse, and it can get crowded at times, but there is a rustic charm to the place that is always a delight. I guess I can’t get enough of windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese.
I used to visit Amsterdam every month to see my brother who used to live there, but never made it to Zaanse Schans. It’s such a shame because it’s so iconic! I’ll be sure to see those windmills the next time.
I loved Zaanse Schaans when I visited Holland. It’s a completely different out-of-the-world experience to stroll by the windmill fields and take pictures. I have had a similar experience in Kinderdijk as well. It’s great to see you had a great time there too.
Wow those are cute clogs! I wonder why they are known for such, maybe because of their farming industry? And would be nice to sport those decorative wooden clogs, was it heavy? But definitely sturdy!
Wow that looks like a beautiful place to visit. And I agree , even I can spend an entire day here . Zaanse schans is now on my list of things to do in Amsterdams