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….
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Table of Contents
If you prefer to have a guided version of the tour or combined with other sights. Check out the options below.
Getting to Zaanse Schans
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 included destinations.
By Bus:
This is the most direct way and comfortably places you in front of the attraction. From Amsterdam Centraal take Bus 391 which is pretty frequent and takes about 45 minutes per way. 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
By Car:
If you have your car with you , there are plenty of parking spaces and the parking cost is round about 15 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.
You can consider getting a Zaanse Schans card if you plan to see a lot during your time here. I 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.
*Pro Tip: Check with this link before buying the ticket the day and activities which are open or closed.
*Another pro tip: Get a lay of the land with this useful overview map including where the toilet facilities are located.
Some scenes below that I captured , can you tell I am just a teensy bit windmill obsessed ?
The Windmills of Zaanse Schans
Walking past the windmills is free of charge. Plenty of photo opportunities here. To enter a working mill , a ticket is needed. You can climb up narrow steps on the inside and check out some nice panorama out on the deck.
*Pro Tip: Check the link here to learn about the individual windmills and importantly if they are open for visit.
Cheese making demonstrations and shop
We stayed for watching the cheese production demonstration which is done in 10 different languages. One of the free stuff to do here it is definitely worthwhile to spend some time in the well-made farmhouse replica. After that is cheese tasting and buying cheese at the shop if you find one to your liking.
The Wooden Houses of Zaanse Schans
This is a very photogenic place with its Green timbered house dotted all over the land. These are actual residences of the villagers here and some double as places they work as well. Many of the villagers are handcrafters and the products are on sale right in the shops itself. If you want to know more about each house including historical information : here is a link
Clog Workshop at Zaanse Schans
This is a free activity to see how clogs are made. There is a small museum attached as well to admire the craftmanship of the shoes.
What else to do in the Zaanse Schans Area
One can very easily spend the day here besides visiting the village. As you can see the Netherlands is pretty much flat-lands and so make for great walking and cycling activities regardless of fitness level. You can always stop and take wonderful photos that are never lacking.
Go on a cycle tour around Zaanse Schans
Although you cannot use the bicycle within the village , there are cycle paths around the area which are flat and nice to use.
Here is the link to the routes.
There is a possibility to rent a bike from a shop near the train station. Best to pre-book and payment in cash. Check the link here.
Another option is to follow a guided biking tour. Options below..
Get on a boat
There are a few options for a boat trip which makes for another perspective of seeing the windmills. Check the link here to see which option would suit you best.
Walk on the Nature Reserve by Zaanse Schans
You can also do a walk-about on the nature reserve trail and go around Zaanse Schans. Known as the Kalverpolder walking trail,you get to explore the Polder landscape and watch the wildlife here. Best thing is that it is free-of-charge.
More information found in the link here
*Pro Tip: The Trail is closed 15 March – 15 June during the nesting season.
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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