Zaanse Schans, Zaandam: Historic windmills

Visitor Fee

Zaanse Schans is free to visit, but some attractions and museums require an entry fee:

• Zaans Museum – €14.50 for adults, €7.00 for children
• Windmill Entrance (Per Windmill) – Around €5.00
• The Clog Workshop – Free entry (clogs available for purchase)
• Cheese Farm Catharina Hoeve – Free entry with cheese tasting
• Boat Tours – Prices vary depending on the operator

Transportation

Zaanse Schans is easily accessible from Amsterdam and other nearby cities:

• By Train – Take a 15-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans Station. A 10-minute walk leads to the site.
• By Bus – Bus 391 from Amsterdam Central Station takes about 40 minutes.
• By Bicycle – Cycling from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans (about 17 km) is a scenic and enjoyable route.
• By Car – Parking is available near Zaanse Schans for €12.00 per day.
• By Boat – Some companies offer boat tours from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans.

Things to Do in Zaanse Schans

1. Explore the Historic Windmills – See the iconic Dutch windmills, some of which are still operational.
2. Visit the Zaans Museum – Learn about the industrial history of the Zaan region.
3. Watch Traditional Clog-Making – See artisans craft wooden clogs at the Clog Workshop.
4. Taste Dutch Cheese – Sample and buy authentic Gouda and Edam cheese at the Cheese Farm.
5. Tour a Working Windmill – Visit windmills that produce oil, paint, spices, and wood.
6. Enjoy a Scenic Boat Tour – Cruise along the Zaan River for picturesque views of windmills and wooden houses.
7. Visit the Weaver’s House – Discover how traditional Dutch fabrics were made in the 18th century.
8. Explore the Bakery Museum – Try Dutch stroopwafels and other baked goods.
9. Stroll Through the Wooden Houses – Walk among well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century Dutch homes.
10. Try Local Dutch Pancakes – Enjoy traditional pannenkoeken (pancakes) at local restaurants.

Why People Enjoy Visiting Zaanse Schans

• Authentic Dutch Experience – Offers a glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century Dutch life.
• Beautiful Scenery – The windmills, wooden houses, and riverside views create a stunning landscape.
• Cultural & Historical Significance – Learn about the industrial heritage of the Netherlands.
• Family-Friendly Activities – Ideal for children and families with interactive workshops and museums.
• Close to Amsterdam – A great day-trip destination just outside the capital.

How Old is This Place?

Zaanse Schans is a reconstructed historical village that showcases life in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the windmills and buildings were relocated from other parts of the Zaan region in the 1960s and 1970s to create this open-air museum. Some of the windmills themselves date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, making parts of Zaanse Schans over 400 years old.

List of Activities

• Windmill Visits – See traditional Dutch windmills in action.
• Cheese Tasting & Farm Tour – Try local Dutch cheeses.
• Clog-Making Demonstrations – Watch craftsmen make wooden shoes.
• Boat Tours on the Zaan River – Enjoy a scenic view of the area.
• Traditional Dutch Food Tasting – Sample stroopwafels, pancakes, and Dutch pastries.
• Museum Visits – Learn about the region’s history and industrial past.
• Photography & Sightseeing – Capture the picturesque landscape.

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Zaandam – A charming city with modern architecture and historic sites.
2. Amsterdam – Just 15 km away, offering world-class museums and nightlife.
3. Volendam & Marken – Traditional Dutch fishing villages with wooden houses and seafood specialties.
4. Edam – Famous for its Edam cheese markets and historic streets.
5. Beemster Polder – A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Dutch water management.
6. Haarlem – A beautiful city known for art museums and the Grote Markt square.
7. Alkmaar Cheese Market – A traditional Dutch cheese market experience.

Zaanse Schans is a perfect destination for those wanting to experience traditional Dutch culture, windmills, and historic crafts, all within easy reach of Amsterdam.