Located 20 km from Amsterdam, postcard-pretty Zaanse Schans is a sort of open-air museum that welcomes visitors into its charming and rustic surroundings. Spending one perfect day in Zaanse Schans gives visitors a glimpse into what life must have been like in the industrial region of Zaan during the 18th and 19th century.
Zaanse Schans, an industrial heritage site, is one of the most visited destinations in the Netherlands. The windmills, wooden Dutch homes, traditional crafts, and museums leave a lasting impression on those seeking a uniquely Dutch experience.
After all, when we think of the Netherlands, windmills, cheese and a lush green countryside comes to our minds. The beautiful scenery of the charming countryside coupled with a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Zaan River offers a perfect contrast to the hustle bustle of Amsterdam.
If you happened to stumble upon this post, then my guess is that you are considering a visit to Zaanse Schans. So, here’s a comprehensive travel guide on how to spend one perfect day in Zaanse Schans. This post includes details on how to reach Zaanse, where we stayed and things to do during your visit to this beautiful, recreated Dutch village.
A bit of history of Zaanse Schans – a European Industrial Heritage Site
By the 18th century, the Zaan had become an important industrial region of the Netherlands with nearly 600 functional windmills. Windmills were widely used for pumping the water from one canal to another in order to reclaim the land from the sea in the Netherlands. However, they also served a key role in the industrial growth of the area as they were used for a variety of purposes. For example, windmills were used for grinding seeds, spices and even producing oils or paints.
Zaanse Schans was founded in 1961 as a neighborhood of Zaandam. It is located on the east side of River Zaan near the town of Zandijk. Zaanse Schans, in its own unique way, captured a snapshot of the life in the Zaan village from the 18th and 19th centuries. Interestingly, the wooden homes that we see there today were actually transported to Zaanse Schans when it was being established. The ten iconic windmills of the Zaanse Schans are a major draw for tourists visiting this region of the Netherlands.
A visit to Zaanse Schans gives us a chance to view the traditional crafts of cheesemaking and clog making, the milling process at its windmills, authentic Dutch homes, and barns.
How to reach Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Spending one perfect day in Zaanse Schans is included in the itineraries of many tourists visiting Amsterdam and the nearby cities in the Netherlands.
Zaanse Schans is easy to reach from Amsterdam by train, bus, car or if you are feeling adventurous – even by bike (now that’s something I would love to try in a future visit).
We took the train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Zaanse Schans. The timetable for the trains and travel planner on the NS website were very helpful for planning our visit. The train journey from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is covered by the Eurail pass as well as by the Amsterdam regional train ticket.
We purchased the tickets to the frequent Sprinter trains from Amsterdam to Koog Zaandijk. Boarding a train that is heading to Uitgeest brings the passengers to Koog Zaandijk in about 18 minutes. After disembarking from the train, a short 15 mins walk through the small town of Zaandijk brings visitors to the bridge across River Zaan.
As we walked across the bridge towards the east bank, the beautiful scenery of the windmills and dark-green traditional homes added to the excitement of this quintessential Dutch experience.
The Connexion Bus 391 can also be taken from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans. The bus takes nearly 40-45 mins to reach Zaanse Schans. By road, reaching Zaanse from Amsterdam is a ride of merely 20 km. A taxi ride can cost up to 70€ – quite expensive, compared to the price of other public transportation options. If you plan to arrive at Zaanse in your own vehicle, then parking is available near the entrance for a fee of about 10€ for the day.
Another way to reach Zaanse is by boat – the Zaanferry. This ferry runs from the Amsterdam Centraal and sails past the industrial region of Zaan before arriving at Zaanse Schans.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay at Zaanse Schans?
We visited Zaanse Schans twice and loved it during both visits. My husband and I first visited Zaanse Schans in the summer and decided to stay for two nights in Zaanse Schans.
Our stay in this area served as a perfect springboard for exploring the Zaan region as well as several of the sights to see on our Amsterdam bucket list.
We absolutely loved the stay in Zaanse – it offered the perfect contrast to a busy day of touring Amsterdam and was such a welcome way to unwind and relax in a peaceful countryside setting.
The second time around, we visited Zaanse with our kids and during this visit, we stayed in Amsterdam and explored Zaanse Schans on a day trip. Frankly, the only reason we did so was that the B&B in Zaanse Schans was completely booked by the time we planned our trip.
I guess whether you choose to stay overnight at Zaanse or visit it on a day trip is a matter of personal preference. We preferred staying in Zaanse Schans for its serenity and ability to explore the region after the rush of day tourists had passed.
Moreover, waking up early in the morning and walking up to the nearby ferry dock rewarded us with one of the most glorious views of still waters of the Zaan River, sleepy windmills and dawn breaking upon the skies and adding a beautiful pink hue to the clouds.
Whether you choose to visit Zaanse Schans as a day trip or decide to stay overnight in the Zaan region, I am sure you will fall in love with picture-perfect Zaanse Schans.
Our stay at B&B Heerlijck Slaapen
B&B Heerlijck Slaapen is the only accommodation located on the premises of Zaanse Schans and offers stylish, tastefully decorated rooms across its three buildings. The rooms in this B&B are adorned with traditional Dutch decor and are located inside the charming wooden buildings facing the Zaan River.
We stayed at Aan’t Glop, probably the most romantic room at this B&B due to its panoramic views.
Sharon was such a gracious hostess and went out of her way to help us get settled in and offered lots of suggestions that helped us make the most of our visit. The generous breakfast served in the beautiful breakfast room was the perfect start for the day. A private garden in the B&B allowed us to have our own mini picnic with the beautiful backdrop of ferries floating past the windmills.
I am sure we will stay at this B&B during a future visit – it was one of the most comfortable and relaxing stays during our trip across Europe.
One Day In Zaanse Schans – The Best Things To Do To Make The Most Of Your Visit
If you choose to visit Zaanse Schans on a day trip, make sure to head to Zaanse early in the morning. Most of the museums and attractions open by 8:30 am but for more details about the timings, be sure to check the official Zaanse Schans website.
Entry to the Zaanse Schans premises itself is free but to enter the windmills, additional payment needs to be made. There is paid parking available as well for cars nearby. Given its popularity, Zaanse Schans can be quite busy during the day time and even more so over the weekends. However, I must say, even though we visited Zaanse during the peak tourist season, we never found the crowds overwhelming since this open-air museum is spread out over quite an expansive meadow.
Here’s a list of the best things to do to make the most of your visit to Zaanse Schans.
Explore the beautiful alleys of Zaanse Schans village
As soon as we climbed down the steps from the roadside to enter Zaanse Schans, we felt as if we had been transported back in time to a charming Dutch village. A beautiful small garden located near the roadside was the starting point for our leisurely stroll as we explored this picturesque village.
The main street leading from this garden took us along beautifully decorated 18th and 19th-century Zaan houses. A few of these houses were lined with bricks on the outside while most were painted in the characteristic dark green hues.
Walking along the village, we came across several barns and farm animals grazing over the lush green meadows. Strolling along Zaanse Schans was a peaceful experience in itself – we felt so close to nature and it was hard to believe that such a serene place was located so close to a bustling city like Amsterdam.
Visit Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm
Besides windmills and tulips, what else can you think of that is quintessentially Dutch? I’d say cheese!! When visiting Zaanse Schans, a stop at Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm is a must. This is actually a cheese factory where you can see how cheese is made and can also purchase Dutch cheeses after sampling the large variety they offer.
The variety of delicious, freshly made cheeses they sell is mind-boggling. My favorite was the lavender cheese. The burst of the aroma of lavender in my mouth as I ate the cheese was absolutely divine and completely unexpected. My kids loved the fresh gouda cheese and we all had our fill of the samples before purchasing several kinds of cheeses and snacks from their beautiful storefront.
Besides selling cheese, they also hold cheese making demonstrations. The staff, clad in traditional Dutch wear, explain the process of cheesemaking and the differences between different types of cheeses during this demonstration. It is certainly quite interesting, to say the least.
Stop by the Clog Museum/ Workshop at Klopenmakerik
To learn more about the traditional craft of clog-making in the Netherlands, stop by the Klopenmakerik De Zaanse Schans – the clog museum and workshop. The entrance to this museum is free. At the clog workshop, visitors are able to watch a demonstration of the carving of wooden clogs and learn more about the process of clog making.
The small, yet informative museum near the entrance displays clogs used for various purposes – such as the intricately carved wooden clog worn at weddings as well as clogs with spikes used for treading over icy surfaces.
There is also quite a large array of brightly painted wooden clogs that one can purchase along with a large variety of beautifully handcrafted Dutch souvenirs. It’s easy to overspend on the adorable handcrafted souvenirs at this shop.
Step inside the windmills to learn about how they function
There are 10 functional windmills at Zaanse Schans that are used for grinding flour, spices, pigments (for making paints) and sawing lumber. These iconic windmills are the main draw of Zaanse Schans and paying a nominal fee allows visitors to get a chance to enter some of the windmills to observe how they operate.
A welcome board near the entrance to Zaanse Schans also describes the various types of windmills one can see in the area. We visited the Spice Mill – Specerijenmolen De Huisman. The aromas of the freshly ground spices were everywhere as we entered this functioning windmill.
It was fun and informative to watch the process of how spices were ground inside this museum. The shop inside this windmill also sells the aromatic spices along with other Dutch souvenirs.
Enjoy eating the delicious and famous Dutch pancake at De Kraai
It wasn’t until I visited De Kraai that I realized how different Dutch pancakes are from the pancakes I had tasted back home in California. The thin, large, freshly made pancakes that were served at this famous pancake restaurant were the perfect picnic snack for our family.
Visit the Bakery Museum and enjoy eating warm stroopwafels
You can almost taste the yummy Dutch sweet treats as you stop by the Bakery Museum, thanks to the aromas of the freshly baked goods near the bakery shop. Besides selling freshly made delicious stroopwafels, waffles, and almond cookies, the museum also showcases the traditional methods and utensils used in baking which are still used to this day in this museum.
Take the boat tour on Zaan River for a panoramic view of Zaanse Schans
Walking around Zaanse Schans is a delightful experience in itself. However, a boat ride on the Zaan River is another way to soak in the beauty of the region from a different perspective. There are windmill cruises that run every 30 mins daily from Kalverringdijk23 stop (9.50€ for adults and 5€ for children) that offer a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the region.
Additionally, the Zaanferry from Amsterdam or Zaandam to Zaanse Schans also offers its passengers views of the industrial region of Zaan and its windmills as it arrives at Zaanse Schans.
Rent a bike and explore the countryside
Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable experiences for us during our visit as a couple, as well as on a subsequent visit with our kids, was renting bikes and heading out to explore the Dutch countryside.
Bikes can be easily rented from the bike shop located in Zaanse Schans at an hourly rate. We were provided the map of the North Zaanse Schans region and followed it to explore the region by bike. We had taken the bike tour in Amsterdam earlier and my kids preferred biking in the countryside compared to biking in the busy streets of Amsterdam.
Visit the Zaans Gedaan Cacao Lab
To learn more about the traditional chocolate-making process in the region, a visit to the Zaans Gedaan Cacao Lab is a must. The Cacao Lab offers demonstrations and workshops explaining how chocolate is made from cocoa beans using the traditional Dutch methods and utensils. The sweet, vivid memories of munching on these delicious chocolates made onsite from the cocoa beans of the region as we strolled along the Zaan River make me want to go back to Zaanse once again.
Enjoy shopping for handcrafted Dutch souvenirs in the boutiques in Zaanse Schans
There are several small boutiques around the Zaanse Schans village where visitors can stop by to purchase the traditional, handcrafted Dutch souvenirs. It’s easy to end up overspending when you visit the cheese shop, clog workshop, and the adorable souvenir shops selling jewelry, soaps and decoratives.
A visit to Zaanse Schans is a peaceful way to experience the iconic Dutch windmills, the countryside and the traditional crafts of the region. It is hard to imagine that such an oasis of tranquility is located so close to one of the most visited cities in the world – Amsterdam. If you are planning on spending some time in Amsterdam during your trip to the Netherlands, read our post on what makes it so easy to fall in love with Amsterdam.
I know for a fact though that we will return to Zaanse Schans again but until then…… Tot ziens dear Zaanse Schans!
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Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
Oh my gosh, the Netherlands is on my bucket list of “must go” places! Thanks for this guide – it looks gorgeous!
I’d go just for the cheese. <3 This looks amazing!
In love with those big shoes and more with that yellow show to be there and have a picture with it.
Walking around Zaanse Schans is an incredible experience. Those big shoes are located right outside the clog factory.
Your pictures telling the stories already; hope to be here once in a lifetime, how nice and beautiful this place
Thank you. Zaanse Schans is a lovely place to visit – quaint and picturesque.
Zaanse Schaans is too picturesque. I love the green backdrop, the beautiful alleys, the windmills, and also the clogs – just everything about the place. I wasn’t lucky enough to have visited this. I had instead visited Kinderdijk which is less touristy version of this.
I wanted to visit Kinderdijk during our trip but just couldn’t make it at that time – it’s on my bucket list for the next trip to the Netherlands.
That legitimately looks so magical, I would love to be there to check that out. There’s something enormously calming about a windmill, especially in such a pastoral setting!
I couldn’t agree more 🙂 Thanks for visiting the blog
I loved your comprehensive guide on Zaanse Schans! I had no idea about that place but it looks like a must visit on a trip to the Netherlands. Your pictures are beautiful and speak for itself how fun your family had!
Thank you Ana – glad you enjoyed reading the post. Indeed we had such an amazing time in Zaanse.
My knowledge of the Netherlands is pretty much limited to Amsterdam (I know…) but this gorgeous open-air museum is already making me want to buy a ticket to go back – it looks gorgeous! The cheese farm is a dream and I like the fact that the village is completely immersed in nature!
The setting of this open air museum is just perfect! We love visiting Zaanse whenever we are in Amsterdam. Thanks for visiting the blog.
I love such open air heritage museums and one of this kind, I visited in Ukraine near Kiev. Zaanse Schans looks similar to them as it has all nature, village lifestyle, windmills and all. I would definitely go for Zaanse Schans.
I am so curious now about the heritage museum near Kiev – would love to visit that one. Thanks for visiting the post.
Looks like you had a great time in Holland. I have never been there but would love to see those cute wooden shoes and old windmills. I also liked the garden, have you seen many tulips?
This place looks like in a children’s book! I love those garden, those cute wooden shoes look crafty (though I think it feels uncomfortable to wear), and the whole surrounding is very breathtaking.
It is breathtaking indeed.
I’ve never heard of Zaanse Schan but it looks beautiful. Sounds like there are lots of great fun things to do as well (ie. clog factory – how cool). I’d love to cycle there from Amsterdam. Being only 20 km it’s a very easy trip there and back in a day. Adding this to my list.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Cycling to Zaanse from Amsterdam is definitely something we plan to do next time we are in the region as well.
I visited Zaanse Schans several times in the past but I still enjoyed reading this comprehensive post. I re-lived the whole experience. I think everyone planning to visit should read this before going to Zaanse Schans.
Thank you so much Daniel for the appreciation. I feel like there’s always something new to explore each time we visit Zaanse.
I really regretted not making the effort to visit Zaanse Schans the last time I was in Netherlands ! Your guide is really comprehensive ! I always thought people go there just for the windmills. But, it seems like there are so much more activities to do ! And yes, nothing beats fresh warm stroopwaffels ! The store bought ones just cannot compare !
I couldn’t agree more about those delish stroopwafels – munching on those with a cup of coffee while sitting along the banks of River Zaan was a perfect way to slow down and take in the gorgeous surroundings.
This place is almost magical. I have always liked these classic areas in Holland. They have an outstanding atmosphere.
Exactly – I love the contrast of the atmosphere from Amsterdam – Zaanse is so tranquil
What a picturesque little town! I love the colorful windmills they are adorable! I like visiting Amsterdam, so it is good to know that it’s easy to get here from the city.
It is a lovely day trip from Amsterdam but we love staying overnight in Zaanse even more.
I visited Amsterdam last year, and to be honest, I had no idea this was so near by! It seems like even more traditionally what we think of when we think of the Netherlands. I wish I had stopped here! Minus the cheese (vegan over here!) I would love to explore all of the history here.
I am sure you will enjoy the quintessential Dutch experience when you visit Zaanse. It’s a lovely place to visit on a clear day.
I had no idea that windmill in the Netherlands were originally to pump water out to reclaim land from the sea! I did know that much of the country is at (or below?) sea level, putting it at risk of flooding due to climate change. It’s fascinating that the windmills were used for a variety of other purposes as well. I think I’d definitely go for the overnight trip to Zaanse Schans; there just seems to be so much to see!
This is great! I leave for Netherlands in two weeks! I’m not sure I’ll have time to go to Zaanse Schans though.
Wow, beautiful. I have yet to visit Netherlands and this really makes me want to go!
You are so lucky! Netherlands is one of the places that we’ve always loved to visit. We always picture Netherlands like those paintings and artwork we see in our favorite fairy tale books. The old villages, the windmills, swans floating in the river….really cool. Too bad that it’s really difficult to get a European visa here in the Philippines.
Zaanse Schans was a perfect break for us from a busy touring schedule. So serene and relaxing in its own unique way. Thanks for visiting the post.
I keep seeing pictures of these windmills, so I’m so excited to read all about visiting this magical town!
looks so lovely. I didn’t make it over there last time I was in Amsterdam – now I need to go back 🙂
I have not heard of Zaanse Schans before, but it seems like it has all the most Dutch things possible! Clogs, cheese, windmills and pretty views. I can see why you loved it!
It’s postcard-pretty indeed. Thanks for visiting the post.
Lovely post! I haven’t visited since I was a teenager but after reading this, I want to go back! The villages and waterways are so pretty and charming. And would love to try that lavender cheese! 🙂
Thank you – glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Can’t wait to explore this place myself one day!
I love all the shades of green with the bridge, the homes, the windmills and the landscape!! It looks so picturesque. I would love to visit the clog museum. I’ve been fascinated by the wooden shoes since I learned in elementary school that they put them out for St. Nick’s day, which happens to fall on my birthday! I can’t imagine trying to walk in them!
Oh wow – I didn’t know that they put out these wooden shoes on St. Nick’s Day. Love learning about such traditions. Glad you enjoyed reading the post and thanks for visiting our blog.
The photographs & words draw such a vivid picture. Love it!
Thank Rapti. I am glad you enjoyed reading the post.
I loved Amsterdam and would love to explore further out of the city so will definitely bear this one in mind!
This looks stunning! I’m definitely eager to get back to The Netherlands and explore beyond Amsterdam as I know there are so many cool spots like this one. Plus, your photos are gorgeous!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Such a lovely detailed post and the pictures are so amazing!
Thanks for visiting the post Sudeepta. Zaanse Schans is such a scenic place to visit.
I think it’s so important that we look past the typical tourist cities in a country. Taking a day trip from Netherlands sounds magical!
Indeed! Zaanse Schans is a lovely place to visit in Netherlands. Hope to find and explore more such places in Netherlands during our next vacation. Thanks for visiting the blog.
A great guide – and gorgeous photos.
Thank you!
All that cheese!! I would love to tour Europe just for the food ahah
Great guide!
Really well written, I loved visiting Zaanse Schans and you’ve captured it perfectly. I miss the Netherlands and I can’t wait to go back!
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. I can’t wait to return to explore Zaanse Schans and the Zaan region more… Thanks for visiting the post.
What a photogenic little town you found! I find it very refreshing to read a post from the Netherlands that isn’t about Amsterdam as well. I think Zaanse Schans would make a great place to try a food tour, all those snacks you found, and of course, the cheese, looked delicious.
We loved it in Zaanse Schans – it was the perfect contrast from a busy day of touring in Amsterdam. Thanks for visiting the post.
I haven’t had a chance to visit Europe. But this kind of post always push up my effort to visit the land once.
Thanks for sharing me a nice place!
Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Oh I love this cute place! When I was there, two years ago, it was sadly raining – a lot. This makes me inpired to go back on a sunny day!
It is beautiful! Hopefully, you will get to enjoy it on a clearer day.
It is amazing and how curious!! I have been there a couple of weeks ago and I, absolutely love it!!! Netherlands is beautiful. I have been there 5 times now and there are always so many things to discover.
My thoughts exactly – there’s always something new to discover there each time one visits. Thanks for visiting the post.
For some time I have dreamed of going to Amsterdam, because I really like the architecture of this place. If Zaanse Schans is only 20 km from this city, I would like to visit this place. I really like these wooden houses, bridges, windmills. This place has a spirit and I would like to capture it on the pictures. I would love to try the cheese and all the goodies that you showed. You inspired me to visit Zaanse Schans! Thank you!
I am glad you enjoyed reading the post. Zaanse Schans is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam or an overnight stay if one would prefer. We loved it there and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did during your trip to Amsterdam/ ZS. Thanks for visiting the post.
This place is like out of a fairy tale. I have never heard about Zaanse Schans before, but will consider next time we are out to the Netherlands 🙂
It’s serene and so picturesque. Thanks for visiting the post.
That place looks amazing! PERFECT for summer
Netherlands is on my bucket list! This is such an informative guide for Zaanse Schans. I have bookmarked it for future reference. Thanks for your insight.
Glad you found the post informative Sara. Thanks for visiting the blog.
I just visited Zaanse Schans through this post! So detailed and well crafted and in some areas do look like Glendalough In Ireland. I love traveling and the Netherlands has been on my bucket list for years! I am yet to visit and when I do, I’ll sure go see this charming place!
As always, it is a joy reading about your travels! Thanks for continually inspiring us with your beautiful trips!
So glad you enjoyed reading the post, Jennifer. I am intrigued now to visit Glendalough and will try to include it in our itinerary when we visit Ireland. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Wow how unique and pretty. I so wanna visit Zaanse schans..your post has really inspired me
Zaanse Schans is so serene and picturesque. Thanks for visiting the post Madhu.
Wonderful post guys!! Looks gorgeous.
Thanks Jenni. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.