Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is a popular day-trip destination from Amsterdam, and the scenic drive through the Dutch countryside is a tour highlight in and of itself. Visit on a half- or full-day tour to explore the five Dutch Golden Age windmills and visit the workshops of local craftspeople.

When you get hungry, pop into a bakery for a taste of the sweet white duivekater bread, head to the cheese factory for some famous Edam cheese, or step inside Albert Heijn—the village’s oldest shop—for a bag of sweets. A boat trip or a canal cruise is another excellent way to see the Zaanse Schans and the surrounding villages.

• The Zaanse Schans is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about traditional Dutch culture, from cheese- and clog-making to pewter-casting.

• For a fun photo souvenir, stop by a shoemaker’s shop and try on traditional Dutch clogs and costumes.

• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor area.

• The Zaanse Schans is free to visit, but some individual attractions may require fees.

• Not all areas are wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the area, but accessible bridges and parking are available. Jonge Schaap is the only wheelchair-accessible windmill.

• Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood accept credit and debit cards; ATMs are located at the Zaanse Schans parking office.

The Zaanse Schans neighborhood is set in Zaandam, near Zaandijk, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) northwest of Amsterdam. The village, located on the eastern bank of the Zaan river, is easily accessible from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station by transit—it takes less than an hour to get there by bus, train, or car. Fee-based parking is available.

Though there's plenty to do year-round in the Zaanse Schans, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, making late spring and summer the best times to visit. Winters in the Netherlands are known to be rainy and windy, so if you’re visiting then, wear warm layers under a waterproof jacket.

It’s said that there are 1.5 bicycles for every inhabitant of the Netherlands. The Dutch love their bikes and can be found pedaling them to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere else in between. Renting a bicycle is a great way to see Holland like a local. In summer, a bike tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans is a popular way to experience the quaint village and the bucolic countryside.

Yes, visiting Zaanse Schans is worth it—the traditional neighborhood offers a glimpse into Dutch life during the 18th and 19th centuries, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. It’s home to windmills, workshops making and selling wooden clogs and cheese, museums, and cycle paths through the countryside.

Once you’ve bought an admission ticket, you can explore Zaanse Schans independently. However, guided tours—which typically depart from Amsterdam—help you easily navigate the village and often include other nearby highlights, such as the quaint fishing town of Volendam and Edam, famous for its namesake cheese.

The must-see museums at Zaanse Schans include the Zaans Museum, home to art and exhibits about the village, and the Verkade Experience, where you can see a chocolate and biscuit-making factory. Must-see windmills include De Huisman spice warehouse, De Gekroonde Poelenburg sawmill, the 17th-century De Bonte Hen, and De Kat, a paint mill with regular demonstrations.

Yes, there are restaurants at Zaanse Schans. You can sample traditional Dutch pancakes at Pancake Restaurant De Kraai, or head to the riverside Zaans Museum Café for tea. For a bar and elevated brasserie menu, head to Restaurant De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis, which has plenty of outdoor seating.

It’s fast and easy to reach Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam using public transport. You can take the train from Amsterdam Centraal station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, which is a 15-minute walk from the entrance. You can also take the 391 bus from Noorderpark, which takes 40 minutes and drops you directly outside the village entrance.

Yes, you can buy many different Dutch souvenirs and crafts at Zaanse Schans; stores sell everything from antiques to soap. The Vrede Storehouse stocks the famous blue-and-white Delft pottery, the Windmill Shop has everything windmill related, and Saense Lelie is a jewelry workshop that specializes in diamonds and gold.