WHY VISIT ZAANSE SCHANS

If you are looking for a cultural experience when visiting Amsterdam and The Netherlands while learning some of the Dutch history and admiring a landscape of breathtaking beauty, Zaanse Schaans is the place for you. Zaanse Schaans is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam where you can find traditional Dutch windmills, enjoy the scent of the chocolate factories and get to know about the Dutch Golden Age by visiting some museums.

In this guide I will explain you all the activities available when visiting this hidden gem in The Netherlands, how to get there, either by yourself or in an organized tour and will share some pictures of the place, taken during my many visits to this place, as I am an Amsterdam local.

TIP: If you do not have time to read this guide you can book this day trip to Zaanse Schans by van, that includes Volendam and Marken or you can visit Zaanse Schans by bike.

ZAANSE SCHANS HISTORY

Zaanse Schans was the first industrial area in Western Europe and there was a time during the 18^th and 19^th centuries when there were 600 industrial windmills active in the area.

The precursor of the blooming of the Zaan district was the invention of the “crankshaft” in 1594 by Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest in 1594. The “crankshaft” made possible the conversion of the horizontal movement of the mills blades into vertical motion used for sawing at an industrial scale.

This invention made possible shipbuilding during the 17^th century “Golden Age” and the production of 100-150 vessels per year used for trading. The windmills did not only saw wood at an industrial scale but also produced paper, spices, oil for food, painting and different types of fibres.

Today there are only 13 windmills on the area and Zaanse Schans has become an open air museum where tourists can learn about the Dutch history. The windmills are still cutting wood and producing paint and oils and are run by volunteers. The maintenance costs of the windmills are covered by tourists visits and some state grants.

👉 I recommend this Zaanse Schaans tour

WHERE IS ZAANSE SCHANS

Zaanse Schans is located 20,6 Km from Amsterdam and lies in the Zaandam district located North of Amsterdam. It is located between the largest cocoa production area in the world, “Koog aan Zaan” and some meadows of stunning beauty.

Find here a pin with the Zaanse Schaans location.

THINGS TO TO IN ZAANSE SCHANS

There are plenty of things to do in Zaanse Schans and if you would like to make sure you cover everything you must dedicate at least half a day for your trip. But you can also pick up some of the activities that interest you the most. Find here all the activities you can do in the area so that you can choose.

VISIT THE WINDMILS

There are currently 11 windmills open for visits in “Zaanse Schans” and some of them are opened for visitors. There are two types of windmills in the area, “cap windmills” and “ground windmills”.

The windmills blades in order to work need to be aligned in the right angle with the winds direction.

For this to happen the blades need to be rotated to adjust. In a “cap windmill” it is the whole upper part of the windmill that rotates and in a “ground windmill” is the whole windmill that rotates from the base.

My recommended windmills to visit inside are:

• The “Jonge Schaap”: this is a sawing windmill and when you visit it you can still see how this is done. At the entrance, after purchasing your ticket you will get to watch a short documentary explaining the history and how the windmill works. After that you can walk around inside and observe how the actual wood sawing happens. You need to purchase a ticket at the entrance to go inside.
• The “Kat”: This is the only windmill in the complex where you can go up to the terrace where the cap rotating wheel is located and get an aerial view of the area. Visit this windmill to get your Zaanse Schans picture perfect landscape views. The stairs up to the terrace are quite difficult so you need to be in good physical shape to attempt this. This windmill is still producing some oil paints that you can purchase at the base. They also serve delicious coffee that you can enjoy sitting outside while enjoying the Dutch traditional views.
• The “Huisman”: This is the only windmill that you can visit for free in Zaanse Schans. This is a mustard mill and when you go inside you can see the grinding stones used to mill species in the past. You can also buy delicious Zaanse Schans mustard. I am not a mustard lover, but I love the Zaanse Schans mustard. It is a complete different flavor than any other mustard in the world and it is simply delicious.The Zaanse Schans mustard is true Dutch delicacy to be tasted with delicious Dutch cheese. Do not forget to give it a try.

🚲 Visit Zaanse Schaans and the Dutch countryside by bike

You can walk along all the other windmills and find the perfect spot for your Amsterdam countryside trip memorable photo.

ZAANSE SCHANS TIME MUSEUM

Visiting the Zaanse Schans time museum is a must do if you are interested in getting to know the Zaanse Schans history and the part that clock making played in prosperity of the Zaanse Schans industrial area.

The museum is home to a collection of old Dutch clocks and master pieces and you will be able to attend a clock making workshop.

The museum has opened recently to sell coffee for visitors so this is the perfect place to get your coffee stop while getting acquainted with the Dutch history.

You can purchase the time museum tickets here.

EXPERIENCE A ZAANSE SCHANS CLOG WORKSHOP

Dutch wooden clogs are an essential part of the Dutch farming culture. This antique shoes are still used in the rural areas in The Netherlands. They are still used nowadays due to its sturdiness and how they can help protecting from injury.

The Zaanse Schans clog workshop will walk you through the clog making process, exactly as it was made a hundred years ago.

The workshop is free and you can purchase some clogs or souvenirs after watching the show.

LEARN THE HISTORY AT THE ZAANS MUSEUM

This is a set of open air exhibitions featuring some of the most interesting historical aspects related to the Zaanse Schans area. From admiring the 25 Monet paintings that he created after he fell in love with the Zaan river and the beauty of the windmills and rural area, to experience a biscuit factory. The Zaans museum has an exhibit to please everyone. Some of the activities in the Zaans museum are perfect things do do in Amsterdam with kids.

The entrance of the museum is free but each exhibit requires an entrance ticket. If you have purchased the Zaanse Schans card you can have access to all the exhibits for free.

👉 I recommend this tour to Zaanse Schans, including Giethoorn

TASTE SOME TRADITIONAL DUTCH CHEESE

Cheese is a traditional Dutch delicacy and there is no a complete visit to The Netherlands is you have not tasted some Dutch cheese.

At the Zaanse Schans cheesefarm you can learn about the Dutch cheese making process and taste many different types of Dutch cheese for free.

ADMIRE THE HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE

Zaanse Schans is not only an open air museum but there are people still living there nowadays. Just stroll around the area and admire the beautiful houses and bridges where you can have some very good photo opportunities.

The houses fronts and gardens are very beautiful and well taken care of and you can see “status symbols” that were used to identify the houses inhabitants before the numbering system that is used nowadays was introduced.

VISIT A DUTCH LOCAL BREWERY

The brewery is not exactly located in the Zaanse Schaans area but just in front of the windmills and it is the perfect end of your Zaanse Schans visit. The brewery is called “Hoop” . You can watch here the beer brewing process and refresh your mouth with an ice cold beer.

You need to cross the river Zaan to reach the brewery, just by crossing the bridge or by taking a little ferry to the other side.

👉I recommend this private tour to Zaanse Schans

TAKE A FERRY

One alternative to visit a Zaanse Schans is to do a boat tour. You can view the windmills from the water while experiencing the water rocking movement and feel the gentle and sometimes not so gentle Dutch wind in your skin.

You can do the tour combining with visits to other beautiful villages of the Dutch country side or just visit Zaanse schans.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING ZAANSE SCHANS

BEST PLACES TO STAY WHEN VISTING ZAANSE SCHANS

Most people visit Zaanse Schans on a day trip from Amsterdam, however it is also possible to stay in the area and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy Amsterdam center.

Find here my recommended places to stay:

ZAANDAM

Distrikt hotels Amsterdam Zaandam: This 3 star hotels is located 15 Km from Amsterdam Central station and 8 Km from Zaanse Schans. The hotel offers a 24 hour front desk and free wifi available everywhere with private parking. The rooms come with private bathroom with shower.

City Trip hostel Zaandam-Amsterdam: If you are looking for some budget accommodation and you do not mind sharing you can get a nice bed in a dormitory room in this hostel in Zaandam with very clean and Comfy rooms.

AMSTERDAM

ClinckNOORD hostel: This is without a doubt the coolest hotel in Amsterdam and it is located in the very trendy neighbourhood of Amsterdam Noord, very close to the ferry stop coming from central station.

Motel one Amsterdam: This hotel is located very near the Rai convention center and a light bike ride from the center of Amsterdam. It has a 24 hours desk and each rooms has air conditioned and a flat screen TV.

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR TO ZAANSE SCHANS

There are many travel agencies spread around Amsterdam where you can book a tour to this attractive Dutch destination. However more than 2,5 million tourists visit Zaanse Schans every year so the best way is to secure your spot in advance.

HOW TO GET TO ZAANSE SCHAANS

There are several ways you can reach Zaanse Schans.

By bike: If you are visiting Zaanse Schans during the Spring or Summer and you are in a good physical condition I advise you to take the bike ride to Zaanse Schans.

The Netherlands is a flat country so it is an easy bike ride that will allow you to admire the Dutch landscape and exercise a bit. It takes around one hour to get from Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam centre.

By train: Zaanse Schaans is located 10 minutes walking from the Zaandijk train station and it takes 17 minutes train ride to reach Zaanse Schaans from Amsterdam. You can check the train schedules here to plan your trip.

By car: You can drive from your location to Zaanse Schans, but I would not recommend this option as parking can be difficult as Zaanse Schans can be very packed, specially if the weather is good.

By boat: If you have plenty of time you can get to Zaanse Schaans by boat from Amsterdam.

The boat ride takes about two hours and there are plenty of amenities on board. It will give you the chance to admire the beauty of the Dutch landscape.

ZAANSE SCHANSE TIPS

Plan sufficient time for your trip

If you want to enjoy all the activities in Zaanse Schans in a relaxed manner plan at least half a day, excluding traveling time to visit Zaanse Schans.

You might also want to visit the neighboring village and Zaandam to make the best use of your time.

Visit during Spring/ Summer time

This is the best time of the year to visit Zaanse Schans as the weather will make your visit more pleasant and the plants and flowers of the area will be in bloom. If you come early morning the birds chirping will greet you while you will be enchanted by the chocolate smell of the factories around the area.

Bring appropriate clothes

Wind can be pretty strong in Zaanse Schans and as the Dutch weather can change very quick from sunny to rainy do not forget to bring some rain coat in case that happens.

Good quality shoes

Be prepared to walk a lot during your visit to Zaanse Schans. Bring some good sturdy shoes to help you walk around the village.

FAQS – ZAANSE SCHANS

IS ZAANSE SCHANS WORTH A VISIT?

Yes, Zaanse Schans is worth a visit. It should be added to your Amsterdam itinerary, even if for a short visit. The landscape is breathtaking and you will learn a lot about the Dutch culture.

I am a local in Amsterdam and I like to go there some times just to relax, walk and admire the beauty of the landscape.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN ZAANSE SCHAANS?

The time you need to visit Zaanse Schans depends very much on which attractions you would like to visit.

You can walk around the village and visit one or two windmills in such a short time as one hour and a half or spend a complete day if you would like to enter all the museums and look at them into detail.

The choice is yours and it depends how much time you have in The Netherlands.

HOW MUCH DOES ZAANSE SCHAANS COST?

You can walk around Zaanse Schans and watch the windmills from outside for free. If you would like to enter some windmills or the museums there is an entrance fee.

You can also purchase a Zaanse Schans card that includes a visit to the windmills and museums for 29,50 euros.

WHICH CITY IS ZAANSE SCHANS IN?

Zaanse Schans is located very close the Zaandam.