Lykkers, if you're dreaming of a place where windmills slowly turn above green fields, and wooden shoes still echo on cobbled paths, then Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands is your perfect escape.
Located just 20 km northwest of Amsterdam, this quaint village combines the magic of the past with easy access from the city. Whether we love nature, culture, or photography, this place has something special waiting for us.
How to Get to Zaanse Schans
We have a few convenient options to reach this beautiful spot:
- By Train: Take the sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. The journey takes around 17 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the village.
- By Car: A 30-minute drive from Amsterdam with paid parking available near the entrance (around $12 per day).
- By Bike: For the adventurous, rent a bike in Amsterdam and follow scenic cycling routes—it’s a 60–90 minute ride through Dutch countryside.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
The village itself is free to enter, and it's open all year round, 24/7. But many attractions inside have their own schedules and fees:
- Windmills: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entry to each windmill is around €5–€6 ($5.50–$6.50).
- Clog Workshop: Free entrance and live demos throughout the day.
- Cheese Farm (Catharina Hoeve): Free entrance, open 10 AM–5 PM.
- Zaanse Schans Card (recommended if visiting multiple sites): €29.50 ($32) for adults, includes entry to windmills, museums, and discounts in shops.
Best Time to Visit
We’ll have the best experience during:
- Late Spring (May–June): Lush greenery, mild temperatures, and blooming flowers.
- Early Autumn (September): Fewer crowds, golden fields, and crisp air.
- Avoid peak summer weekends if possible—it can get very crowded.
Arriving early in the day (before 10 AM) also helps us enjoy the calm atmosphere and take better photos without large tour groups around.
Things to Do in Zaanse Schans
We can enjoy a lot more than just windmill watching:
- Climb inside working windmills like De Kat (paint mill) and De Zoeker (oil mill) to see how traditional machines still operate today.
- Join a cheese-tasting tour and learn how Dutch cheese is made at the Catharina Hoeve cheese farm.
- Watch clog-making demonstrations at the Wooden Shoe Workshop, where we can even try on a pair of traditional wooden clogs.
- Take a boat tour along the Zaan River to see the windmills from the water (about €10/$11 per adult for a 25-minute ride).
Ride Through the Village on Two Wheels
Cycling is not just a mode of transport here—it’s a key part of the experience. Bikes can be rented from shops near the station or in Amsterdam (About $11–$16 USD per day). The village and nearby countryside offer scenic cycling routes where we pass grazing cows, flower fields, and peaceful canals. It’s flat and beginner-friendly, so we can all enjoy the ride.
Where to Eat and What to Buy
- Local snacks: Don’t miss out on stroopwafels, Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken), and fresh cheeses.
- Shops: From handmade clogs to windmill-shaped souvenirs, everything here feels authentic and handmade.
- Restaurant tip: Try “De Kraai” pancake restaurant inside the village for traditional Dutch meals in a cozy setting.
Tips for an Amazing Visit
- Bring a raincoat: Dutch weather can be unpredictable—sunny one moment and drizzling the next.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Even if we try clogs for fun, walking paths are better with sneakers or hiking shoes.
- Photography tip: The golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) gives stunning light on the windmills.
- Plan at least 3–4 hours to explore at a relaxed pace.
Let’s Make Windmill Memories Together!
Lykkers, Zaanse Schans is more than just a tourist spot—it’s a living museum, a peaceful countryside retreat, and a window into Dutch heritage. We can ride bikes under the open sky, watch artisans craft clogs by hand, and taste freshly made cheese—all experiences that feel straight out of a fairytale. So let’s not just scroll past windmills in photos—let’s go and stand right beside them. Who’s ready to ride through history with us?
Zaanse Schans Netherlands Travel Guide: 13 BEST Things To Do In Zaanse Schans
By Taylor & Jordan Travel
