Our trip was about to end, and after a well-rested night, we were all set to explore Zaanse Schans on our final day. We purposely kept this visit for the last day so that we could return to our hotel, finish packing, and head to the airport afterward.
About Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a picturesque Dutch village near Amsterdam in the North Holland province. Known for its well-preserved historic windmills, traditional wooden houses, and charming workshops, the village offers a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Dutch life. Visitors can explore working windmills and witness artisan crafts like cheese-making, and clog-making to name a few. The village also features museums, quaint shops, and scenic walking paths along the Zaan River, making it a popular cultural and historical exploration destination. It’s a must-visit for those interested in traditional Dutch heritage and stunning landscapes.
We first learned about this unique destination from a friend who is interested in culture. After researching, we were stunned by the spectacular views and windmills and decided to add it to our itinerary.
How to Reach Zaanse Schans
There are multiple ways to reach Zaanse Schans, making it easily accessible from Amsterdam:
- Organized Tours – Book through platforms like Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide. These tours typically offer half-day or full-day options.
- Bus – Take Bus No. 391 from Amsterdam Central Station, which goes directly to Zaanse Schans. In summer, an express service (Bus No. 891) is also available.
- Private Tour – Book a private tour for a more personalized experience.
- Train – Travel by train from Amsterdam Central to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station.
- Bicycle – Rent a bicycle and enjoy a scenic ride to the village.
Since we were staying in Hoofddorp, we took a Sprinter train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk and then caught another train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans.
Upon arriving at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, we immediately spotted a convenient map and clear directions guiding us to the village. The picturesque 20-minute walk took us across a charming bridge spanning the Zaan River, offering breathtaking views of historic windmills and charming, uniform houses. Adding to the sensory experience, the rich, inviting aroma of roasted cacao beans wafted from the nearby deZaan cacao factory, making the journey even more delightful. Along the way, we paused to watch the drawbridge in action as it opened to allow large ships to pass—a fascinating mechanical spectacle that added a touch of excitement to our leisurely stroll.
Our Experience at Zaanse Schans
Upon reaching Zaanse Schans, we visited the Cheese Factory, and the Clog Museum, and later explored the windmills. Although there is a history museum, we didn’t visit it due to time constraints. The village has transformed many of its houses into small museums and cafes, adding to its charm. We also enjoyed feeding ducks and birds that roam freely around the area.
Cheese Museum
The Cheese Museum showcases the traditional Dutch cheese-making process. Visitors can watch demonstrations of how famous Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam are made. The museum offers tasting sessions for various cheeses, from classic varieties to unique flavors like herb-infused and smoked cheeses.
We purchased pesto-flavored cheese and sampled several other types. Since we are vegetarians, we checked the ingredients thoroughly before making any purchases.
The Clog Museum (Wooden Shoe Workshop)
The Clog Museum, also known as Klompenmakerij, exhibits the history and art of clog-making, a traditional Dutch craft. Visitors can see live demonstrations of how clogs are carved from wood and learn about their cultural significance. The museum houses an impressive collection of decorated and rare clogs, including some quirky modern designs. The collection includes clogs for weekends, work, and regional. Entry to the Clog Museum is free.
Fun Fact: Historically, farmers and laborers wore clogs because they are durable and easy to clean.
The Windmills
The village is home to several working windmills, each serving a different purpose, such as sawmills, oil mills, and dye mills. Visitors can enter some windmills to learn about their history and functions. The windmills played a crucial role in Dutch industrial development, powering various industries like wood cutting, paper making, and oil production.
Although we admired the windmills from the outside, we didn’t visit the interiors due to time constraints.
Notable Windmills:
- De Kat – Dye mill
- De Zoeker – Oil mill
- Het Jonge Schaap – Sawmill
Zaanse Time Museum (Zaans Museum)
The Zaans Museum presents the history of the Zaan region, showcasing the industrial heritage, traditional costumes, and local crafts. The museum also has an interactive section for kids, making it a family-friendly destination. There is a focus on the rise of Dutch industries and everyday life in the Zaan region during different periods.
We didn’t get a chance to visit this museum, but it’s highly recommended for history enthusiasts.
Souvenirs and Snacks
Zaanse Schans has multiple souvenir shops where visitors can buy traditional Dutch items like clogs, cheese, and souvenirs. All details about the attractions and shops are available on the Zaanse Schans website.
During our visit, we enjoyed some stroopwafels, hot chocolate, and a few more snacks from the local cafes.
Wrapping Up Our Visit
Initially, we had planned to make a short visit to Zaandam, but due to time constraints, we had to drop the idea. After spending almost 3.5 hours at Zaanse Schans, we returned to our hotel, had some ready-to-cook food, finished packing, and left for the airport by 3 PM.
Our visit to Zaanse Schans was a memorable experience, filled with cultural insights, scenic views, and unique crafts. It was the perfect way to end our trip, leaving us with beautiful memories of Dutch heritage and tradition.
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Amsterdam.
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