Zaanse Schans is one of the most picturesque villages in the Netherlands. Located close to Zaandam, this idyllic village is known for historic, huge windmills.
The name ‘Zaanse Schans’ is derived from the river Zaan and ‘sconse’ (small fortification used on artillery) against the Spanish army during the Dutch War of Independence (1568 – 1648).
Zaanse Schans is a tourist attraction not only because of its museums and the postcard picturesque beauty but also due to its closeness to Amsterdam.
How to go to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by Train
By train, it just takes 17 minutes to directly reach from Amsterdam Central to Zaanse Schans directly and 31 minutes, if there is a transfer involved.
If you go directly, all you have to take is a Sprinter train in the direction of Uitgeest and get down at Zaanse Schans station. The frequency of trains is also very good, considering there is a train every 15 minutes.
The total journey fare for a second-class ticket is 3.40 euros and for the 1st class, it is 5.50 euros per person. Please check the app 9292 for the exact cost when you travel.
If you are taking the transfer option, then take an intercity train from Amsterdam Central to Sloterdijk (duration 5 minutes) and then from here, take a train to Zaandam (duration 6 minutes).
Walk for 5 minutes and reach the Zaandam Bushalte (bus stop) and take a 69 number bus to Zaandijk bus stop, Zaanse Schans (duration 6 minutes).
Walk for a minute and you arrive at Zaanse Schans. The ticket prices here, are marginally higher than the direct train. Please check the 9292 app when you travel, for exact prices.
Once you alight from Zaanse Schans station, you have to cross the road and walk for ten minutes to the area of windmills. You may not mind the walk because the panoramic views of the windmills and Zaan River are visually attractive.
How to get to Zaanse Schans by Bus
You can also take a bus from Amsterdam Central to Zaanse Schans with Connexxion Bus number 391. Bus ply 4 times per hour to Zaanse Schans, the final stop.
In summer, and during some vacations, the direct bus 391 connects Amsterdam station and Zaanse Schans in 40 minutes. Also called Industrial Heritage Line, it leaves from Platform L at Amsterdam Centraal Station.
At certain times, especially in the summer, you can also find Bus number 891 which moves from Amsterdam Station and reaches Zaanse Schans in 20 minutes.
Things to do in Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is one of the oldest industrial centers in Europe. Known as a place of windmills, during the 17th and 18th centuries, there were as many 600 windmills active in the area. Now only 10 of them are working, functional for oil, colorings, and spices.
There is a fair bit of walking to do and no one would mind it, because the scenic beauty of the place beats the best of them. The highlights of Zaanse Schans include the lovely lakes, the windmills, sheep, swans, and the natural, inimitable beauty.
A fair amount of time is spent ooh-aahing about the place as you scramble for a million photos! You can also rent a bike and enjoy your excursion through this natural wonder.
Once you are in the town, you realize that the Netherlands has a lot to offer than just Amsterdam.
Zaanse Schans is picturesque with beautiful Dutch houses, windmills, bridges, lovely looking lakes, a cheese-making factory, a clog factory, a museum among the flora and fauna.
Zaanse Schans Windmills
Visit a working windmill in Zaanse Schans is something that goes without saying – after all, you are in the little fairy town of windmills!
In the 17th century, people who had made fortunes from fishing reinvested their money and built windmills that were capable of producing everything from barley, tobacco, hemp to wood, and oils.
As of now, there are only 6 working windmills, 2 sawmills, 2 oil mills, 1 spice mill, and 1 dye mill (apparently, it is also the world’s last functional dye mill).
There are the 6 windmills
De Kat – Paint and Dye Mill
De Gekroonde Poelenburg – saw mill
Het Jonge Schaap – saw mill
De Huisman – spice mill
De Bonte Hen – oil mill
De Zoeker – oil mill
If you have to visit one windmill, go for the De Kat Mill, the dye and paint mill, which was first built in 1664 before being razed down, and rebuilt again in 1782.
The function of this mill is to grind raw material and turn it into pigments, used for painting.
When you go to the ground floor, you will find big grindstones that crush the chalk (limestone). The cogs turn, grinding the materials in the process. From the second level, you can check these cogs pushing the wind energy to the grindstone.
You will find that the entire building nearly shakes with all the milling and grinding. You will find yourself raving about the strength of the windmill which has kept it in good stead even in current times.
Don’t be surprised if when you enter the mill, the entire building vibrates with the milling. The primal strength of the building is also the reason that the mill has been in existence for such a long time.
The cost of visiting De Kat windmill is 4 euros per person, but if you have the iAmsterdam Card, it is free of cost.
If you want to feel adventurous, you can climb up to the top along a steep staircase and check out the panoramic views of the stunning landscape below.
Zaanse Schans Clog Workshop Shoe Factory (Klompenmakerji)
Dutch clogs or shoes with tough wooden soles are given a nod by the European Union as the most protective shoes of its kind, because of its ability to resist sharp objects and acids.
They have been worn traditionally by farmers, and old tradesmen, and gardeners. These clogs are made by hand by skilled workers.
Every artisan is capable enough to make 7 to 8 pairs of clogs per day. Clogs are now popularly made by machines but as you can see in the workshop, there are people who still make sturdy clogs by hand.
The wood used made for making these clogs are by poplar or willow. At Zaanse Schans Clog Workshop, there is a huge demand for these shows by tourists.
You will see live demonstrations every 10 minutes in English and Dutch by the staff showing how clogs are made through a combination of machines and hand.
There are clogs of all shapes and sizes, and every imaginable color in a price range from 20 euros to 160 euros.
Also do not miss the giant clogs outside the workshop, a perfect place for photo-ops.
Cheese Tasting at Zaanse Schans, at Catharina Hoeve
Cheese lovers! Unite and head to the 17th century Catharina Hoeve farm for an astounding variety of 15-18 types of cheese on display for you to taste and buy.
Apart from Gouda cheese (mild yellow traditional Dutch cheese made from cow’s milk) and its varieties, there are sheep cheese, goat cheese, and their delicious varieties of cheese.
Since the prices are reasonable and the taste is great, you can expect a huge turnout of people. The cheese farm is owned by a brand called Henri Willig, which is also the biggest distributor of cheese in Amsterdam.
The cheese farm is opened from 8 AM to 5 PM (check timings before you visit)
Eat at De Kraai Pancake Restaurant
You can order king-sized Dutch pancakes based on various flavors and toppings at a reasonable cost. The hot chocolate that they serve (available on a self-serve basis) is also delicious.
Visit Albert Heijn Museum
If you are in Amsterdam or anywhere in the Netherlands, it is commonplace to see Albert Heijn, the popular indigenous Dutch supermarket chain.
Guess what! This is where the success story started. This little store turned museum turned store, is the first shop of the big brand.
You will see old coffee storage tins and grinders, dating back to 1887 when it all started. It is closed on Monday but is open on other days from 10.30 Am to 4.30 PM.
Cocoa Lab (Cacao Lab)
This little shop gives you insights on how to make your own piece of chocolate apart from helping you choose from 130 different types of chocolate bars.
Chocolate is available in every flavor and form from tea and sauces to ice-creams, biscuits, and bars. You can also make your own chocolate here by buying milk for 2 euros and adding in their cocoa powder.
Apart from the choco treats, you can also buy some high-quality cocoa powder if you want to make hot chocolate and other assorted choco dishes. Is that your mouth watering?
Bakery Museum
Like all museums in Zaanse Schans which actually lead to products to sell (not that people complain because the products are really good), the Bakery Museum invites you in with the fresh aroma of baking goodies.
This old bakery which dates back to 1658 sells delicious pastries, bread, cakes, and candy.
Do not forget to try the local favorite -Duivekater, lightly sweet bread enriched with butter and milk, exuding an inviting lemon zest aroma.
Zaans Museum
This is a historical museum that contains everything related to the glory of Zaanse Schans, from painting to ship models. Also, visit the Verkade factory known to be the producers of the popular Verkade biscuits and chocolates.
Exploring Zaanse Schans by Boat
You will find a lot of companies offering boat tours. You can make use of the koeienboot (cow ship) for 8 euros (check the price with the operator) which was once used to shift cattle across the river.
The guide on the boat can regale you with many stories of the past as you cruise along the Zaan River.
Alternatively, you can opt for Windmill Cruises, which are available every half an hour from 11 AM to 4.30 PM. You will be in a glass-topped boat and sail for 45 minutes along the river Zaan as you take in the beauty of those towering windmills.
The price is around 10 euros for adults, with an approximate half-rate for children. Book your Windmill cruise here.
Best time to visit Zaanse Schans
It is recommended to go post-August, when the crowds are lesser than usual.
If you go too late in winters, the place looks enchanting, the crowds are less but many shops close early by 5.30 PM and darkness sets by 4 or 4.30 PM.
The summer, of course, has no such restrictions, but the crowds may be more.
How much time can you spend in Zaanse Schans
We recommend starting early so that you can spend more time here. Since it is close to Amsterdam Central, arriving by train is easy.
It is recommended to take this place slowly and spend at least half a day here.
Is Zaanse Schans free to visit?
Yes, apart from the train ticket to Zaanse Schans, you are not obliged to pay for anything. But expect some shopping to be done, because the products (especially the clogs and cheese) are of high quality for a good price.
Entry to the windmill is an approximate 3 to 4 euros.
You can also try the Zaanse Schans Card which is available for 15 euros. This gives free entry to the Zaans Museum, free admission to various windmills, a sizeable discount on windmill cruises, and a percentage discount for shopping and at restaurants.
Also use, the Zaanse Schans app for more information.
Zaanse Schans – Pictures
Treat your eyes to the visual beauty of this fantastic pearl of Netherlands.
Guided Tours to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken
You can also take advantage of plush excursion tours to Zaanse Schans and also combine it with nearby scenic locales like Marken, Volendam and Edam. Here are some value for money deals for combination tours including Zaanse Schans.
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