Zaanse Schans
Step back in time at Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch village with working windmills, traditional crafts, and picturesque scenery just minutes from Ams...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Zaanse Schans
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch village with working windmills, traditional crafts, and picturesque scenery just minutes from Amsterdam.
"A truly magical place that feels frozen in time, offering a perfect glimpse into Dutch heritage."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking a lot on cobblestone paths. Good footwear is essential for exploring the village comfortably.
Arrive early or late :clock1:
To avoid the biggest crowds and get the best photos, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Working Windmills
Throughout the village
Witness historic windmills still in operation, sawing wood or grinding spices. A true glimpse into Dutch industrial heritage.
Clog Workshop
Various workshops
See how traditional Dutch wooden shoes (clogs) are made by hand. A fascinating demonstration of craftsmanship.
Cheese Tasting
Cheese shops
Sample and purchase a variety of delicious Dutch cheeses. A must-do for any cheese lover visiting the Netherlands.
Historic Dutch Houses
Village streets
Wander through charming streets lined with traditional green-painted Dutch houses, offering picturesque views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking a lot on cobblestone paths. Good footwear is essential for exploring the village comfortably.
Arrive early or late :clock1:
To avoid the biggest crowds and get the best photos, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
Consider a weekday visit :calendar:
Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience than weekends, with fewer tourists.
Bring cash for toilets :moneybag:
Toilets are not free; be prepared with a small fee for access.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking a lot on cobblestone paths. Good footwear is essential for exploring the village comfortably.
Arrive early or late :clock1:
To avoid the biggest crowds and get the best photos, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
Consider a weekday visit :calendar:
Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience than weekends, with fewer tourists.
Bring cash for toilets :moneybag:
Toilets are not free; be prepared with a small fee for access.
Explore beyond the main path :camera_with_flash:
While busy, the village is photogenic. Be patient and explore different angles for unique shots.
Check windmill opening times :information_desk:
Some windmills have specific opening hours for interior visits and demonstrations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Zaanse Schans for its picturesque scenery, iconic windmills, and authentic Dutch charm. It's a highly photogenic spot offering a glimpse into traditional crafts like clog making and cheese production. While entry to the village is free, some find the costs for interior visits and snacks to be a bit high, and it can get crowded during peak times.
"Oh Windmills oh windmills where art thou? What a beautiful place! There are no free toilets, 2 locations at 1€ fee. Locals do live nearby using the road to cycle and drive so please be mindful and use the walking path. There are also plenty of birds to see too. Be prepared with good walking shoe’s. Can get super busy.. have patience since everyone is doing the same thing as you, stopping to take pics everywhere. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."
Lisa Young
"We arrived at the Zaandam Windmill around 5 pm after slow traffic, and the site was already closed. Luckily, we were still able to enter briefly and take photos for about 15 minutes. The windmill itself is striking, and the surrounding colorful houses and canals make the area incredibly photogenic. Even in that short time, you can really feel the Dutch heritage, and it’s a memorable spot for photography."
Zann Loo
"We visited Zaanse Schans with the family, and it was a visual treat! The windmills were stunning, especially from the top, where the views are breathtaking. Learning the intricate details of how the mills work was fascinating and my son was captivated by the mechanics and history. The vibrant, postcard-perfect scenery made every moment feel like stepping into a Dutch painting. A must-visit for a charming, educational, and eye-catching family adventure!"
Bala Vinayagam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zaanse Schans is easily accessible from Amsterdam by train or bus, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Trains depart frequently from Amsterdam Centraal station to Koog-Zaandijk or Zaandijk Zaanse Schans. Buses also run regularly. 
Yes, public transport is very convenient. Trains and buses offer a quick and direct route from Amsterdam, making it a popular and straightforward day trip.
While Uber is an option, it might be more expensive than public transport. Trains and buses are generally recommended for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The journey typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes by train or bus from Amsterdam Centraal.
Yes, after arriving at Koog-Zaandijk or Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, it's a pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes to reach the main village area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The village itself is free to enter and explore. However, there are charges for visiting the interiors of some windmills, museums, and workshops.
Entry to the village is free. Costs are incurred if you choose to enter specific attractions like windmills, museums, or participate in workshops.
Yes, walking around the village, admiring the exterior of the windmills, and enjoying the scenery are all free activities.
Yes, you can freely photograph the windmills from the outside. There are charges for entering and photographing inside certain attractions.
Tickets for individual attractions can usually be purchased on-site. Some visitors recommend the I amsterdam City Card for potential free access to certain workshops and museums.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the working windmills, the colorful Dutch houses, and the canals offer the most picturesque photo opportunities. Look for reflections in the water, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Absolutely! Zaanse Schans is incredibly photogenic with its iconic windmills, traditional architecture, and scenic landscapes. It's a dream for photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the 'golden hour,' provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Don't miss capturing the windmills with their reflections in the water, the charming details of the wooden houses, and the demonstrations at the workshops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find traditional Dutch snacks like herring or eel sandwiches, stroopwafels, and of course, a wide variety of Dutch cheeses. +1
There are several cafes and eateries offering local specialties. For a more extensive dining experience, you might consider returning to Amsterdam or nearby Zaandam. +1
Some visitors find that snacks and food items can be a bit pricey, especially pre-packaged options. Cheese tasting is a good way to sample without a large purchase.
While cheese and stroopwafels are vegetarian, options for full vegetarian meals might be limited. It's best to check menus at individual cafes.
Look for stalls or shops selling freshly made stroopwafels; the warm, gooey caramel is a delightful treat.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can explore working windmills, visit clog and cheese workshops, see traditional Dutch houses, and learn about local crafts and history.
Yes, it's highly recommended for its unique Dutch heritage, picturesque scenery, and the chance to see historic windmills in action. It offers a charming escape from the city.
A visit typically takes 2-4 hours to explore the main attractions and enjoy the atmosphere. You can spend longer if you wish to delve deeper into workshops or museums.
Yes, there are public toilets available, but they are not free. Be prepared to pay a small fee to use them.
Yes, many workshops offer live demonstrations of clog making, cheese production, and other traditional crafts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the village feels like stepping into a storybook, with charming houses and open spaces. Many visitors mention that their children were particularly engaged by the mechanics of the windmills and the chance to see traditional crafts. Pack snacks and be prepared for walking, but the educational and visual appeal makes it a memorable outing for all ages.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and creates beautiful reflections on the water. Weekday mornings also offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. Don't forget to capture the details of the windmills' mechanics and the vibrant scenes at the craft workshops.
+1Budget Travelers
While some attractions have fees, you can prioritize which ones you want to see. Focusing on the free aspects like exterior views of windmills, walking through the village, and perhaps one or two key demonstrations can still provide a fulfilling visit without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Windmills
Exploring the interior of a windmill offers a fascinating glimpse into the engineering and ingenuity of the past. Visitors can often climb to different levels to see the massive gears and sails up close. The views from the top of the windmills are also spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding polder landscape and the village itself. It's an experience that truly connects you with the historical significance of these structures.
While admiring the windmills from the outside is free, entering them usually requires a ticket. The cost is generally considered worthwhile for the educational and visual experience. Be sure to check the operating hours for specific windmills, as they can vary.
A Taste of Dutch Tradition
+1Another highlight is the cheese tasting. Several shops offer samples of various Dutch cheeses, from mild Gouda to more mature varieties. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover your favorite and perhaps purchase some to take home.
+1Beyond these main attractions, you can also find demonstrations of other traditional crafts, such as mustard making or wooden toy carving. Wandering through the village, you'll also encounter charming houses, bakeries selling fresh stroopwafels, and opportunities to sample local delicacies like herring or eel sandwiches.
Getting Around and Practicalities
+3 Once you arrive, the village is best explored on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the paths can be uneven and cobblestoned. While the village itself is free to enter, many of the attractions, including the interiors of windmills and museums, require an entrance fee. It's advisable to check the prices beforehand if you plan to visit multiple paid sites.
Despite its popularity, many visitors find that arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the peak crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit