Zaanse Schans: What to Expect
If you’re looking for windmills close to Amsterdam, a quick visit to Zaanse Schans can bring you to windmills and historic Dutch homes. The neighborhood of Zaanse Schans houses exhibits and engaging activities to introduce Dutch history. Continue reading to learn how to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam and the activities you can do during your visit.
What is Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a historical park with shops and museums. The area is organized like a neighborhood that is easily walkable with canals that run between the buildings. The area was designed to resemble a Dutch town in the mid-19th century during the beginning of the industrial revolution. You can read more about the history of Zaanse Schans on the official website.
Getting There
Zaanse Schans is a 13-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station followed by an approx. 15-minute walk. The train runs from Amsterdam Central to the town of Zaandam with departures throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks at the train station. You can check the official public transportation website here for more information.
The train stop is near a chocolate factory and I arrived in the town with the sweet smell of chocolate in the air. I wasn’t sure of exactly where to go, but I followed the crowds and used a map of the area that I had downloaded onto my phone in advance (due to no service plan on my cell). After walking for about 10 minutes I started to see shops and restaurants, and the famous windmills off in the distance.
Activities in Zaanse Schans
Most attractions in Zaanse Schans are open from 8-5. You can check here for the attractions that will be offered on specific dates. Attractions have different pricing, and Zaanse Schans offers a Card that can be purchased for entry into museums and used for discounts at shops.
Museums
There are multiple small museums through Zaanse Schans. These include an authentic bakery, a fisherman’s cottage, and a merchant’s home. You can visit a biscuit & chocolate factory and experience the 19th-century supermarket. Here’s a link for more about the museums.
I really enjoyed the Clog Museum. Although it’s on the small size, It was fun to learn about the history of wearing clogs and see the styles worn through the centuries. We also got to see a clog workshop and ventured through the connected gift shop. there is no admission fee for the Clog Museum, so if you’re just stopping by, it’s worth checking out.
Zaanse Schans by Boat
Besides taking a train, you can also get to Zaanse Schans by taking the Zaanferry. The mini cruise takes about 2 hours and offers views of the mills along the River Zaan. You can find out more about the Zanferry here.
Shorter cruises and ferry rides are offered through Zaanse Schans. The popular windmill cruise provides a guided tour covering the history of windmills and their significance to the Netherlands. There is also a small ferry that provides transit across the river. More information can be found here about boat rides and guided boat tours offered near Zaanse Schans.
Bike Rentals
Bikes are available to rent at Zaanse Schans for cycling on the nearby bike paths. The popular routes include an 8 km route or a 30 km route through the historic industrial areas, shops, and nature paths. You can download a map for Cycling Routes near Zaanse Schans or check out additional information about bike rentals here.
Food
Zaanse Schans has its own restaurants including Restaurant De Kraai, which serves giant Dutch pancakes along with soups and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a beer and view of the river, Restaurant De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis is a great option. You can also check out some of the popular local cheap eats here.
Planning Your Visit
Zaanse Schans is a tourist destination, but it’s filled with Dutch history and activities that cater to all types of visitors. It’s worth it to explore the area during your first time in the Netherlands. I didn’t do even half of the activities available in Zaanse Schans. Just walking around the shops and village was enough to keep me entertained.
I recommend dedicating half a day or less to Zaanse Schans and using the rest of the day to explore Amsterdam in the evening. I also enjoyed visiting Zaanse Schans at the beginning of my visit and checking out famous cheese towns outside of Amsterdam later in the week.
With its Dutch houses and quaint canals, Zaanse Schans captures Dutch history in a village that’s easy to enjoy. If you’ve been to Zaanse Schans, please share your experience in the comments.
If you’re looking for more things to do near Amsterdam, check out our post on visiting Keukenhof Gardens.
