Visiting Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans, located just 40 min by bus and 15 min by train (plus 15 min walk) is one of the typical Dutch experiences of the Netherlands. The houses date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. And it is full with wooden windmills, barns, houses and museums. It is built in a typical Dutch wooden architectural style and lots of houses are relocated here since 1961.
Take a walk through the stunning buildings and the unique peat meadow landscape. Come and watch traditional crafts such as clog- and cheese-making or visit the windmills and traditional buildings. Take a boat trip, dine in one of the restaurants or explore the shops and boutiques. Admission to the Zaanse Schans is free of charge, for some of the attractions you have to pay.
What to see and do
- Windmills
- See old Dutch houses
- Clogs making
- Cheese making
How to get there from Amsterdam
- By bus: Take bus 391 (40 min) from the Amsterdam Central Station
- By train: Travel to Koog-Zaandijk (17 min from Amsterdam Central Station) than walk to Zaanse Schans (15min)
- By car: Parking cost for a day ticket in 2015 is 9 euro.
Interesting links
For information about bus 391 – see here
For Public transport information (incl. train/bus times, prices and walking maps)
for travel directions and to walk around Zaanse Schans digitally – see here
Opening hours
You can visit Zaanse Schans all year round and offers a variety of things to see and do: windmills, shops, cafés and restaurants and traditional craft demonstrations. During high season (from April till November) almost everything is open 7 days a week from 10.00 – 17.00 hours. During low season and holidays some attractions may be closed. Check the website of the Zaanse Schans for accurate opening times
Tips for visiting
- Best time to travel: All year
- How long does it take to see Zaanse Schans: 2 – 4 hours
- Admission: Free for walking around Zaanse Schans – for entering the windmill or musea you might have to pay.
- Catering and public toilets available: Yes
- Disabled visitors: Special parking spaces are available for the disabled. You can also book a wheelchair from the Zaans Museum. is the only wheelchair-friendly windmill is Windmill “Het Jonge Schaap.”
- Live webcam.
Personal tips
I love to travel very early in the morning to Zaanse Schans before the Tour Busses are getting in. It is a lovely place for photographing windmills and old Dutch houses. There are lovely views over the meadows, the river (with the windmills) from the bridge and beautiful Dutch houses.
You can stay at Zaanse Schans in one of their Bed and Breakfasts or stay in Amsterdam.
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