Step into a postcard–perfect Dutch village where time seems to stand still. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic destinations — known for its working windmills, wooden houses, traditional crafts, and museums.
- What is the Zaanse Schans?
- What to see & do at the Zaanse Schans
- Map of Zaanse Schans
- Do I need a ticket for Zaanse Schans?
- Best sightseeing tours to explore the area
- How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
- Opening hours Zaanse Schans
- Hotels near Zaanse Schans?
- Webcam Zaanse Schans
- FAQs De Zaanse Schans
- Address Zaanse Schans
What is the Zaanse Schans?
The Zaanse Schans is a historic village where Dutch heritage comes to life — and it’s free to walk around. Located just north of Amsterdam, it offers a rare opportunity to experience 18th- and 19th-century life in the Netherlands. Stroll along the river Zaan, enjoy green meadows, and visit charming wooden houses, working windmills, and traditional workshops.
While entry to the village is free, tickets are required to visit museums and go inside windmills. For the full experience, we recommend the Zaanse Schans All-in Ticket, which gives you access to all paid attractions.
What to see & do at the Zaanse Schans
From artisan crafts and chocolate history to powerful windmills and riverfront views — here’s what not to miss:
Museums & Heritage Houses (Ticket Required)
- Zaans Museum & Verkade Pavilion – Learn about the region’s industrial past and explore a historic chocolate and biscuit factory.
- Museum “Zaanse Tijd” – All about timepieces and clocks from the Zaan region.
- Windmill Museum “De Zaansche Molen” – Dive into the history of wind-powered industry.
Windmills (Ticket Required)
Step inside these iconic Dutch machines:
- De Kat – The only remaining working dye mill in the world.
- De Zoeker & De Bonte Hen – Traditional oil mills.
- Het Jonge Schaap – A fully functional sawmill.
- De Huisman – A spice mill with amazing aromas.
All these Museums & windmills are included in the All-in Ticket.
Traditional Crafts (Free Access)
- Cheese Farm “Catharina Hoeve” – Taste and learn how Dutch cheese is made.
- Wooden Shoe Workshop – Watch live clog-making demonstrations.
- Pewter Foundry “De Tinkoepel” – See how pewter is cast and engraved.
- Craft Center “De Saense Lelie” – Discover handmade souvenirs and textiles.
Local Shops & Souvenirs
- Albert Heijn Museum Shop – Step inside a historic Dutch grocery store.
- “Blik op de Zaan” – Peanut butter and cocoa-inspired gifts.
- Photography shop, windmill souvenirs, and artisan boutiques – Great for gifts and memories.
Food & Drink
- Pancake restaurant “De Kraai” – Perfect for families and groups.
- Restaurant “De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis” – Dutch cuisine with a view.
- Distillery “De Tweekoppige Phoenix” – Taste locally made spirits.
Walking Trail
- Laarzenpad Nature Trail – A peaceful footpath through Dutch countryside.
Map of Zaanse Schans
Want to plan your route? Use the map on site or view the full map at the entrance. Key attractions and walking paths are clearly marked, and many are located along the river for easy navigation.
Do I need a ticket for Zaanse Schans?
Many visitors wonder: Is the Zaanse Schans free to visit? The answer is yes — you don’t need a ticket to enter the village or walk along the river and scenic streets. However, to visit the famous windmills, museums, and traditional workshops, you’ll need an entrance ticket.
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend the Zaanse Schans All-in Ticket. This convenient pass gives you access to all the must-see paid attractions — ideal for a complete cultural experience without waiting in line.
Check availability and current price below
Best sightseeing tours to explore the area
Exploring the Zaanse Schans and its beautiful surroundings is a highlight of any trip to the Dutch countryside. While walking is great, joining a sightseeing tour by bike or cruise with a local guide offers a deeper look into the history, nature, and culture of the Zaan region.
The area around the Zaanse Schans is rich in scenic landscapes, historic villages, and hidden gems — perfect for a guided adventure.
Recommended experience:
| Zaanse Schans Sightseeing Tours | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Zaanse Schans Bike Tour – Duration: 2h 30min – With local guide | € 50.00 | Book now |
| Zaanse Schans Windmill Cruise – Duration: 25min – With local guide / captain | € 11.50 | Book now |
Book your Zaanse Schans sightseeing tour in advance, especially in spring and summer when it gets busy.
How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Planning a day trip from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans? This iconic windmill village is only 20 km north of the city and easily accessible by train, tour, or car. Whether you want to travel independently or enjoy a fully guided experience, there’s an option to suit every type of traveler.
By Train – Fast, Flexible & Affordable
The most common way to reach the Zaanse Schans is by train. Direct NS trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans in just 17 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to the windmills and museums.
You can choose from two ticket options:
| Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans Train Ticket | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| One way train ticket to/from Zaanse Schans | € 5.20 | Book now |
| Amsterdam Region & Travel Ticket – unlimited travel for 1, 2 or 3 days – train, metro, tram, bus & ferry – in and around Amsterdam | from € 21.00 | More info |
By Guided Tour – Comfortable, Hassle-Free & Packed with Highlights
Looking for maximum comfort and convenience? Choose a guided tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans. Travel by luxury coach with air conditioning and enjoy insights from a knowledgeable local guide. These sightseeing tours are perfect if you’re short on time and want to experience more of the Dutch countryside in one day.
There are several tour options available:
By Car – Easy access & on-site parking
Prefer to drive yourself? Getting to Zaanse Schans by car takes about 25–30 minutes from central Amsterdam. It’s a flexible choice, especially for families or visitors exploring the Dutch countryside at their own pace.
Navigation address for GPS:
- Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands
A large paid parking lot is located near the entrance. From there, it’s just a short walk to the main attractions. Arrive early to avoid queues and ensure a parking spot — especially during spring and summer weekends.
| Parking Zaanse Schans day ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Passenger car | € 15.00 |
| Touring coaches | € 35.00 / € 45.00 / € 55.00 depending on the season |
Opening hours Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is open every day of the year, and you can walk through the village and along the river 24/7, completely free of charge. However, the museums, windmills, and craft workshops have specific opening hours that vary slightly by season.
General opening hours for paid attractions:
- Windmills: daily from 09:00 to 17:00
- Zaans Museum & Verkade Pavilion: daily from 10:00 to 17:00
- Clog Workshop, Cheese Farm & other craft demonstrations: usually from 09:00 or 10:00 to 17:00
For fewer crowds and the best photo light, visit in the morning between 09:00 and 11:00, especially in spring and summer.
Opening times may vary slightly during holidays and winter months. Always check the individual websites or confirm at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Hotels near Zaanse Schans?
In and around the Zaanse Schans, many (small-scale) hotels and B&Bs can be found. Check the current availability at our partner Booking.com
Booking.comWebcam Zaanse Schans
Curious what the Zaanse Schans looks like right now? Check out the live webcam for real-time views of the windmills, river, and village atmosphere.
FAQs De Zaanse Schans
You will walk through the Zaanse Schans Village in about 2 hours. If you also want to visit museums and/or windmills, a visit will take between 4 and 6 hours.
In the village of the Zaanse Schans there are 10 windmills, each with its own function. Many of the mills can be visited (for an entrance fee). In the windmills you will learn all about how the Dutch used to use the power of the windmills for various Dutch crafts.
Address Zaanse Schans
- Zaanse Schans
- Schansend 7
- 1509AW Zaandam
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