Day Trip to Zaanse Schans windmill village
When it comes to iconic symbols of the Netherlands, the most quintessential one is the windmill! While beautiful, Dutch windmills actually served a purpose. They were used to pump water to drain the land and to grind grain and saw wood. If you are looking for the best place to see windmills and learn about their history, consider visiting Zaanse Schans, just minutes from Amsterdam!
History of Zaanse Schans
The Zaan region has a 400-year history as an industrial powerhouse.
It was a prominent timber port and influential shipbuilding site where people specializing in woodworking, weaving, and blacksmithing came to live and work in the village.
At its heyday, there were more than 600 windmills. Today, only one of the original windmills still stands, De Bonte Hen.
All the other windmills and buildings in the village as they stand today were relocated from other places in the Netherlands to Zaanase Schans as part of an initiative to save the Zaan-style timber buildings.
Zaanase Schans Windmill Village
Zaanase Schans is a real working village, not just an outdoor museum.
The people who reside here are committed to living in such a way that preserves the history of the Dutch Golden Age.
When you visit, you will have the chance to walk back in time and see how people lived.
At Zaanse Schans, you will find a town filled with shops, restaurants, craft centers, and museums that you can explore for free.
The number of windmills that surround this village is amazing.
If you are looking for an Instagrammable moment, you will find many!
Take time to notice the different gable-style roofs on the buildings. They range from simple (16th century) to more elaborate (late18th century).
The building at Kalverringdijk 7 (built 1650) is one you won’t want to miss, as it is the only home in Zaanse Schans with three stories.
Along with viewing the windmills and historic homes, take time to learn the art of cheese making by visiting Cheese Farm ‘De Catharina Hoeve.’
They host daily cheese-making demonstrations and offer samples of Edam, Gouda, and some goat & sheep cheese varieties.
You can also purchase freshly made cheese to take with you!
There are several unique shops to browse, offering a wide selection of souvenirs.
If you’re hungry, there are several places to grab a bite to eat, sip some locally brewed liqueurs, or enjoy a hot coffee (or hot chocolate).
Before You Go
In order to make the most of your time, there are a few things you should know.
Zaanse Schans is FREE, but if you want to go inside some of the windmills and museums, you will need to pay.
Weather can change at any moment in the Netherlands, and most of what you will be doing is outdoors.
Wear good walking shoes and carry an umbrella.
There are several places to eat or to grab a beverage, so no need to bring your own food.
You can download a map (in English) before you go so that you know all the important features of this park.
How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Getting to Zaanse Schans is very easy. If you have a car, there is a small car park (€15.00); otherwise, taking a train or bus takes less than 30 minutes!
From Amsterdam Central Station, take bus routes 800 or 801. These run every 15-30 minutes. Ride time is under 25 minutes.
The nearest railway station is Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans. From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans. The walk from the train station to the windmill park is about 15 minutes.
There are also private tours that will take you to Zaanse Schans if you prefer a more guided visit.
