Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

Zaanse Schans

Working windmills and green wooden houses along the river Zaan.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Zaanse Schans

Day 1

  1. MorningArrive before 9 am and walk along the windmills on the river Zaan before the tour buses.
  2. AfternoonClimb inside a working mill like De Kat, the paint mill, then visit the cheese farm and clog workshop.
  3. EveningTake the train back to Amsterdam, or walk through the old Zaandam centre with its stacked green houses.

Day 2

Visit Edam and Volendam, or cycle through the polders of Waterland.

What to eat

Dutch cheese and poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes with butter and powdered sugar.

Local tips

Make the most of Zaanse Schans

Beat the crowds

Tour buses arrive mid-morning. Come early or late in the afternoon for quieter windmills.

Best photo spot

The windmills along the river Zaan from the opposite bank or from the bridge at sunset.

Getting there

Trains from Amsterdam take about 20 minutes to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then a short walk.

Don't miss nearby

The town of Zaandam, with the colourful stacked-house hotel near the station.

Good to know

Walking around is free; some windmills and museums charge entry. Check which windmills are open on your day.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Zaanse Schans

Our most hidden places around Zaanse Schans: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Zaanse Schans to take with you.

31 km away
41 km away
75 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Zaanse Schans

Getting there

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)19 km away
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)65 km away
  • Amsterdam13 km away
  • Haarlem15 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypePopular town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Nature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryNetherlands

Questions

Zaanse Schans: good to know

Is Zaanse Schans worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and nature. Working windmills and green wooden houses along the river Zaan.

How many days do you need in Zaanse Schans?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Zaanse Schans?

You can visit all year. Tour buses arrive mid-morning. Come early or late in the afternoon for quieter windmills.

How do you get to Zaanse Schans?

The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), about 19 km away. Trains from Amsterdam take about 20 minutes to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then a short walk.

What is there to see near Zaanse Schans?

Nearby hidden places include Amsterdam (13 km), Haarlem (15 km) and Edam & Volendam (16 km).

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