From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans – The Perfect Day Trip

From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is a perfect day trip. The village is one of the most beautiful places you can see when visiting the Netherlands. And it’s not just the endless green fields and perfect blue skies or even Zaanse itself – it’s the atmosphere that you’ll fall in love with!

This quaint village is located just north of Amsterdam and is full of old–world charm. I was immediately taken with the small windmills, colorful houses, and historic buildings. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history of the Netherlands. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend taking the time to visit this charming village, especially if you’re exploring things to do in Amsterdam in September. You won’t regret it!

How to Go from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

When you’re planning your visit to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam, make sure to check the opening hours first.

You can take a bus from Amsterdam Central Station (it takes about 40 minutes) directly to Zaanse Schans. Another option is to take the train from the same station and go down at Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans (it takes about 17 minutes) and then walk about 15 minutes to Zaanse Schans.

You can also book a half-day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans – it’s super cheap (only like 30 EUR!), so it’s absolutely worth it to avoid the hassle.

The Windmills in Zaanse Schans

​Contrary to popular belief, the the windmill was not invented by the Dutch. It was actually invented by a Greek living in Egypt very long ago – around the 1st century. Much later – in the 18th and 19th century the windmills became very popular in Europe, and especially the Netherlands.

The Zaan region used to be a home to over 600 active windmills once upon a time! Right now, there are only 10 windmills left that are operating – grinding spices, colorings and oil.

One of the best parts is that you can actually climb inside most of the windmills! You would only need to pay 4 euros as an entrance fee to a windmill in Zaanse Schans. But make sure to wear comfy shoes, since you are actually climbing steep internal ladders, which would be quite hard with flip-flops. Moreover, going down is probably more of an adventure than going up. However, once you’re up on the mill, you’re in for a treat – the views are just breathtaking!

Wooden Houses in Zaanse Schans

The original Dutch wooden houses are one of the best attractions which I can’t miss in this Zaanse Schans guide! The curious thing about them is that they weren’t actually built there. Rather, they were BROUGHT there! One entrepreneur was so fascinated by them that he decided to collect them all in Zaanse. I know that some of them have been moved by boats but it’s still very hard to imagine moving an actual house!

The Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm in Zaanse Schans

If you’ve taken a guided tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, you’d be lucky to know that you get to see a cheese demonstration (and tastig!). Learn about how cheese is made, as well as its different types, from a couple of lovely Dutch ladies. And then buy some cheese in the shop. DEFINITELY buy some cheese in the shop!

Clog Workshop of Zaanse Schans

Again, if you’ve taken a guided tour from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, you’ll be able to see a demonstration of how clogs are made! The demo is only available for groups and it is a MUST! It was incredibly interesting, especially the end (no spoilers, though! I want you to be as fascinated as I was!!)

Bike Tour Around Zaanse Schans

If you love the windmills and you enjoy the outdoors – there is no better way to explore the Zaanstreek region and the windmills than by bike! You can visit all 10 windmills on a 3-hour bike tour while (hopefully) enjoying a nice sunny weather. If you’re not in the mood for a bike – there is always a bus tour. But I’m sure it wouldn’t even be half the fun than to cycle along Zaanse Schans!

There are actually even a few boat tours available, which would be perfect if you are pressed for time and wouldn’t be able to do a bike tour in Zaanse Schans.

Looking to book some day trips from Amsterdam? Here are a few ideas: Marken, Volendam & Edam , Small Group Full Day Trip to Giethoorn , Haarlem & its Windmill, 12-Hour Guided Day Trip to Bruges.

Museums in Zaanse Schans

While you wouldn’t think Zaanse Schans would be a place housing awesome museums – it actually does have a few amazing places you can visit! Here is a list of all museums you can visit in this cute little village:

Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience

This is an interactive experience (especially if you’re like me and you LOVE pressing buttons!) inside an authentic operating factory for biscuits and chocolate! What a yummy place.
Entrance fee: 10 EUR

Albert Heijn Museum Shop

A hundred years before I was born, in 1887, Albert Heijn started maintaining their family grocery shop and thus began the history of the largest supermarket chain in Holland! The shop in the front of this museum at Zaanse Schans is the actual shop where the supermarket’s story began 🙂

Bakery Museum de Gecroonde Duyvekater

Witness how the famous Zaanse sweet bread, Duivekater, is prepared and try some!

The Zaanse Time Museum

Upon entering this Zaanse Schans museum, you will be greeted by lots of clock chimes striking the hour. Explore some very old pendulum clocks and immerse yourself in the 17th century!
Entrance fee: 10 EUR

Honig Breethuis

Visit this authentic house of the famous merchant family – Honig!
Entrance fee: 4 EUR

Jisper House

Have you ever wished you could take a photo with a Dutch traditional costume?? Then you’re in the right place! I don’t think there is a better way to fully immerse yourself in Dutch culture than wearing an 1850s costume in Zaanse Schans <3

Windmill Museum

It’s kind of hard to see the full beauty of the Zaanse Schans windmills up close. Thus, visit this cool museum with scaled models of windmills!
Entrance fee: 4.50 EUR

Looking to explore more of Amsterdam itself? Check out this awesome post about the most fun things to do in Amsterdam!

Pro Tip

If you’re spending a whole day in Zaanse Schans (highly recommended!!) you can get the Zaanse Schans Card for 15 EUR. You’ll get free entrance to a few different museums as well as discounts in some of the shops!

So what do you think? Isn’t Zaanse Schans the perfect magical day trip from Amsterdam?