If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want to step back in time, a half-day trip to Zaanse Schans is the perfect escape from the city. Just a short bus ride away, this open-air museum village is full of historic Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts.
Getting There
We hopped on the bus from Amsterdam Centraal Station and in about 40 minutes were stepping into what felt like another world. The ride is simple, inexpensive, and drops you right at the entrance to the village—no car needed.
What to See and Do
🌬️ Windmills – Zaanse Schans is famous for its collection of working windmills. Each one historically served a different purpose, from grinding spices to sawing wood to producing oil. You can go inside some for a small fee, but we chose not to.
🧀 Cheese Tasting – A highlight was sampling Dutch cheeses in one of the traditional farmhouses. Gouda, Edam, flavored varieties… it’s a cheese lover’s dream. Be respectful, only take one piece of each kind! You can also purchase some to take home!
👡 Clogs – So many clogs! Don’t miss the wooden shoe workshop! You can watch a clog-making demonstration and see just how quickly a craftsman can carve a shoe. You can also buy your own pair of clogs to take home- there are a ton of options!
🏡 Village Walk – The entire area feels like a postcard, with its green wooden houses, farm animals, and little bridges crossing the canals. Just wandering around here was peaceful and relaxing.
How Long to Stay
We spent a couple hours at Zaanse Schans, which was plenty of time to explore the windmills, enjoy cheese and clogs, and stroll the village. It’s a great break from the busy pace of Amsterdam without taking up a full day of your trip.
Tips for Visiting
- Timing: We went in the afternoon. It was busy, but manageable. It is a popular stop for day tours, so early morning may be less crowded.
- Budget: Many parts of Zaanse Schans are free to explore, but some windmills and museums charge a small entry fee. I just bought a small souvenir and we paid to make some delicious hot chocolate!
- Getting There: Bus 391 from Amsterdam Centraal is direct and easy. Trains also run nearby with a short walk to the village.
- Weather: It’s often windy (those windmills are here for a reason!), so bring a jacket.
Final Thoughts
Zaanse Schans is an easy and affordable way to experience Dutch history and culture without straying far from Amsterdam. Whether it’s the windmills turning against the sky, the smell of fresh stroopwafels, or the charm of wooden shoes, this little village is worth a visit!
📍 From city buzz to countryside calm in less than an hour—Zaanse Schans is well worth a a couple hours in your Amsterdam itinerary.
