A day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is an unforgettable way to experience the charm of the Dutch countryside. Just a short trip by car, train, or ferry from Amsterdam, you’ll find the famous Zaanse Schans windmills in Zaandam. We went there in September on a beautiful sunny day, and it was the perfect family outing!
What is Zaanse Schans?
Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum and historic village and is known for its working windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisan workshops that recreate life in the Netherlands during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visitors can watch how clogs are made, try local cheese, and even go inside a windmill. It’s a fun place for families and a nice way to learn about Dutch culture by the river.
Where is Zaanse Schans?
Zaanse Schans is just outside Amsterdam, in the town of Zaandam. This lovely village sits along the Zaan River and is about 20 minutes away by train from Amsterdam.
Getting to Zaanse Schans
By Train
From Amsterdam Sloterdijk, take a sprinter train heading toward Uitgeest and get off at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the windmills and main area of Zaanse Schans.
By Bus
You can reach Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam Sloterdijk by bus, although it takes longer than the train. Take Bus 395 from Sloterdijk to Zaandam, De Vlinder, then transfer to Bus 391 heading to Zaandam, Zaanse Schans. The journey takes around 44 minutes. Alternatively, take Bus 395 to Amsterdam, Westkolkdijk and transfer to Bus 391, which takes about 48 minutes. While this route offers a more scenic ride, the train remains the faster and more direct option.
By Car
If you prefer driving, Zaanse Schans is about a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam. The parking fee for passenger cars is €15.00 for the entire day, and unfortunately, hourly payment is not available.
Ferry to Zaanse Schans
Another way to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is by ferry. The Zaanferry, a scenic ferry service that stops at a few spots along the river before reaching Zaanse Schans, departs from Amsterdam Central Station. The trip takes approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The ferry leaves from Amsterdam Central Station, from the pier located to the left of the GVB ferries, near the central station’s rear exit. The departure point is near Prins Hendrikkade 59–72, 1012 AD Amsterdam. and . You can grab your tickets online or at the station, but remember, they’re only valid for the day of travel.
When is it open?
Zaanse Schans is a residential and working neighborhood, so visitors can explore the village year-round, including on public holidays. However, please note that not all windmills and museums are open on public holidays. Check the Zaanse Schans interactive map on the official website for more details.
Zaanse Schans Ticket
Entry to the village is free; however, attractions like the windmills and museums require a pass. You can purchase a Zaanse Schans ticket for entry to the Zaans Museum only, or the Zaanse Schans card, which gives access to all museum locations at Zaanse Schans. Please note that these are valid for a specific date only.
Get Your Guide Zaanse Schans Card
The Get Your Guide Zaanse Schans card gives you access to the following areas:
- All mills (that are open during your visit)
- Zaans Museum and the Verkade Experience
- World of Windmills Museum
- The Weaver’s House and the Coopery
- Zaanse Tijd Museum
The pricing is as follows:
- Children (ages 0–3): Free
- Adults: €29.50
- Children (ages 4–17): €20.00
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund + reserve now and pay later.
Zaanse Schans Self Guided Tour
A self-guided tour of Zaanse Schans is ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. The official Zaanse Schans website offers an interactive digital Zaanse Schans map and audio tour that guides visitors through the windmills, museums, and artisan shops.
This tool is accessible via their website on your smartphone and is available in Dutch and English. To access the interactive map and audio tour, visitors need to purchase the Zaanse Schans Card, which provides entry to various attractions and includes the digital guide.
Zaandam Windmills
The windmills at Zaanse Schans are the main attraction and show what life was like in the Netherlands long ago. Each one was used for something different, such as grinding flour, making paint, or pressing oil. You can visit windmills like De Huisman, De Kat, De Zoeker, Het Jonge Schaap, and De Bonte Hen. Keep in mind that entry to the windmills and some museums requires a Zaanse Schans card.
Can you visit the Zaan style homes?
The historic homes in Zaanse Schans are built in the old Zaan style, but unfortunately since people live in them you can’t go inside, but you can see them from a distance.
Where to Eat Zaanse Schans
- Restaurant ‘De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis’
- Pancake restaurant ‘De Kraai’
- ‘De Baleine’ – annex to restaurant ‘De Walvis’
- Tasting room/distillery ‘De Tweekoppige Phoenix’
Where to stay in Zaanse Schans
Some of the best hotels to stay close to Zaanse Schans:
Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Volendam and Marken day trip
One of the best ways to explore the region is on an Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Volendam and Marken day trip. This guided tour takes you to the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, the charming fishing village of Volendam, and the historic island of Marken, giving you a taste of Dutch culture and beautiful landscapes all in one day.
Volendam vs Zaanse Schans
Wondering what the difference is between Volendam and Zaanse Schans? We’ve been to both, loved them, and honestly couldn’t choose! Each one shows a different side of Dutch culture. Zaanse Schans has old windmills and a historic feel. Volendam is a busy fishing village with colourful houses, pretty harbour views, and tasty seafood.
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