Zaanse Schans sounds like an easy day trip from Amsterdam. But once you actually start planning, you’re buried in conflicting information about tickets, transport, and endless “best tours” that are really just ads. Nobody tells you it gets packed with tour buses by mid-morning, or which windmills are worth a visit. This 1-day itinerary covers everything you need to know to plan your Zaanse Schans day trip from Amsterdam. I’ll explain how to get there, how much time you need, and when to visit so you’re not sharing the view with three tour buses.
To see the highlights of Zaanse Schans, you’ll need around half a day. If you’re interested in visiting the museums, I’d recommend adding a few extra hours to your day trip. This itinerary covers the main sights most people come to see, plus the tourist traps I’d skip.
To be honest, I only decided to visit Zaanse Schans at the last minute because I had an extra day during my week in Amsterdam. I wasn’t expecting much, as I had read that it was quite touristy, and even saw recommendations online to skip it. I’m so glad I didn’t listen, because it turned out to be one of my favourite days of the entire trip. This 1-day itinerary follows the exact route I took, including a few hidden gems I discovered along the way. Let’s get started!
Zaanse Schans Map
Here’s an interactive tourist map of this Zaanse Schans day trip, complete with attractions and restaurant links.
Zaanse Schans Day Trip from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans is one of the easiest day trips from Amsterdam, and you don’t need to book a guided tour if you’re only visiting the windmills. However, if you’re short on time and don’t want to spend a whole day just exploring Zaanse Schans, I’d recommend this Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Tour. It combines four of the most charming villages near Amsterdam, includes a cheese tasting, and has more than 16,000 great reviews. Plus, seeing all four places on your own in one day is almost impossible.
Morning
If you’re visiting Zaanse Schans on your own, I highly recommend arriving as early as possible. Before 9 AM is ideal if you want to take photos and enjoy the windmills before the tour groups arrive. I got there a little before 9 AM, and it was almost empty and incredibly peaceful. Less than two hours later, the place was packed, with long lines to get inside the windmills.
Breakfast at Banketbakkerij De Wijn
Duration: 30 min 🕒 08:30 AM – 09:00 AM
For breakfast, stop by Banketbakkerij De Wijn. I found this little pastry shop completely by accident on my way from the train station to Zaanse Schans.
If you’re arriving by train (which is the easiest way to get there in my opinion), it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and a pastry before exploring the windmills. I highly recommend the apple pie, caramel mocha cake, and cheese croissants.
Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
Duration: 30 min 🕒 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM
The Wooden Shoe Workshop (Klompenmakerij De Zaanse Schans) is one of the most popular attractions in the village. I’d recommend starting your day here, as it opens at 8 AM, earlier than the other attractions, and it gets extremely busy later in the day.
In the Wooden Shoe Workshop, you can see how traditional Dutch clogs, or klompen, are made. These wooden shoes were not just a quirky Dutch souvenir, they were practical everyday footwear. Farmers and workers wore them because they were durable, kept feet dry in the wet Dutch countryside, and worked well on muddy farmland. Each Dutch region once had its own clog makers and unique shoe designs. And you could tell where someone came from just by looking at their feet.
The Wooden Shoe Workshop is completely free to visit. The live clog-making demonstrations take place roughly every 15–20 minutes throughout the day.
Inside the Wooden Shoe Workshop, you’ll also find a small clog museum with the Netherlands’ largest collection of wooden shoes. There are all kinds of unique clogs on display, including wedding clogs, old work shoes, horse clogs, and even a sparkling diamond clog covered with Swarovski crystals. I was especially impressed by that one! Some of the clogs date back all the way to 1675. Of course, you can also buy clogs here – from a real pair you can actually wear to cute little souvenirs.
The Windmills of Zaanse Schans
Duration: 1 h 30 min 🕒 09:50 AM – 11:20 AM
Most people visit Zaanse Schans for its iconic windmills. During the Dutch Golden Age, the Zaan region, where Zaanse Schans is located, was one of the world’s first industrial areas. There were over 1,200 windmills powering sawmills, oil mills, paint mills, and other industries. As steam engines and modern machinery replaced wind power in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of these windmills disappeared. The ones you see at Zaanse Schans today were carefully preserved or relocated here from different parts of the Netherlands between 1961 and 1974.
Today, there are ten windmills at Zaanse Schans, and five of them are open to visitors. You can step inside, climb up to see the machinery in action, and learn how these historic mills were used to produce everything from wooden planks to pigments for paint. It’s a really unique experience, and I highly recommend visiting at least one of them during your visit.
Each windmill costs around €7.50, so if you’re planning to visit more than one, the I Amsterdam Card can save you quite a bit of money. It includes free entry to all the windmills at Zaanse Schans, plus many of Amsterdam’s top attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House Museum, and Heineken Experience.
Personally, I found Paint Mill De Kat the most interesting, but each windmill has something different to offer. Below, I’ve listed all the mills you can visit so you can decide which ones you’d like to explore. Plan around 20-30 minutes for each mill to get the most out of your visit.
Paint Mill De Kat
Paint Mill De Kat (Verfmolen De Kat) is probably the most famous windmill in Zaanse Schans, and it’s best to visit it early before the lines get longer. Dating back to 1646, it is the only working windmill in the world that still produces paint pigments using traditional methods.
Inside, you can see the huge grinding stones and machinery that are still used to turn raw materials into colourful pigments. Don’t miss climbing up to the viewing platform either – the views over the Zaan River and the surrounding windmills are beautiful.
Make sure to check out the gift shop too, where you’ll find unique paint products – a little heaven for any art lover.
Oil Mill De Zoeker
Oil Mill De Zoeker (Oliemolen De Zoeker) is another one of the must-see windmills at Zaanse Schans. Dating back to the late 17th century, this working mill was used to produce oil from seeds such as flaxseed and rapeseed. Inside, you can see the massive millstones and wooden machinery still in action.
Sawmill Het Jonge Schaap
Sawmill Het Jonge Schaap (Houtzaagmolen Het Jonge Schaap) is another windmill that is definitely worth adding to your visit. Although it looks like it has been standing here for centuries, it is actually one of the newest mills at Zaanse Schans.
Het Jonge Schaap’s name means The Young Sheep in Dutch, and it is one of the few remaining hexagonal sawmills in the Netherlands. Inside, you can watch huge logs being moved through the mill and cut into wooden boards using a traditional technique dating back centuries.
Spice Mill De Huisman
Spice Mill De Huisman (Specerijenmolen De Huisman) is one of the smaller but most interesting windmills at Zaanse Schans. Built in 1786, it originally wasn’t a spice mill at all – it was used for grinding snuff tobacco (powdered tobacco). Later, it became famous for producing Zaanse mustard, which gave it the nickname the mustard mill.
Even if you don’t go inside the windmill, make sure to step inside its shop (it’s free to enter). The smell of freshly ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, and pepper hits you as soon as you walk in. You’ll find all kinds of spices here, plus gingerbread cookies and the famous coarse Zaanse mustard.
In my opinion, these are the four windmills at Zaanse Schans that are truly worth visiting. Besides these, you can also see De Bonte Hen, another working oil mill, but keep in mind that it is only open from Thursday to Sunday. I skipped it during my visit because I was there on a Wednesday.
There are a few other windmills too, like the sawmills Het Klaverblad and De Gekroonde Poelenburg, and the oil mill De Os, but they are not open to visitors. You can find more information about all the windmills here.
And don’t be fooled by those AI-generated photos with windmills and tulip fields. I’ve seen them on several travel blogs, but the reality is very different. There isn’t even a single tulip in Zaanse Schans, let alone entire fields of them.
Best views of the windmills in Zaanse Schans
There are three viewpoints in Zaanse Schans that you shouldn’t miss. The first one is from Julianabrug, the bridge connecting Zaandijk with Zaanse Schans across the River Zaan. From here, you’ll get that classic postcard view of the windmills lined up along the water.
The second one is probably the most iconic view of Zaanse Schans. It’s from the jetty on Kalverringdijk (see the exact location on Google Maps here), and it’s the same view you’ve probably seen all over social media.
And the last viewpoint is right next to the Spice Mill De Huisman (see the exact location on Google Maps here). From this spot, you can enjoy a beautiful view along Kalverringdijk, with several windmills lined up beside the water.
More things to do in Zaanse Schans in one day
Museum Zaanse Time
Duration: 30 min
If you’re into clocks and history, Museum Zaanse Time (Museum Zaanse Tijd) is a must. This small museum is located inside an 18th-century wooden weaver’s house, that was originally built in Assendelft. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of beautifully decorated wall clocks, longcase clocks, watches, and rare timepieces from different centuries.
One of the highlights is the first world clock created by Amsterdam clockmaker Gerrit Knip in 1755. It shows the time in different parts of the world, including places connected to Dutch overseas trade such as Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) and Suriname.
For me, this museum was one of the highlights of my day trip to Zaanse Schans. That said, if clocks aren’t really your thing, you can probably skip it. The €15 entrance fee feels a bit expensive for such a small museum, unless you have the I Amsterdam Card, which includes free entry.
Bakery Museum In de Gecroonde Duyvekater
Duration: 15 min
The Bakery Museum In de Gecroonde Duyvekater is one of Zaanse Schans’ hidden gems. You can step inside this authentic 19th-century Dutch bakery and see what traditional baking in the Netherlands looked like over 150 years ago.
Its unusual name comes from Duivekater, a traditional sweet bread that’s been baked in the Zaan region for centuries. According to local legend, the bread was originally shaped like a cat to replace an old pagan ritual involving cat sacrifices. Today, the Duivekater has a much simpler shape, but the unusual story behind its name remains.
Inside you’ll find an authentic stone bread oven, a beautiful marbled wooden floor and antique baking tools. You can also pick up freshly baked Duivekater, marzipan, speculaas cookies (my personal favourite), and other traditional Dutch treats. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit!
Mill museum Zaansche Molen
Duration: 30 min
I’d recommend stopping at the Mill Museum (Molenmuseum De Zaansche Molen) if you want to understand the story behind the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans. Here you’ll learn how windmills once powered the entire region and helped it become one of the Netherlands’ most important industrial areas.
One of the highlights is Frans Mars’ mill panorama. It’s an impressive 11-metre-wide painting, showing the Zaan region filled with windmills around 1800.
Entry to the Mill Museum is free with the I Amsterdam Card.
Zaans Museum
Duration: 1 h
To learn the story behind the pretty windmills and wooden houses, stop by Zaans Museum. It explains how the Zaan region became one of the Netherlands’ first industrial areas, with windmills powering everything from shipbuilding to food production.
Besides the region’s industrial history, the museum also gives you a glimpse into everyday life in the Zaan area. You’ll find traditional clothing, old household items, furniture, and stories from local families. The museum even has a painting by Claude Monet, who was inspired by the unique Zaan landscape during his visit in 1871.
One of the highlights is the Verkade Experience, dedicated to the famous Dutch biscuit and chocolate company Verkade. You can see old factory equipment, colourful packaging, advertisements, and even working production lines. For less than €3, you can design your own Verkade chocolate bar wrapper and wrap it yourself with the mini packaging machine – a fun souvenir to take home!
Entry to Zaans Museum is free with the I Amsterdam Card.
Cheese Farm Catharina Hoeve by Henri Willig
Duration: 20 min
I wasn’t sure whether to include the Cheese Farm Catharina Hoeve by Henri Willig in this itinerary. To be honest, Henri Willig cheese shops are quite touristy, and I wouldn’t really recommend buying cheese from them. The prices are high, and the cheese isn’t the best you can find. However, if you just want to try some cheese or see how it’s made, it can still be a fun and quick stop.
I’d simply skip the shop and save your cheese shopping for Amsterdam. In my Amsterdam itinerary, I’ve shared a few local cheese shops where you can find much better options to take home.
Keep in mind that it’s no longer a working dairy farm, but more of a traditional-looking cheese shop. Inside, you can watch a short cheese-making demonstration and learn a bit about how famous Dutch cheeses are made. After that, you can sample different types of cheese, including classics like Gouda and Edam, as well as goat cheese and herb-flavoured varieties.
Zaanse Schans gifts and souvenirs
If you’re looking for unique gifts or souvenirs to bring home from Zaanse Schans, these are some of my favourite places to check out. I’d personally skip the overpriced cheese shops though, there are much better souvenirs to bring home.
- Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans – this is the place to find the iconic Dutch wooden clogs, from full-size traditional shoes to small decorative versions that are much easier to pack in your suitcase
- Paint Mill De Kat – the mill’s gift shop sells unique paint products made with pigments produced right inside the mill
- Spice Mill De Huisman – a great spot for food souvenirs, where you can pick up Zaanse mustard, spice blends, and traditional Dutch treats like speculaas cookies
- Orse-Ket aan ’t Glop – this small gift shop sells unique Dutch gifts and handmade products, including soaps, candles, and natural skincare. I actually bought some gorgeous handmade soaps here
How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
The easiest way to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is by train. Take a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, which takes around 20 minutes. From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the village.
I recommend buying a Day Return Ticket (Dagretour) if you’re visiting on a day trip, as it’s cheaper than purchasing two separate one-way tickets.
Most travel guides I’ve read recommend getting to Zaanse Schans by bus, but I wouldn’t do that. Yes, the bus drops you off right at the village and saves you the 15-minute walk from the train station. However, it takes almost twice as long and costs more. Plus, you’ll miss the beautiful windmill views from Julianabrug and the fantastic bakery I recommend at the beginning of this blog post.
Zaanse Schans Day Trip from Amsterdam
- Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
- Paint Mill De Kat
- Sawmill Het Jonge Schaap
- Oil mill De Zoeker
- Spice Mill De Huisman
- Museum Zaanse Time
- Bakery Museum In de Gecroonde Duyvekater
- Zaans Museum
- Cheese Farm Catharina Hoeve by Henri Willig
FAQs about visiting Zaanse Schans
Yes, absolutely! Zaanse Schans is a great place to see traditional windmills, historic green wooden houses, and learn more about Dutch crafts. Just keep in mind that it can get very busy, so try to arrive early.
The village is famous for its iconic windmills, traditional wooden houses, cheese-making and wooden shoe workshops. It’s one of the best places near Amsterdam to experience the Netherlands’ more traditional side.
Not really. It is touristy, especially in the middle of the day, but it’s popular for a reason. If you arrive early, you can enjoy the beautiful windmills, green houses, and workshops without the biggest crowds. Just avoid buying overpriced souvenirs and focus on the experience itself.
Yes, visiting Zaanse Schans is free. You can walk around the village, see the windmills from the outside, and enjoy the traditional houses without paying an entrance fee. However, some museums and windmill interiors require a ticket.
The main highlights are the historic windmills, green wooden houses, the Wooden Shoe Workshop and the Cheese Farm Catharina Hoeve. Don’t miss walking along the river for the best windmill views and visiting the small museums and workshops.
The village is home to around 10 working windmills along the waterfront. Each one has a different purpose, from grinding spices and sawing wood to making oil and pigments. However, only 5 of them are open for visitors to explore inside.
You can see the main highlights in 3–4 hours. This gives you enough time to explore the windmills, watch clog and cheese-making demonstrations, and browse some of the shops. If you want to visit museums or simply enjoy the village at a slower pace, you can easily spend almost a full day here.
Yes, it is open on Sundays. You can visit the outdoor village, windmills, and museums any day of the week. Just keep in mind that outside the main tourist season, especially in winter, some attractions may have shorter opening hours.
No, Zaanse Schans is not in Amsterdam. It’s a small historic village in Zaandam, north of Amsterdam. However, it’s very easy to visit as a day trip, with direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal.
It is located about 20 km (12 miles) from Amsterdam. By train, it takes around 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, followed by an easy 15-minute walk to the village.
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