Top Things to Do in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands' Iconic Open-Air Museum

Welcome to Zaanse Schans, one of the most iconic and accessible day-trip destinations in the Netherlands. Located just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, this charming village is a living open-air museum that perfectly captures the essence of the Netherlands’ 18th and 19th-century life.
 

As your virtual travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything from historic windmills and craft demonstrations to top photo spots, tasty treats, and how to get there. Whether you're a history buff, a family with kids, or a curious explorer, Zaanse Schans is sure to impress.

📍 Where Is Zaanse Schans?

Location: Zaandam, North Holland

Distance from Amsterdam: ~20 km (about 20 minutes by train or car)

Region: The Zaan district, a historic industrial region of the Netherlands

Zaanse Schans sits along the Zaan River and is known for its well-preserved windmills and green-painted wooden houses.

🕰️ A Brief History of Zaanse Schans

In the 17th and 18th centuries, this region was one of the world's first industrial areas, powered by hundreds of windmills. These mills ground spices, sawed wood, and produced paint, oil, and more.

In the 1960s, several historical buildings were moved here to preserve them. Today, Zaanse Schans is both a tourist attraction and a working village, where locals still live and traditional crafts thrive.

✨ Top Things to Do in Zaanse Schans

1. 🌬️ Visit the Historic Windmills

Windmills are the stars of Zaanse Schans. Originally, over 1,000 windmills operated in the area, and now about 10 historic windmills remain, each with its own specialty.

Popular Windmills:

De Kat (The Cat): The world’s only working windmill making paint pigments

De Zoeker: Produces peanut oil

Het Jonge Schaap: A working sawmill

De Bonte Hen: Makes mustard oil

🛑 Most windmills are open to visitors for a small fee (€4–€5), and you can climb to the top for amazing views.

2. 🏠 Explore Traditional Dutch Houses

Wander through picturesque green timber houses that were relocated from across the Zaan region. These homes reflect authentic Dutch architecture and lifestyle from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Some are private residences, while others are museums and shops

Don’t miss the beautiful wooden bridges and flower gardens

3. 🧀 Visit the Cheese Farm – Catharina Hoeve

Get a taste of the Netherlands at the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm.

🧀 Highlights:

Traditional cheese-making demonstrations

Free tastings of Gouda, Edam, and herb-infused cheeses

Cheese shop with vacuum-sealed options for travel

🥇 Tip: Don’t leave without trying the smoked cheese—it’s a visitor favorite!

4. 🥾 Clog Workshop & Museum

At the Kooijman Wooden Shoe Workshop, watch a live demo of wooden clog-making—a Dutch tradition.

👞 What you’ll see:

Live carving and shaping of clogs

Vintage clog display (over 300 pairs from different regions)

Clogs available for purchase, including personalized ones

5. 🖌️ Visit the Zaanse Time Museum (Museum Zaanse Tijd)

This charming museum tells the story of Dutch clock-making.

🕰️ Features:

Working pendulum clocks

Watchmaker demonstrations

Antique timepieces from the 17th century onwards

📷 Great for history lovers and photography enthusiasts.

6. 🚶 Take a Guided Walking Tour

Want deeper insights into Zaanse Schans? Join a local walking tour.

🗺️ Tours include:

Windmill stories

Traditional crafts

Local legends and Dutch history

Photo stops at bridges, boats, and barns

Cost: €10–€15/person | Duration: 1 to 2 hours

7. 🚤 Boat Tour on the Zaan River

Cruise the river for views of the windmills from the water. Perfect for couples and families.

Types: Electric boat, traditional barge, or open-top boat

Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour

Starting point: Near the main entrance or windmill row

🛍️ Shopping in Zaanse Schans

Browse souvenir shops, artisan stores, and boutique workshops offering locally made goods.

What to Buy:

Dutch cheese and mustard

Handmade clogs

Delft blue pottery

Windmill-themed magnets, T-shirts, and wooden crafts

🍽️ Where to Eat in Zaanse Schans

Whether you want a hearty Dutch pancake or a riverside lunch, Zaanse Schans delivers.

Top Restaurants:

De Kraai: Famous for Dutch pannenkoeken (pancakes)

Restaurant D’Swarte Walvis: Elegant dining with regional dishes

Bakery Museum & Tearoom: Old-world bakery where you can try local pastries and sweets

Gasterij De Hoop op d'Swarte Walvis: Historic tavern ambiance with canal views

🏨 Where to Stay Near Zaanse Schans

While Zaanse Schans doesn’t have large hotels within the village, there are excellent options nearby in Zaandam or Amsterdam.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Zaanse Schans is open year-round, but the best experience is from April to October when:

Windmills are fully operational

Tulips bloom (April–May)

Longer daylight hours

Avoid peak mid-day hours (11 AM–3 PM) for a more peaceful experience.

🧭 Suggested Itinerary for a Day Trip

🚆 How to Get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

💡 Tips for Visiting Zaanse Schans

Go early: Beat the crowds and enjoy soft morning light

Free Entry: Zaanse Schans is free to visit; only some windmills/museums charge

Pack snacks & water: Especially during peak seasons

Dress for the weather: It can be breezy near the river, even in summer

Bring a camera: The village is one big postcard

🧠 Fun Facts About Zaanse Schans

The area once housed over 600 windmills, a major hub for early industrial power

“Zaanse” refers to the Zaan River; “Schans” means “entrenchment” or defensive sconce

Many scenes from Dutch tourism brochures and postcards are shot here

Zaanse Schans is still a real village with residents, not just a museum!

✅ Why Zaanse Schans Should Be on Your Itinerary

Zaanse Schans offers a blend of Dutch culture, history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else. It's a chance to step back in time, savor authentic traditions, and marvel at centuries-old windmills turning in the breeze.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, Zaanse Schans is an unforgettable experience just outside the bustle of Amsterdam.