The windmill village Zaanse Schans, 30 minutes from Amsterdam, is a residential area in which the 18th and 19th centuries are brought to life. With its traditional houses, windmills, warehouses and workshops, Zaanse Schans offers a preserved glimpse of what it was like to live in the Netherlands in the 18th and 19th centuries.Discover the Zaanse Schans on your own, stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh cookies, or take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made. You should be sure not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and the various windmills. Learn about cheese making, walk on wooden shoes, see the interior of a working windmill and view the wooden green-painted houses and shops.
Know in advance:
Immerse yourself in authentic Dutch culture as you explore the preserved wooden houses, windmills, and barns. Visit the cheese factory and witness a live cheesemaking demonstration, followed by a cheese-tasting experience. Choose between two convenient departure times, allowing you to make the most of your visit to Zaanse Schans. Benefit from a free map and discounts at over 10 local shops, the perfect opportunity for some souvenir shopping
The tour departs from This is Holland, Overhoeksplein in Amsterdam. To get to This is Holland, take the free ferry from platform F3 behind Central Station. The ferry shows direction “Buiksloterweg”. It is only a 3-minute ferry ride to the opposite side. When you get off the ferry, turn left. Look up and you will see a round building with the red, white and blue flag of Holland. This building is “This is Holland”. From the ferry, it’s a 3-minute walk.