The ultimate guide to the Zaanse Schans: visiting the windmills of Holland

In the Zaanse Schans, you can experience what life was like back in the 18th and 19th centuries — full of life, windmills, and shops. We all know you’ve come for the windmills, though. 😉

Thinking of a day trip to the Zaanse Schans? Good, because there’s plenty to do here!

When you go to the Zaanse Schans, you’ll be greeted by 11 different windmills and people’s beautiful little Dutch houses (yup, people still live there).

Not only that, but also lots of little shops, a bakery, cafés, a cheese factory, souvenir shops, and a clog warehouse. As a result, tourists flock to the area (so be aware — it gets busy). It’s like a mini traditional Dutch village, a just short train ride from Amsterdam.

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What to do in the Zaanse Schans

There’s enough to do in the Zaanse Schans that you can easily spend a whole day there. You can also combine this top spot with a trip to another iconic Dutch destination, like exploring the canal town of Giethoorn.

However, while you’re there, here are the things you won’t want to miss:

The windmills at the Zaanse Schans

There are 11 different windmills that you can explore in the Zaanse Schans. Here’s a brief outline of what they all are:

De Huisman: A spice warehouse where you can taste different spices
De Gekroonde Poelenburg: A centuries-old wood sawmill
De Kat: A paint mill where you can watch demonstrations
De Zoeker: An oil, paint, and cocoa mill
Het Jonge Schaap: A unique wood sawmill replica
De Bonte Hen: An oil mill which has been running since 1693!
De Os: A windmill that was later transformed into a diesel-powered mill
Het Klaverblad: A small wood workshop mill
De Bleeke Dood: The oldest smock mill in the Netherlands, used to mill flour
De Ooievaar: An old oil mill that was moved to the Zaan area
Mini-mills on the Schans: Miniature windmills that were used to pump water from the polder

Your Instagram feed is going to love you! 📸

The museums at Zaanse Schans

An iconic historical destination like Zaanse Schans is naturally jam-packed with incredible, one-of-a-kind museums.

The Zaans Museum and the Verkade Experience

When you first arrive in Zaanse Schans, you’ll notice a large museum. This is the Zaans Museum, which teaches the history of the area, the windmills, and trade.

One of the trades of the area that you can learn all about (and taste) is biscuits and chocolate (yum!) since it’s the spot where famous Verkade girls made their treats.

READ MORE | 16 Haarlem museums that are well worth a visit

It’s a very interactive and modern museum, helping you to truly enjoy learning about the area — and then you can go out and see it for yourself.

You can even operate the chocolate machine in the museum. (Now we’re talking!)

The Zaanse Time Museum 

The museum houses many different Dutch timepieces that tell the story of the Zaanse Schans through beautiful old clocks that’ll chime on the hour, every hour.

Here you’ll learn about Dutch clockwork history from the 16th century. There are plenty of different things to see, as well as learn about their scientific and design history.

The Albert Heijn Museum Shop

It’s hard to believe (we know), but Dutch grocery behemoth Albert Heijn started out as a single, small shop.

Albert Heijn took over the shop from his parents in 1887, when he was just 21 years old. It was nothing like it is today.

In this museum, you can see a reconstruction of the original shop, stocked with the items that were sold at the time. Discover the roots of the Dutchies’ favourite store, unknown by many today.

The Jisper House

The Jisper house is an old fisherman’s cottage, as it would have stood in the village of Jisp back in the 1850s.

Here, you can explore the cute little cottage and even dress up in traditional local costumes and have your photo taken — selfies at the ready!

The Bakery Museum de Gecroonde Duyvekater

As you walk through the Zaans Schans, the smell of Dutch treats will tempt you right into the bakery museum. The house that this bakery is located in has been around since 1658 (yep, wow!).

This bakery is not just a museum; it is actually in use! This means that… you can try out and buy some delicious traditional Dutch baked goods. 🤤

You can taste Duivekater, a famous sweet bread from Zaanse and other originals, as well as more modern baked goods.

If you want an excuse to chow down on some even more delicious Dutch snacks, then here’s your chance. 😉

The Windmill Museum

If you just can’t get enough of those adorable Dutch windmills, head to the Windmill Museum!

At the windmill museum, you’ll be able to interact with the exhibitions and learn all about what life working in a windmill was actually like.

READ MORE | Best windmill site in the Netherlands: Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans?

From rotating exhibitions, films, and an interactive model with 1,100 windmills — you’ll be sucked into the charming world of the Zaanse Schans for hours.

The Honig Breethuis

At the Honig Breethuis, you can jump into the lives of a Dutch merchant family in the 1830s.

Beautifully painted wallpapers and old-fashioned furniture will tell you all about the lives of the former inhabitants of the impressive traditional Dutch home.

Besides the wood detailing of the furniture and the gold accents on the walls, keep an eye out for special gems — like the old ornate fireplace.

How to see the Zaanse Schans

There are many ways to get around the Zaanse Schans — whether you prefer walking, cycling, or hopping on a boat. 👇

Cycling around the Zaanse Schans

Cycling at the Zaanse Schans is possible (we’re in the Netherlands, after all), so it’s good news if you want to take your fiets for a spin.

No bike? No worries! You can rent bicycles at the Zaanse Schans if you’re bike-less.

There are bike tours and different cycling routes you can take throughout the area, so it’s the perfect place to go on a sunny day.

In the height of summer, it gets really busy along these routes, though, so beware of grandmas zooming down the paths on their e-bikes.

Going for a walk at Zaanse Schans

Just looking for somewhere nice to go for a walk in Holland? Well, the Zaansche Schans is the perfect place! Strolling around and exploring most of the windmill area is completely free.

There are also theatrical walks if you’re looking for something a bit different. A guide in Zaan costume will show you around the area, where you will learn all about the history, food, and culture.

READ MORE | Hiking around the Zaanstreek: 9 perfect walks in the ultimate Dutch region

They may even let you in on some of the 1850s gossip. And thankfully, these tours are also available in English if your Dutch isn’t up to scratch.

Hop on a boat through the Zaanse Schans

Really want to get the most out of your visit to the Zaanse Schans? Hop in on one of the many boats that sail on the River Zaan, or take a boat tour!

Feel the wind in your hair and smell the freshness of the water, all while learning from a guide about the beautiful sights around you.

The Zaanse Schans oozes quintessential Dutchness, and it’s a perfect destination for a day trip from Amsterdam or any other Dutch city. You won’t regret it!

Have you ever been to Zaanse Schans? Tell us in the comments below!