The Zaanse Schans by drone is insanely beautiful: photo & video report

Windmills are one of the most quintessential and stereotypical accents to the Netherlands (alongside clogs, smoking weed, stroopwafels, and unrivalled architecture of course!).

While there are about a thousand of them in all of the Netherlands, one of the best places to see windmills is undoubtedly the Zaanse Schans.

The Zaanse Schans is a neighbourhood in Zaandam, a quiet Dutch city near Amsterdam that boasts some of the most picturesque windmills in the Netherlands. The town attracts over one million visitors a year — and you’re about to see why. 📷

To bring you these awe-inspiring shots of the Zaanse Schans and its windmills, we’ve teamed up with the talented Dutch photographer Ewout Pahud.

This dreamy video was captured on a misty morning:

The foggy mornings make for epic drone shots. 👇

Windmills at the Zaanse Schans on a foggy morning
Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied
Windmills at the Zaanse Schans on a foggy morning
Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied

Windmills weren’t just used to grind flour, but also to dry waterlogged land the Dutch reclaimed from the sea.

Windmills at the Zaanse Schans on a foggy morning
Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied

Alluring spider web with a picturesque background.

Windmills at the Zaanse Schans on a foggy morning
Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied

Sunset time! Wouldn’t meandering along these windmills be so peaceful?

Windmills at the Zaanse Schans at sunset
Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied
Windmills at the Zaanse Schans on a foggy morning
Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied

Incredible shots, huh? If you want to enjoy more beautiful Dutch scenery, check out Ewout Pahud on his Instagram.

Have you seen the typical Dutch windmills? What’s your favourite Dutch scenery? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2019, and was fully updated in March 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Feature Image:Ewout Pahud/Supplied
Freya Sawbridge
Freya Sawbridge
Freya was born in Edinburgh but raised in New Zealand (cue every person she meets saying “oh I have always wanted to go there but it’s so far away!”). A restless and curious nature has led her to move countries 5 times in the last 3 years in attempt to find a place she can call home. She contacted DutchReview on a whim and arrived in the Netherlands in summer 2019 to start her internship.

Liked it? Try these on for size:

What do you think?

3 COMMENTS

  1. Wow! what a great piece of aerial photography. These photos should be winning awards. I love these Zaanse Schans windmill shots. It makes me feel to visit this place at least once in my lifetime. Anyways, thanks for bringing these photos to life, and credit goes to Ewout Pahud as well.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related posts

Latest posts

Open a Dutch bank account without a BSN at these banks

So, you need to open a Dutch bank account without a BSN? You'll be happy to hear that that's geen probleem — but only...

After a korting? The ultimate guide to cheap shops in the Netherlands

Looking for the equivalent of a dollar store, a euro shop, or a pound shop in the Netherlands? Here's what we know about shopping cheaply...

17 Dutch towns with the funniest names

The Netherlands has countless cities and villages, each with its unique atmosphere. While some towns have gained fame due to their attractions, others are...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.