Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
Imagine windmills spinning, cheese tasting like heaven, and watching a clog-maker turn wood into shoes—Zaanse Schans has it all! This open-air museum lets you walk through Dutch history, with stunning canals and cozy green houses all around. It’s like stepping back in time, but with better snacks!
- Got 3.5 hours? See windmills, taste fresh cheese, and explore Zaanse Schans with a fun guide—plus comfy single-deck bus transfers from Amsterdam!
- Wander Zaanse Schans with a fun guide in English, Spanish, or German, explore its charming streets, and marvel at the beauty of its 18th-century windmills!
- Ever wondered how wooden clogs are made? Visit a shoemaker’s shop to watch skilled artisans craft them using time-honored techniques!
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at a Dutch cheese farm, enjoy a live demo, and taste as much cheese as your heart desires!
- Enhance your adventure with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise! Cruise past famous landmarks while an English-speaking guide shares fascinating city stories.
More details
- Got 3.5 hours? See windmills, taste fresh cheese, and explore Zaanse Schans with a fun guide—plus comfy single-deck bus transfers from Amsterdam!
- Wander Zaanse Schans with a fun guide in English, Spanish, or German, explore its charming streets, and marvel at the beauty of its 18th-century windmills!
- Ever wondered how wooden clogs are made? Visit a shoemaker’s shop to watch skilled artisans craft them using time-honored techniques!
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at a Dutch cheese farm, enjoy a live demo, and taste as much cheese as your heart desires!
- Enhance your adventure with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise! Cruise past famous landmarks while an English-speaking guide shares fascinating city stories.
15% off
- Ready for a Dutch countryside adventure? Spend 5-6 hours exploring Zaanse Schans’ windmills and Volendam’s fishing village charm with a fun, guided tour!
- Sit back in a comfortable bus as your guide in English, French, Spanish, or German shares stories about windmills, fishing villages, and Dutch traditions.
- Watch windmills in action, see clogs being made, wander past charming wooden houses, and taste delicious local cheese at a farm in Zaanse Schans.
- Soak up Volendam’s old-world charm, wander past historic churches, watch the Fish Auction unfold, and enjoy breathtaking lake views from the Dike.
- Add an Amsterdam Canal Cruise to your adventure! Drift past iconic sights, snap postcard-worthy photos, and hear fun facts from your English-speaking guide.
More details
- Ready for a Dutch countryside adventure? Spend 5-6 hours exploring Zaanse Schans’ windmills and Volendam’s fishing village charm with a fun, guided tour!
- Sit back in a comfortable bus as your guide in English, French, Spanish, or German shares stories about windmills, fishing villages, and Dutch traditions.
- Watch windmills in action, see clogs being made, wander past charming wooden houses, and taste delicious local cheese at a farm in Zaanse Schans.
- Soak up Volendam’s old-world charm, wander past historic churches, watch the Fish Auction unfold, and enjoy breathtaking lake views from the Dike.
- Add an Amsterdam Canal Cruise to your adventure! Drift past iconic sights, snap postcard-worthy photos, and hear fun facts from your English-speaking guide.
15% off
- Your day is set—Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken! Expect windmills, cheese tasting, wooden houses & postcard-perfect views on this countryside adventure.
- Travel in style with comfy bus rides and a guide who makes sure you don’t miss a single fascinating detail or local secret.
- Marken’s harbor is lined with traditional boats and seafood stalls. Then, step into the Protestant Church for a peek at its grand organ and seafaring past.
- Stroll past Zaanse Schans’ iconic windmills, then near Volendam, watch cheese masters in action and taste creamy Dutch classics straight from the source.
- Upgrade your tour with extra perks—visit Edam, see a windmill in action, take a ferry to Marken, enjoy lunch, or cruise Amsterdam’s canals!
More details
- Your day is set—Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken! Expect windmills, cheese tasting, wooden houses & postcard-perfect views on this countryside adventure.
- Travel in style with comfy bus rides and a guide who makes sure you don’t miss a single fascinating detail or local secret.
- Marken’s harbor is lined with traditional boats and seafood stalls. Then, step into the Protestant Church for a peek at its grand organ and seafaring past.
- Stroll past Zaanse Schans’ iconic windmills, then near Volendam, watch cheese masters in action and taste creamy Dutch classics straight from the source.
- Upgrade your tour with extra perks—visit Edam, see a windmill in action, take a ferry to Marken, enjoy lunch, or cruise Amsterdam’s canals!
-
Explore Keukenhof’s tulips, crocuses, and daffodils, and the charming Zaanse Schans’s iconic windmills and wooded houses on a guided tour.
-
Learn about the historic 18th and 19th-century windmills at Zaanse Schans and Dutch traditions of horticulture at Keukenhof.
-
Learn the fascinating process of how Dutch cheese is made before getting a delicious taste, and watch traditional craftsmen at work, making clogs.
-
With roundtrip bus transfers and optional guides in 3 languages, including English, German, & Spanish, your day trip is guaranteed to be both tranquil and comfortable.
-
You can also upgrade your tickets to explore the fishing village of Volendam or book an Amsterdam Canal Cruise and see the UNESCO-listed canals.
More details
-
Explore Keukenhof’s tulips, crocuses, and daffodils, and the charming Zaanse Schans’s iconic windmills and wooded houses on a guided tour.
-
Learn about the historic 18th and 19th-century windmills at Zaanse Schans and Dutch traditions of horticulture at Keukenhof.
-
Learn the fascinating process of how Dutch cheese is made before getting a delicious taste, and watch traditional craftsmen at work, making clogs.
-
With roundtrip bus transfers and optional guides in 3 languages, including English, German, & Spanish, your day trip is guaranteed to be both tranquil and comfortable.
-
You can also upgrade your tickets to explore the fishing village of Volendam or book an Amsterdam Canal Cruise and see the UNESCO-listed canals.
-
Explore Zaanse Schans your way! Whether you’re a slow stroller or a power explorer, you set the pace—no waiting around for a tour group.
-
Navigate Zaanse Schans like a pro! Your digital guide dishes out insider tips and fascinating facts, making your self-guided stroll way more interesting.
-
Pick a time, hop on, and go. Different departure slots mean you can fit this countryside escape into your schedule without committing your whole day.
-
With transport covered both ways, you can focus on windmills and cheese, not train schedules!
-
Dutch traditions done right! See clog-making in action and taste delicious, farm-fresh cheese—all included in your ticket.
More details
-
Explore Zaanse Schans your way! Whether you’re a slow stroller or a power explorer, you set the pace—no waiting around for a tour group.
-
Navigate Zaanse Schans like a pro! Your digital guide dishes out insider tips and fascinating facts, making your self-guided stroll way more interesting.
-
Pick a time, hop on, and go. Different departure slots mean you can fit this countryside escape into your schedule without committing your whole day.
-
With transport covered both ways, you can focus on windmills and cheese, not train schedules!
-
Dutch traditions done right! See clog-making in action and taste delicious, farm-fresh cheese—all included in your ticket.
10% off
- Get the full Giethoorn experience! Your ticket offers a scenic walking tour past flower-lined bridges, peaceful footpaths, and 18th-century cottages.
- Shoes from wood? Cheese that’s oh-so-good? Zaanse Schans nails Dutch craftsmanship with clogs, cheese, and all the charm you can handle!
- Captain or passenger? Let a guide lead your scenic cruise or take charge of an electric boat, gliding slowly through Giethoorn’s storybook canals.
- Slow down, savor the views! This 9-hour tour gives you time to wander, snack on cheese, and enjoy every windmill moment without a care.
- Forget the stress—round-trip transport from Amsterdam’s sorted! Plus, a guide is with you the whole way, dropping fun facts like confetti.
More details
- Get the full Giethoorn experience! Your ticket offers a scenic walking tour past flower-lined bridges, peaceful footpaths, and 18th-century cottages.
- Shoes from wood? Cheese that’s oh-so-good? Zaanse Schans nails Dutch craftsmanship with clogs, cheese, and all the charm you can handle!
- Captain or passenger? Let a guide lead your scenic cruise or take charge of an electric boat, gliding slowly through Giethoorn’s storybook canals.
- Slow down, savor the views! This 9-hour tour gives you time to wander, snack on cheese, and enjoy every windmill moment without a care.
- Forget the stress—round-trip transport from Amsterdam’s sorted! Plus, a guide is with you the whole way, dropping fun facts like confetti.
-
This tour lets you witness Alkmaar’s cheese market traditions—watch cheese wheels move, hear the bell ring, and see how Dutch cheese trading is done!
-
Get ready to sample your way through the finest Dutch cheeses! From creamy Gouda to sharp Edam, taste a variety of Dutch flavors and find your new favourite.
-
Stop by at Zaanse Schans and watch history in motion—spinning windmills, clog-making workshops, and the timeless charm of a traditional Dutch village.
-
Early birds, rejoice! This 9am Friday trip lets you pack in adventure before noon—leaving plenty of time for whatever mischief the weekend holds.
-
Sail past centuries-old buildings and secret spots of Alkmaar on an optional boat ride, available separately for those who’d like to join.
More details
-
This tour lets you witness Alkmaar’s cheese market traditions—watch cheese wheels move, hear the bell ring, and see how Dutch cheese trading is done!
-
Get ready to sample your way through the finest Dutch cheeses! From creamy Gouda to sharp Edam, taste a variety of Dutch flavors and find your new favourite.
-
Stop by at Zaanse Schans and watch history in motion—spinning windmills, clog-making workshops, and the timeless charm of a traditional Dutch village.
-
Early birds, rejoice! This 9am Friday trip lets you pack in adventure before noon—leaving plenty of time for whatever mischief the weekend holds.
-
Sail past centuries-old buildings and secret spots of Alkmaar on an optional boat ride, available separately for those who’d like to join.
-
No struggling with translations—your Spanish-speaking guide makes Dutch history easy and fun, from windmills to wooden shoes!
-
Perfect if you’re short on time! In three hours, you’ll see windmills, visit cheese and clog workshops, and be back in Amsterdam before you know it.
-
Forget about planning transport. Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam make getting to Zaanse Schans easy!
-
Ever seen a shoe made from scratch? Watch skilled craftsmen turn wood into classic Dutch clogs using traditional techniques at this clog-making factory.
-
Say cheese! Visit a traditional farm, see how Dutch gouda is made, and taste delicious samples before grabbing a wedge to take home.
More details
-
No struggling with translations—your Spanish-speaking guide makes Dutch history easy and fun, from windmills to wooden shoes!
-
Perfect if you’re short on time! In three hours, you’ll see windmills, visit cheese and clog workshops, and be back in Amsterdam before you know it.
-
Forget about planning transport. Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam make getting to Zaanse Schans easy!
-
Ever seen a shoe made from scratch? Watch skilled craftsmen turn wood into classic Dutch clogs using traditional techniques at this clog-making factory.
-
Say cheese! Visit a traditional farm, see how Dutch gouda is made, and taste delicious samples before grabbing a wedge to take home.
-
Over the course of the time you choose to spend in Amsterdam, visit 70+ major museums and attractions in a hassle-free manner and at a discounted rate.
-
Skip the hassle of buying tickets at the city's major attractions like the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, Stedelijk Museum, and more, while saving on costs.
-
Visit the Rembrandt House Museum, the only place in the world completely dedicated to Dutch painter Rembrandt, and the fun Upside Down Museum.
-
Enjoy the convenience of free access to Amsterdam's public transport system (GVB) and explore the city without worrying about cabs or buses.
-
Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, 96-hour, or 120-hour options, and make the most of this flexibility to see Amsterdam at your own pace.
-
More details
-
Over the course of the time you choose to spend in Amsterdam, visit 70+ major museums and attractions in a hassle-free manner and at a discounted rate.
-
Skip the hassle of buying tickets at the city's major attractions like the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, Stedelijk Museum, and more, while saving on costs.
-
Visit the Rembrandt House Museum, the only place in the world completely dedicated to Dutch painter Rembrandt, and the fun Upside Down Museum.
-
Enjoy the convenience of free access to Amsterdam's public transport system (GVB) and explore the city without worrying about cabs or buses.
-
Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, 96-hour, or 120-hour options, and make the most of this flexibility to see Amsterdam at your own pace.
-
Similar things to do in Amsterdam
Millions love heading out with us
Josephine
Dr.
Caroline
Choo
Jean
Ellie
Belen
- Situated on the banks of the Zaan River, Zaanse Schans is a bucolic Dutch village that is so well preserved that it has become an open-air museum. Dotted with working windmills and historical houses from the 17th, 18th and 19th century, Zaanse Schans is a scenic treat to Netherland’s industrial and domestic past.Once home to over 600 active windmills and factories, this idyllic town currently boasts a variety of unique activities including a bakery museum, clog museum and workshop and local cheese farm among many other places. Just a 20-minute drive away from Amsterdam, this Dutch jewel makes for an intriguing day trip that every tourist and local should take at least once.
Before embarking on trip to the Zaanse Schans Windmills,here's all you need to know.
- Location: Zaandijk
Suggested Duration: 2-4 Hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or early afternoon
Zaanse Schans Windmills Tickets: €34.50
Closest Subway: Koog Aan De Zaan station
- In its heyday, the Zaan region was an industrial superpower with hundreds of active windmills that produced a variety of products ranging from paper to linseed oil. Some of the remaining windmills are now open to the public and some of Zaanse Schans' characteristic wooden houses are converted into museums, gift shops or workshops.Giving you a glimpse into the glorious years of Netherland during the 17th and 18th centuries, these well preserved mills and houses serves as an open window into the past or shall we say serve as an open museum. In addition to the beautiful windmills and houses, you can observe the traditional art of making Dutch special cheese and clogs, taste the unique liqueurs and experience Albert Heijn’s first store, among other things during your visit here.
- Sensory Delight - From eye-appealing windmills to heart-pleasing rustic houses, from nostalgic memorabilias to delightful souvenirs, from nose-pleasing bakery smells to tongue pleasing cheese, Zaanse Schans offer all this and a lot more.
- Iconic windmills - Windmills have had been an integral part of Dutch culture and around eight windmills here are still in operation. Visitors can visit a few and observe the gears turning from wind power, understand the ingeniousness and importance of these structures as they witness its working and nuances.
- Preserved history - A major portion of the historic buildings were moved to Zaanse Schans between 1961 and 1974 in order to preserve them from urban expansions, converting the area into an open air museum.
- Approachability - Located just north of Amsterdam, a half a day or a full day trip to Zaanse Schans is perfectly feasible for both tourists and locals.
- Economical - Most attractions in Zaanse Schans, including museum tour and workshops are free of cost, giving you the freedom to stick to your budget while exploring this quaint village.
- First and foremost your transit from Amsterdam is bound to be a short, sweet and scenic journey. As you reach Zaanse Schans, prep yourselves to be wowed away from the places’ sheer beauty and magnificence.Depending upon the season and day you visit, head towards the windmills to see how it is still used in grinding oil, flour and spices. After your fill of the Zaanse Schans Windmill Village, take a stroll towards the village’s characteristic green wooden houses.Here on, you can proceed towards your chosen activity; take a lesson in cheese making, taste it and buy it. See the clog museum, bakery museum, Museumwinkel Albert Heijn; witness the process of Tin casting, liquor distillation. Explore the local arts and artists, shop for souvenirs.Don’t forget to look back and take it all in before you leave as such an amalgamation of scenic beauty and historical importance is exclusive to Zaanse Schans.
- As of 2019, only 6 windmills are open to the public. Here's a little about each windmill.
- De Huisman (1756): This mill used to be a mustard mill but now makes other spices too.
- De Gekroonde Poelenburg (1869): This is a sawmill and you can see logs being cut into lumber here.
- De Kat (1664): This is a paint mill which grinds wood and pigment to create vibrant colors and other ingredients for artists and restorers in the region.It is one of two mills (along with De Bonte Hen) that were originally built in the premises.
- De Zoeker (1672): This is an oil mill producing peanut oil.
- Het Jonge Schaap ( 2007): This saw mill was recently restored and looks much newer than the rest of the mills around. This windmill saws lumber into planks.
- De Bonte Hen (1693): This one is also an oil producing flaxseed oil. It works to lift huge beams of wood which drop repeatedly to press the oil out of the seeds.
- Clothing Advice : As aforementioned, Zaanse Schans is located at the banks Zaan River, due to which the weather tends to windy. Do pack some warm clothes such as a jacket, shawl or scarf to gear up against the winds.
- Check Timing and Prices in advance : While Zaanse Schans is open all day long and is free to roam around, some sites do require an entry ticket and have a certain time restrictions. Check opening hours and pricing on the official website, beforehand.
- Don't miss out on the Private Gouses and Gardens : There are still a few houses in Zaanse Schans that are used as private residences, so, do not wander around in any garden or house without checking.
- Opt for an Organised Tour : Zaanse Schans is filled with things to do and see, a professional guide could not just help you guide the space better, but will be able to provide you some interesting trivia about each site.
- Get the Zaanse Schans Card : A great way to inexpensively enjoy the Zaanse Schans, the pass gives you free access to most ticketed sites and avail attractive discounts in souvenir and museum shops, restaurants and windmill cruises.
Nearby cities to explore
World at your tap.
Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
