zaanse schans tours from amsterdam

Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

Last Updated: April 11, 2024

Gerrit Vandenberg

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands from his home near Amsterdam, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" . If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here .

Disclosure: This article has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs nothing extra, but you'll help keep my content free. It's a win-win!

WANT TO SAVE THIS ARTICLE?

Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox!

And each week, I'll send you new tips to plan your Netherlands vacation. If you decide it's not for you (any longer), unsubscribing is always just a click away.

Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

Are you wondering how to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?

Then you’re in the right place. I’ve visited Zaanse Schans countless times in my life, with customers, with overseas friends, and by myself.

The last time I was at Zaanse Schans was in April 2024. It’s a great day trip from Amsterdam.

This article is all about how to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans . If you’re looking for things to do in Zaanse Schans , I have written this article for you.

There are six different ways to take a day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam:

• Organized Tour (including my recommendations)
• Private Tour (by me)
• Taxi (pre-book to save money)
• Bus (Public Transport)
• Zaanse Schans by train
• Car (including tips)
• Bicycle (really a fun option; details in the post)

The benefit of a tour is that everything is taken care of. There are no transport tickets to buy and no worries about getting off the wrong bus or train stop.

With a group tour, you get on the bus, and they will do the rest. Plus, you get commentary and a host whom you can ask questions. With a private tour, you enjoy the privacy of a car and a more personalized trip.

But it’s also easily doable on your own and I’ll explain in this article how to do it.

I secretly enjoyed my recent trip with a tour company. It was included in my Amsterdam Go City Pass (it’s a steal; here is my full review) .

But public transport will be cheaper and more flexible than a tour. Thus, keep on reading if that is of interest to you. 

Also, don’t rule out going by bike. I know I advise against bike rental in Amsterdam (it’s dangerous), but outside of the city, it’s lovely. If you have an e-bike, its distance is easy to cover, and there are pleasant routes you can take. More about that is below.

Of course, if you have a car, you can get to Zaanse Schans quite quickly. But parking is not cheap, so it’s not worth renting a car to go here. But if you plan on visiting more nearby places and making Zaanse Schans one of your stops, then a car is perfect !

Short on time ? This is what I recommend:

If you’re okay with set travel times, I recommend this organized tour (the one I was on) . Or I would take the bus (or train) if I want to be in charge of my own time. 

But keep reading for more tips.

PS: The Zaanse Schans area is a super touristy place , but at the same time, it’s a lovely open-air museum to see windmills. It’s the closest place to Amsterdam to see Dutch working windmills. Most are historic windmills.

And there is a lot more to see and do. You can see how clogs are made (and buy a pair while you’re there). Or why not try a traditional Dutch Stroopwafel (syrup waffle) or pancake?

You can also visit the cute first Albert Heijn store, which was a small general store before becoming a huge supermarket chain in the country. It’s the l argest supermarket chain in the Netherlands , but the store where it first began is in Zaanse Schans.

And best of all, the Zaanse Schans is small and super easy to walk around .

It’s a beautiful spot to learn more about the history of the Netherlands , one of the top places to visit, and chosen by 2 million visitors a year. 

I wrote a complete guide on what to do in the Zaanse Schans , including tips like why not to buy cheese here.

Table of Contents

1. pros and cons choosing a zaanse schans tour.

You might wonder why go on a Zaanse Schans tour if it’s so easy to get there by bus or train on your own time instead. What is the added benefit?

That is a good question, and the answer is: If you want complete flexibility over your day, I would recommend traveling on your own by bus or train . But…

There is a convenience to a tour company that can’t be beaten. You don’t have to worry about getting off at the right stop. Everything is taken care of for you. There is a tour guide on board giving you more background information and is there for you to answer questions.

A benefit for the Zaanse Schans is that the free cheese and clog demonstrations can fill up quickly, while a tour company always has pre-booked demonstrations just for them. Direct entrance is guaranteed.

When I was on a guided Zaanse Schans tour last summer in 2023, I felt the balance between free time and group activities (the two demonstrations) was good. The demonstrations took less than an hour, and we had about 2 hours of free time to walk around.

That is enough time to visit a windmill, take photos, shop, and eat. And that is what most people come here for.

But that’s also the downside. There is much more to do at Zaanse Schans Park , like museums, if you want to do it all, you need more time. If that is the case, getting there by public transport, bicycle, or car is a better choice.

My private tour could be a good option if you want to see more of the country and enjoy more privacy.

What’s Included in a Tour?

• Transportation to and from Amsterdam
• Short Guided tour of Zaanse Schans
• Demonstrations at Clog workshop
• Cheese-making demonstration (read shops for both)

How Long Does It Last?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

How Much Does It Cost?

I recommend this half-day Zaanse Schans Windmill tour . It cost around €30-€35, and it’s the tour I was on myself and enjoyed a lot. The tour guide, Fleur, was terrific.

PS: this tour is also included (and thus free) with the Go City Amsterdam Pass (get a pass). When you plan more activities in Amsterdam this pass is a steal! A true money saver. This is my Go City Pass review .

Tip: Consider a full-day tour.

This Charm of Holland tour (full-day) is the most complete day trip I know and includes a visit to the Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, and Edam.

Volendam and Marken are two iconic fishing villages , and the boat tour is included. Edam is known for its cheese-making. And it’s super cute.

What’s Included?

• Guided tours of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, and Edam
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Volendam (I had lunch here (at full price) and enjoyed it a lot)
• Boat ride between Marken and Volendam

Expect to be out for about 8-10 hours. It’s a full day.

Cost and Booking

This tour costs €99 and includes everything: transportation, tours, boat ticket and lunch! You can book this Charm of Holland ticket here .

PS : These tours often sell out in the primary tourist season (April-September)— book in advance to secure your spot .

Prefer a Private Tour to Zaanse Schans?

You can also book a private tour with me as your personal tour guide. Please visit my private tour page to learn more and make a booking request.

Classic Countryside

The all-time classic is Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, and Edam. As a private tour instead of a tour bus. Including hidden gems.

• Meet at your accommodation
• Pre-tour call included
• Duration: 10-12 hours
• The classic Dutch Countryside

Delft and Kinderdijk

This day is truly Dutch. From Delft’s rich history to the iconic windmills. All experienced from the comfort of a private car.

• Unesco Dutch Windmills

Delft and Bruges (B)

Enjoy Vermeer’s Delft and then the romantic medieval city of Bruges in Belgium. This is a long day but a fantastic experience.

• Duration: 14-16 hours
• Visit Delft and Bruges

Gerrit!!! Thank you for making our “Flower Day” so special. We enjoyed our time with you so much! Best wishes to you and Herman during your upcoming move!🌷🌷

– The Miller Family. Austin, Texas

3. Travel By Taxi from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

Why Choose a Taxi ?

If you don’t want to deal with transit, tickets, and walking to and from the station you can also opt for booking a private taxi.

You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and don’t have to worry about other people.

When you pre-book your taxi you can save significant money compared taking a regular taxi.

When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 70% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.

2. How to Get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans By Bus

Direct bus 391 from Amsterdam is a convenient and low-cost way of traveling to the Zaanse Schans Windmills. The line was also referenced once as the industrial heritage line, but you can quickly forget that since there is no reference elsewhere.

Buses depart frequently and are safe. The downside is they take longer than the train, but the upside is the stop is at the village entrance, while by train you need to walk 15 minutes.

Buses leave 4x an hour . The bus takes 40 minutes. Check the screens to see from which platform your bus departs.

In summer, there is also express line 891 : there is no extra cost, but you’ll get to Zaanse Schans 20 minutes faster since it’s direct. Bus 891 departs less frequently than the regular buses (391), but you can plan for that.

All buses depart from the Amsterdam Central Station bus station (at IJ-side), the station’s north side, towards the ferry and the water, not the city center exit. Buses depart from platform E or L, but check the screens for the specific location since it changes.

Cost and Tickets

Contactless Payment: You can pay for your fare with a contactless debit or credit card (Google Wallet and Apple Pay also work). Even overseas cards work. TIP: Make sure to remember to tap when you enter and when you leave! The cost is about €5 for a one-way ticket.

Travel Pass: I recommend using the Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) instead. This is a one-day or multi-day ticket that covers all bus, train, and metro journeys in the Amsterdam region . If you plan to explore more than just Zaanse Schans, it’s a steal. It also includes transport in Amsterdam on GVB, like trams and the metro, and local trains, for example, to and from the airport! Prices start at €21. 

PS : The I amsterdam Card (Amsterdam city card) only provides free transportation in the city of Amsterdam with the city operator called GVB. This does not include regional transit to the Zaanse Schans.

3. Travel By Train from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

Why Choose the Train ?

I prefer to take the train compared to the bus. It’s faster and more direct, there is a toilet on board, it’s cheaper than the bus and you can move around. Traveling to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam by train takes less than 20 minutes. 

The downside of taking the train over the bus is that it is a 15-20-minute walk from the train station to the Zaanse Schans park.

I prefer this compared to sitting on the bus for 20 minutes longer. But if you don’t like the idea of an extra walk , then the bus is a better alternative.

Direct train services run every 30 minutes, and the train ride takes between 17 and 20 minutes. 

Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans Train Price

A one-way train ticket from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans costs €3.70 in 2nd class (2024 price).

TIP: You can use your contactless card just like the bus. But if you book a few days in advance on the railway’s website, you can sometimes get an early booking discount on these prices if you travel off-peak (after 9 a.m. and not between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and the entire day on weekends). Tickets can be booked directly on the railway’s website here.

PS: booking can be a little confusing, here are some tips, more in my article here :

• First, you search for the route (Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans)
• Then select a random train around the time you want to go.
• If you choose a train during off-peak hours and book at least four days in advance, you might see a discount fare.
• Tickets are not connected to a departure (even though you selected a train on the screen). You can take any train, but if you have an off-peak discount, you must travel during off-peak hours. That is the confusing part.
• Once booked, you can quickly load the ticket in the NS app to use it.

Trains depart from Amsterdam Central Station. Look for trains heading to Uitgeest and get off at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station .

Here is more information about train travel in The Netherlands .

PS : The Amsterdam + Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) is also valid on this train journey. So, if you plan to travel more, this is a steal compared to a single ticket.

4. Travel to the Zaanse Schans by Car

Why Choose to Drive ?

If you’re traveling just between Amsterdam and Zaanse Schans, traveling by car makes no sense . There are plenty of more convenient travel options available.

But if you love the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit multiple destinations on the same day or plan a multi-day trip, then driving to Zaanse Schans makes a lot of sense.

It’s perfect when combining multiple nearby villages like Volendam, Edam, Marken, go to the beach, and more.

If you don’t have your car, rental prices start at around €50-€100 per day, depending on the model. I always recommend checking out rates at Rental Cars and Discovery Cars . I usually find the best deals at Rental Cars, but check them both!

Find the lowest price for Car rental in the Netherlands

For the best car rental rates , I suggest checking both Rental Cars and Discover Cars. I often go with Rental Cars, but it’s worth comparing both.

How to Get There

The drive from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is pretty straightforward. You take the S116 road to the A10 ring road from Amsterdam, followed by the A8. The journey takes 20 minutes.

Google Maps is an easy tool to navigate. You don’t need a separate GPS. But ensure you have a local data package for your phone to use the internet. 

I recommend getting an eSIM card . They’re super affordable, can be used on most modern phones, and avoid high roaming charges or travel packages from your home provider. This allows you to use the internet on your phone much more cheaply!

Here is my article on eSIM cards and which one I recommend for whom. 

I promise you will save a lot of money .

The Lowest Priced And Most Flexible eSIM cards (incl. tethering)

Stop searching for WI-FI; get an affordable eSIM for the Netherlands. From just $4.50 for 1GB, but I recommend at least 10GB . TIP: Get the App for easy top-up.

Once you arrive, park your car at the large parking area near the entrance. Parking fees are between €11 to €15 for the day, depending on the season. If you see €10 rates on other sites, you know they have outdated information.

Please don’t park for free in the nearby town. It’s quite a walk, and locals will be less than thrilled if you do this in their streets, harassment is not uncommon. Be mindful of where to park.

5. Can you bike from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans?

Surprisingly, yes, this is a pretty good idea. The distance is doable on any bike. It’s 20 kilometers (13 miles) one-way. But I recommend renting a comfortable bike with gears, preferably an e-bike.

You might have seen my post where I say don’t rent a bike in Amsterdam . And I do stand by that advice. The city center is too busy for comfort. But taking a trip to the countryside is a great idea . You’ll experience your surroundings much more.

You have multiple options. If you use Google Maps , you’ll get a boring, direct route through build-up areas that are not pretty.

A cool route is to go west via the free ferry at Hembrug, and you’ll pass the Dutch Kissing Couple Statue XXL. This is an enormous statue of the famous Delft Blue souvenir where a boy and a girl kiss.

Nearby, you have Boer Geert for the best sandwiches in the country .

Another route is via NDSM (take a free ferry, also free of charge for your bike or scooter) from Central Station to NDSM and then cycle north via the nature area ‘t Twiske. Offering you great Dutch countryside views and stopping points along the way.

A consultation call with me can help fine-tune this itinerary (and the rest if your itinerary). With a screen share, I can show you the exact route I take, and I can give you more tips along the way.

Cycling will take an hour and a half . With stops a little bit more. Plan a full day if you want to do this.

Where to Rent

I recommend checking out bicycle availability and prices here, especially if you book in advance. It saves significant money . Popular bike rental places in Amsterdam , like MacBike, offer less convenient bikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get from amsterdam to zaanse schans.

The fastest way to the Zaanse Schans is the express bus 891 in summer. The journey will take 20 minutes. Traveling by car can be just as quick, but traffic in Amsterdam can be all over the place, so it’s very likely the trip will take (much) longer. The train is also fast. That takes less than 20 minutes, but you must walk for 15 minutes to get to the Zaanse Schans. Outside of summer, the regular bus (391) takes 40 minutes.

What is the easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans?

The easiest way to get there would be traveling on a half-day tour from Amsterdam on a tour price. This is the Zaanse Tour that I would recommend .

What is the distance from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans?

The distance is about 11 miles (18 kilometers), depending on where in Amsterdam you depart. But it’s close. The journey from Amsterdam takes between 20 minutes and 40 minutes, depending on the mode of transportation you choose and how much traffic there is. That is why it’s so easy to visit the Zaanse Schans.

What is the Zaanse Schans Address?

Zaanse Schans Schansend 7 1509 AW Zaandam The Netherlands.

I hope this post has helped you plan your trip. It’s an easy day-trip destination from Amsterdam . For tips on what to do once you get there make sure to check out my other page on things to do at Zaanse Schans .

You might also be interested in my day trip to Volendam post , which you can find here.

Find A Place To Stay In Zaandam

Find accommodation in Zaandam for the lowest prices on your favorite platform. What's great about this map is that it shows both Hotels , as VRBO rentals (like AirBNB but with lower costs).

Update your (intended) travel dates for accurate prices . TIP: Zoom out on the map (-) in the bottom right corner. This will show more options and availability.

Every Coffee ☕️ Counts!

Do you appreciate this article? Consider sending me a coffee ☕️ to support this website's upkeep. Every contribution matters and is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your generosity !

Would Like My Personal Help?

Planning a trip well is a lot of work and (or) can feel overwhelming.

Know I'm here to help with your Netherlands vacation.

When you book an Itinerary Consultation with me, I help you improve your itinerary and make your trip planning much faster and less stressful. I also enrich it with my unique insights and tips—local tips.

Unlike a blog article, with a one-on-one session, I can focus on you and your trip alone.

When you book an itinerary consultation with me, I take a look at your current itinerary/ideas before our call, and I'll start brainstorming for you. Then when we meet on the (video) call, we'll brainstorm together. And after our call I'll send you the recordings and a summary of everything we discussed.

30 minutes calls ar great for shorter trips up to 3 days, add 30 extra minutes if you stay in the Netherlands longer than that.

How are traveling to the Zaanse Schans?

I’d love your thoughts: Did this post changed your opinion?

Let's start a conversation 💬.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Holland Explorer

Amsterdam & the netherlands travel guide, from amsterdam to zaanse schans: plan your visit.

Your visit to the Netherlands would not be complete without visiting the picturesque Dutch countryside. The Zaanse Schans, a typically Dutch small village with green-timbered houses and historical windmills, is located just outside Amsterdam. You will definitely enjoy visiting it!

Zaanse Schans Tours from Amsterdam

Taking a tour to the Zaanse Schans is a good idea, especially if you have a short visit to the Netherlands. One of the cheapest options is the Zaanse Schans tour from Amsterdam (from € 29,50).

Reservation for all tours is required. The tours are popular, so in the hight season we recommend to book the tours online at least 2-3 days in advance. Book now >>

Zaanse Schans: how to get there?

Zaanse Schans is located just 16,5 km away from Amsterdam. You can get there by car, bicycle or public transport.

How to get to the Zaanse Schans by car

Navigation address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW, Zaandam . In 2024 parking costs € 11 – € 15 per day for cars, depending on the season. It is not possible to pay with cash, only with card.

It is possible to park with motor homes near the Zaanse Schans, the address of the parking place is Wezelstraat 12, 1541 LZ, Koog aan de Zaan .

How to get to the Zaanse Schans by bus

Take Connexxion bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans. It departs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 40 minutes. You can buy tickets online or from the bus driver. A ticket costs € 11.50 and it’s valid all day.

Use the Glimble travel planner to check current departures times and plan your journey:

• Download Glimble for iOS >>
• Download Glimble for Android >>

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also valid in this bus. The Region Travel Card offers you an opportunity to visit big attractions around Amsterdam (Zaanse Schans, Volendam, the Beach at Zandvoort and much more) on your own, with flexible departure times. Order A&RTT online >>

You can also use the Dutch Countryside Card . The Card is a unique combination of:

• Amsterdam & Region Travel Card (unlimited public transportation in and around Amsterdam)
• canal cruise in Amsterdam .

How to get to the Zaanse Schans by train

Take a Sprinter to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. The train journey from Amsterdam Central Station takes only 17 minutes ( book tickets online ). Zaanse Schans is just a 10-minute walk from the station. You will see numerous direction signs as soon as you leave the station.

Tip! If you travel to the Zaanse Schans by train, make a stop at Zaandam.

This world-famous building in Zaandam, which facade is made of stacked typical houses from the area, is actually a hotel. So you can even stay there! It’s only 12 minutes by train to Amsterdam. Check Inntel Hotels Zaandam >>

Attractions of the Zaanse Schans

The village of the Zaanse Schans is the world famous for its collection of historic windmills. Many of them are not just heritage, but still fully-operating wooden machines. You can visit windmills and see it yourself how they are used for making spices, sawing wood, grinding oil and much more. Very impressive!

Zaanse Schans opening hours in 2024

The Zaanse Schans village is open for visitors any time of the day and the year. However different attactions opening hours differ depending on the season. In the high season (from April to November) almost everything is open between 10.00 and 17.00. But in the low season it is different. We recommend you to check opening hours online before you go to visit the Zaanse Schans.

Zaanse Schans prices & tickets (windmills, cruises)

Most of museums and craft demonstrations, and several windmills can be visited free of charge. But for some of the attractions you have to pay . For example, a ticket to Het Jonge Schaap, De Zoeker and De Kat windmills costs €5,00 for adults and €2,50 for children each.

You can also buy a  Zaanse Schans card (€29,50), which is a includes:

• Zaans Museum ticket (usual price – €14,50)
• Verkade Chocolate and Biscuit Factory ticket
• Weaver’s House ticket
• Coopery entrance ticket
• Museum Zaan Time ticket
• World of Windmill sticket
• De Kat paint windmill ticket
• Het Jonge Schaap saw windmill ticket
• Museum Zaanse Tijd ticket
• 30% discount on parking ticket (usual price – € 11 – € 15 per day)

Zaanse Schans with I amsterdam card

If you have the I amsterdam city card , you can visit many of the Zaanse Schans attractions for free . In 2024 Zaan Time Museum and Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience as well as several windmills in Zaanse Schans are included in the card .

• Order I amsterdam Card online >>

How long will it take to visit the Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans will easily fill half a day. Keep in mind that the village is located close to the water, and the weather will most probably be windy. Taking some warm clothes (gloves, shawls, scarfs) will make your visit to the Zaanse Schans more comfortable.

Enjoy your visit to the Zaanse Schans!

This article is also available in German: Willkommen im Dorf Zaanse Schans!

About the author:

Related articles:

• Amsterdam in one day: things to see and do
• Red Light District in Amsterdam
• Lovers canal cruises in Amsterdam
• Gierhoon from Amsterdam: plan your trip
• How to get to Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam?

Hi, can we use the I AMSTERDAM CARD for the 817 and 397 buses in Zaanse Schans area?

Kindly email answer.

Hi Hannah, to the I Amsterdam city card is only valid in the public transport within the city (operated by GVB company)/

Hi, is there direct bus 817 between the Zaanse Schans and Volendam this summer 2023 as well? can you please tell me is that bus running every day? and price too. thank you.

Hi! No, unfortunately the bus 817 is no longer operating. We’ve updated information in the article above. Sorry for the possible inconvenience!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

Private  Tours

Zaanse schans small-group half-day tour from amsterdam, zaanse schans and volendam private countryside tour from amsterdam, private tour: zaanse schans from amsterdam, giethoorn and enclosing dike private day tour from amsterdam, zaanse schans windmills and countryside private bike tour from amsterdam, private dutch food tasting and history tour in zaandam from amsterdam, keukenhof tulips and zaanse schans windmills private day tour, zaanse schans small-group excursion from zaandam, keukenhof's tulips and zaanse schans windmills small-group tour from amsterdam, zaanse schans windmills private tour from ams airport, contact info, +316 44747011, [email protected].

The 5 Best Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Windmill Tours [2024 Reviews]

Amsterdam is certainly a beautiful city, with its famous canals, tons of bikers, and no lack of incredible architecture.

However, if you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I highly recommend trying a top Amsterdam windmill tour! Zaanse Schans is a picturesque village right outside of Amsterdam, and it known for how well its historic windmills have remained preserved.

You’ll learn about the windmill’s historic significance, as well as Dutch cultural traditions through visits to workshops, canals, cheese shops, and more.

Best Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Windmill Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best rated zaanse schans windmill tours for 2024.

• Keukenhof’s Tulips and Windmills Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam With Lunch
• Countryside & Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Tour
• Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam
• Private Tour to the Windmills, Cheese and Clogs and Volendam from Amsterdam
• Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour From Amsterdam

Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Windmill Tour Reviews

1. keukenhof’s tulips and windmills small-group tour from amsterdam with lunch.

• Duration:  9 hours
• Departure:  Prins Hendrikkade 69, 1012 AE Amsterdam
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, admission ticket for Keukenhof Gardens, lunch

Starting things off on the right foot, we bring you one of the most comprehensive tours of its kind. This 9-hour expedition is the perfect opportunity to get to learn about Dutch culture thanks to the small group setting.

If that sounds like fun to you, I highly recommend checking out the Keukenhof’s Tulips and Windmills Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam with Lunch .

Starting off at 9:00 am, you’ll meet up with your guide and you and the rest of your group will hop onboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Get ready for a spectacular day full of sightseeing with a professional guide who offers excellent insight into local way of life and history.

The journey there is a nice one, with comfortable seating and large windows to view the Dutch countryside while listening to your guide’s educational commentary on the enchanting region.

The excursion commences with a trip to the legendary Kooijman Souvenirs & Clogs Wooden Shoe Workshop (is there anything more stereotypically “Dutch” than this?!), where you’ll watch how these craftsmen put their talent into creating clogs.

Expand To See More See Less

I have to say, I was tempted to grab a pair myself when I saw how much skill and passion goes into making these whimsical shoes. By now, your stomach may be growling, so it’s time to head on over to the heavenly Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm!

This place is known around the world for being a cheese haven, and it’s here where you’ll learn about the intricate Dutch Gouda-making process involving techniques kept over hundreds of years!

Take some time to try these rich delicacies before making your way over to the remarkable working Molen De Kat windmill and learn about its history and mechanisms.

If you’d like, you can climb all the way up to take in some incredible majestic views of the surrounding landscape before you have a few hours of free time to explore the Keukenhof flower gardens. You’re in the Netherlands, so you have to see the blooming tulips, of course!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. countryside & zaanse schans windmills private tour.

• Duration:  5 to 6 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time:  10:00 AM
• Includes:  Private tour and transportation, WiFi on board, A visit to the dykes, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water

Perhaps that first tour sounded like fun to you, but you’re in the market for a tour that’s a bit shorter. If so, then the Countryside & Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Tour  is just the ticket!

Not to mention, it’s a great opportunity to explore a charming fishing village and Marken Haven’s iconic houses! I really appreciated that this tour included a hotel, port, train station, or airport pickup which made things so much more convenient for us and we were able to sleep in a little longer because of it!

Your transport for the day is an upscale, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle (the type depends on your group size) which was very comfortable and smooth and has wifi so you’re never without service.

As it’s a private tour, you only travel with your party and get full access to ask your guide any questions you may have! Our first stop of the day is a fun one, as it’s the Volendam fishing village full of artisanal goods, tradition, and amazing Dutch architecture.

Renowned for its picturesque setting, you’ll be able to learn a ton about Dutch culture, history, and the fishing industry that kept the village going for hundreds of years.

Right on the scenic waterfront, you’ll see tons of colorful wooden houses built on stilts and learn about what life was like here in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Cheese Factory Volendam is a must for any cheese lover, where you’ll learn about the intricacies that go into their unique cheese-making process and of course, sample a wide variety of delicious cheeses. Learn about the clog industry and how they’re made, and even spot locals in traditional Dutch costume!

Once in Zaanse Schans, explore the historic shipyard (super cool for anyone with a remote interest in vessels), and check out the iconic Holland mills. You can go up to the mill and see its inner workings, and learn about Dutch life throughout the centuries.

3. Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam

• Duration:  5.5 hours
• Departure:  Overhoeksplein 51, 1031 KS Amsterdam
• Departure Time: 9:15 AM
• Includes:  Group size max 8 persons, Cheese tasting, Dutch fruit wine, Expert guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

If you have a few hours and would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the lively Amsterdam, then we have a fantastic tour for you.

The  Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam  allows for a maximum of 8 people per group, allowing for an intimate experience that you simply can’t get on most tours.

If you’d like to discover some of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands, do yourself a favor and just sign up right now. Start your tour by meeting your guide and the rest of your group at the entrance of the This Is Holland building, which is right next to the ADAM Tower.

This is a convenient meet-up spot for most people, and there’s a nice little breakfast joint nearby if you’d like to grab a coffee and pastry or sandwich beforehand. Everyone will then board the air-conditioned coach, and head off for the Dutch countryside until you get to Zaanse Schans.

This iconic windmill village is actually the oldest industrial part of Europe, and is where Dutch heritage was actually born! Watch it come to life as you venture around this fairytale-like location and even go inside one of the windmills to learn how it works.

After some time here, head on over to the Irene Hoeve Clogs and Cheese Shop, which is a family-owned spot showcasing Dutch craftsmanship.

Here, you’ll get to watch how they make wooden clogs and handmade Gouda cheeses using skills passed down over hundreds of years. It was surprising to me just how much work and intricacy goes into both art forms, and tasting the cheeses made it that much more memorable.

At this point, you and your group get to choose whether you’d like to visit Monnickendam or Volendam.

Monnickendam is known for its old fishing village and smokehouses, with winding streets overlooking the beautiful sea and tranquil atmosphere. Volendam is on an old sea dike, featuring brightly-colored wooden houses, charming cafes, delicious eateries, and a whole lot of traditional Dutch culture at every turn.

4. Private tour to the Windmills, Cheese and Clogs and Volendam from Amsterdam

• Duration:  5 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Departure Time: Anytie between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Includes:  Pick up with 1 or 2 Mercedes vehicles (depends on availability), transport by a private air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle, entrance ticket to a Windmill of your choice, local taxes Driver/Host, option to taste the best cheese, option to buy the best waffles in Volendam

We can’t forget this magical tour that will take you from Amsterdam to some of the most breathtaking villages in all of Europe. The Private Tour to the Windmills, Cheese and Clogs and Volendam from Amsterdam Experience  is a 5-hour tour that is simply the most comfortable way to do so.

With a luxury vehicle, private group setting, and expert guides and drivers, if you want to feel like the VIP you are check this one out. The fact that this tour includes a hotel, port, train station, or airport pickup was such a big relief, offering us more time to sleep in and not have to worry about booking separate transportation.

You’ll be cruising around today in an air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle (the type depends on your group size) which was very comfortable and small enough to navigate through small streets. As it’s a private tour, you won’t be traveling with any strangers and get full access to ask your guide any questions you may have!

This captivating exploration of Dutch heritage will cover the country’s industrial past, expert craftsmanship, and idyllic village life, kicking off with a visit to Zaanse Schans.

Here, you’ll witness these amazing iconic structures in all their glory and even learn about their inner workings by going inside of one! I really loved seeing the paint windmill, which is famous for its association with Rembrandt who actually bought his paint from it!

Next up is an immersive experience at a local clog factory where you’ll witness how they make the classic wooden shoes using traditions passed down from generation to generation.

You can even buy a pair for yourself, which is really tempting after seeing just how much love and work goes into each one! Next up is the highlight for me: a visit to the Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm!

Here, you’ll learn all about making Dutch gouda and even get to try some after watching how they make it. Then, visit the wonderful fishing village of Volendam and see this exemplary vision of Dutch culture.

The beautiful harbor, amazing lunch at a well-known fish restaurant, and warm atmosphere make it a must-see.

5. Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour From Amsterdam

• Departure:  Ruijtergaard near Amsterdam Central Station
• Departure Time: Contact tour operator
• Includes:  T ransportation,  Guide,  Entry to the Keukenhof Gardens,  Guided tour of Keukenhof Gardens,  Clog-making and cheese-making demonstration,  Cheese tasting,  Amsterdam canal cruise voucher (if option selected)

Immerse yourself in a fantastic day filled with Dutch beauty and cultural gems with one of the most complete tours of its kind.

On the Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour from Amsterdam , you’ll explore amazing flower fields, traditional craftsmanship, delicious food, and so much more on this guided experience.

If you’re looking to see as much of the Netherlands as you possibly can in a short amount of time, this is a great way to do so! You’ll start by meeting your guide and the rest of your group at a location just a few minutes walking from the Amsterdam Central Station, which is relatively easy to get to.

I found the guide to be excellent at time management, organization, and overall knowledge. As you drive to your first destination, they’ll offer educational explanations, historical commentary, and fun anecdotes along the way.

The first stop of the day is at the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, where you’ll get to see and learn about the daffodils, crocuses, and of course, tulips!

The 45-minute guided tour was very comprehensive, as they tell you how each is cultivated, as well as the history and cultural relevance. Honestly, it’s the most entertained I’ve ever been about flowers, and I plan on going back and checking it out again.

Next up is the Zaanse Schans windmill village, where you’ll feel like you’ve gone back hundreds of years! You’ll get to watch how Dutch wooden clogs are made, and fill up on delicious cheeses while watching an interesting cheese-making demonstration.

Then, go on a guided walking tour through the unique village and learn all about its history before enjoying some leisure time to explore as you wish.

Oh, and you also have the option of adding on an Amsterdam canal cruise, where you’ll get to appreciate some of the biggest tourist attractions from this relaxing, beautiful point of view.

FAQs About the Zaanse Schans Windmill Village

Q: what is zaanse schans.

A: Zaanse Schans is a residential area in Zaandam, near Amsterdam, where you can experience the 18th and 19th-century Dutch countryside. It has a collection of wooden houses, windmills, barns, and workshops that showcase the traditional crafts and industries of the region.

Q: How can I get to Zaanse Schans?

A: You can get to Zaanse Schans by car, train, bus, boat, or bicycle. It is about 12 miles from Amsterdam and takes around 30 minutes by car or train. There are several parking lots near the entrance of Zaanse Schans. You can also take a bus from Amsterdam Central Station or a boat from Amsterdam IJburg. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike and follow the scenic route along the river Zaan.

Q: What can I do at Zaanse Schans?

A: There are many things to do at Zaanse Schans, such as:

• Visit the windmills and learn how they were used for sawing wood, grinding spices, making oil, and producing paint.
• Explore the museums and workshops and discover the history and culture of the Zaan region. You can see how cheese, clogs, chocolate, pewter, and clocks are made.
• Stroll around the village and admire the colorful wooden houses and gardens. You can also visit the bakery, the grocery store and the pancake restaurant.
• Enjoy a guided tour on foot, boat, or bicycle and get more insights from a local expert. You can also join a workshop or a demonstration and try your hand at some of the crafts.

Q: When is the best time to visit Zaanse Schans?

A: Zaanse Schans is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between March and October when the weather is pleasant and most of the attractions are open. The opening hours vary depending on the season and the day of the week, so check the website before you go. Zaanse Schans can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly. You can also book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Zaanse Schans?

A: The entrance to Zaanse Schans is free, but some of the attractions charge a fee. You can buy individual tickets for each attraction or get a Zaanse Schans Card that gives you unlimited access to most of them for one day.

FAQs About the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

What are keukenhof tulip gardens.

A: Keukenhof tulip gardens are the largest flower gardens in the world, located in Lisse, near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. They are also known as the Garden of Europe and showcase over 7 million flowers, including over 800 species of tulips every spring during the Tulip Festival.

Q: How can I get to Keukenhof tulip gardens?

A: You can get to Keukenhof tulip gardens by car, train, bus, or bike. It is about 25 miles from Amsterdam and takes around 45 minutes by car or train. There are several parking lots near the entrance of Keukenhof. You can also take a bus from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Amsterdam Central Station, Haarlem, Leiden, or The Hague. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike and follow the scenic route along the flower fields.

Q: What can I do at Keukenhof tulip gardens?

A: There are many things to do at Keukenhof tulip gardens, such as:

• Admire the colorful flower displays and arrangements in the outdoor gardens and indoor pavilions.
• Learn about the history and culture of tulips and other flowers at the museums and exhibitions.
• Enjoy the events and activities for all ages, such as musical performances, workshops, demonstrations, and children’s playgrounds.
• Explore the surrounding area and visit the nearby attractions, such as the windmill, the petting zoo, and the bulb farms.

Q: When is the best time to visit Keukenhof tulip gardens?

A: Keukenhof tulip gardens are open only for 8 weeks every year during the spring season. The exact dates will vary but normally from mid-March to mid-May. The best time to visit is between mid-April and early May when most of the tulips are in full bloom. Keukenhof can get crowded during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly. You can also book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Keukenhof tulip gardens?

A: The entrance fee to Keukenhof tulip gardens varies depending on your age and group size. You can buy individual tickets or combination tickets that include public transport or other attractions.

Tour Guides

The Keukenhof's Tulips and Windmills Small-Group Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Windmill Tour

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Zaanse Schans – Windmill Village near Amsterdam

A pleasant half-day trip from Amsterdam is a visit to the picturesque Dutch village park at Zaanse Schans, approximately 15km north of the city. You will find iconic views of the 6 windmills set on the river Zaan, traditional houses, shops and museums.

Zaanse Schans has an open-air museum feel and has become a very popular tourist attraction with 2.5 million annual visitors. It is free to just walk around and take photos.

The Zaanse Schans area was actually set-up in 1963 as a reserve for historic buildings from the region. The buildings were transported here by land and water to be restored.

The Zaan region is well-known for its green houses. It is thought that the green paint made of copper pigment had good weatherproofing qualities.

Zaans Museum

The Zaans Museum is a principal attraction at Zaanse Schans and gives a concise historical overview of the people and industry of the area.

It has a varied collection of paintings, costumes, furniture as well as multimedia exhibits.

The museum also houses the Verkade Experience which is a history of the chocolate and biscuit maker including the old manufacturing machines which you can see in action.

In addition, the Zaans Museum includes two ‘living history’ museums:

The Weaver’s House (Zeilenmakerspad 8) shows how sails were traditionally made using looms.

The Tiemstra Cooperage (De Kwakels 2) will show you the craft of making wooden barrels which were vital for transporting goods.

The museum is open daily 1000-1700. Admission to Zaans Museum costs €14.50, seniors 65+ €11.50, children 4-17 €7.50. Iamsterdam City Card and Museumkaart holders get free entry; the Zaanse Schans card (see below) has entry included.

If you just wish to visit the Weaver’s House and Cooperage, then admission to either costs €3 for adults, €1.50 for children 4-17.

Zaans Museum , Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam

There is a large car park at Zaans Museum which is where most of the coach tours arrive.

Not far from the Zaans Museum is a 2-level wooden watchtower (free entry) which gives an elevated panoramic view of the area.

Other museums/attractions at Zaanse Schans

The Albert Heijn Museum Shop (Kalverringdijk 5) is a reconstruction of the first ever Albert Heijn store from Oostzaan dating back to the late 19th century. Today Albert Heijn is the biggest supermarket in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. Entrance is free, open 1000-1630 weekends only.

The Zaanse Time Museum (Kalverringdijk 3, daily 1100-1600) shows the history of Dutch timepieces with a collection of clocks that chime together on the hour. Standard entrance is €11 for adults, €5.50 for children 4-17. Free entrance for Iamsterdam City Card and Museumkaart.

The Bakery Museum de Gecroonde Duyvekater (Zeilenmakerspad 4, daily 0900-1700) is where you can sample the Duivekater , a famous Zaanse sweet bread. Free entrance.

Honig Breethuis (Lagedijk 80, Fri-Sun 1300-1600) is a 19th century merchant family house on the west-side of the Zaan. Entrance is €7.50 for adults, free for Museumkaart holders.

The Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm (Zeilenmakerspad 5, daily 0830-1730 Oct-Feb/0800-1800 Mar-Sep) is a replica of an old farm from Oostzaan. Cheese makers wear traditional costumes and offer daily demonstrations.

Ever wondered how the ubiquitous Dutch clogs are made? The Clog Workshop (Kraaienest 4, daily 0900-1700 Nov-Feb/0900-1800 Mar-Oct) gives you the chance to see a clog maker in action. Entrance is free and the onsite museum houses an impressive collection of wooden shoes.

World of Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is famous for its wooden windmills. The old industrial area of the Zaanstreek once featured more than 1,000 windmills.

The World of Windmills opened in 2020 and includes the Mill Museum and the chance to visit a number of working windmills.

The Mill Museum (Kalverringdijk 30, open 1200-1700 Tue-Sun) houses an interactive exhibition about various aspects of mill life, culture and trade. The highlight is perhaps an 11 metre wide panoramic painting of the windmills in Zaandam around the year 1800.

Individual entry to a windmill costs €5.50 for adults, €2.50 for children 4-17. Combi World of Windmill tickets (Mill Museum + 2 windmills) cost €20. Buy a World of Windmills ticket here

You have the choice to visit the following windmills:

De Kat (The Cat) – paint and dye mill (1664) Het Jonge Schaap (The Young Sheep) – sawmill (2007)

These other windmills at Zaanse Schans may have restricted opening hours or may be closed:

De Bonte Hen (The Brightly Coloured Hen) – oil mill (1693) De Zoeker (The Seeker) – oil mill (1672) De Huisman (The Houseman) – spice mill (1786) Het Pink (The Yearling) – oil mill (1620) Het Prinsenhof (The Prince’s Court) – hulling mill (1722) De Koker (The Pipe) – flour mill (1866) De Schoolmeister (The Schoolmaster) – paper mill (1692) De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg) – sawmill (1867) De Bleeke Dood (The Pale Death) – flour mill (1656) De Jonge Dirk (The Young Dirk) – paper mill (1908) De Ooievaar (The Stork) – oil mill (1622)

There is a Zaanse Schans card available for purchase (€23.50, children 4-17 €16) which offers entry into the Zaans Museum, Zaanse Time Museum, the Weaver’s House and Cooperage. You can also visit the Mill Museum, paint mill De Kat and saw mill ‘t Jonge Schaap. The card saves about €18 when taking account of all entrance fees. Buy the Zaanse Schans card here

Windmill Cruises Zaanse Schans (Kalverringdijk 21A) are available with departures every 30 minutes between 0930 and 1630. A cruise in a glass-topped boat takes 45 minutes and costs €13.50 (children 4-12 €7.50).

Getting to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

There are a number of possibilities for getting to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam.

TOUR: The easiest way is to take an organised half-day Zaanse Schans tour with pick-up near Amsterdam Central station. Or take a combined Zaanse Schans + Volendam/Marken tour

In terms of public transport, there are 2 choices for reaching Zaanse Schans.

TRAIN: Take one of the NS Sprinter stopping trains from Amsterdam Central (direction Uitgeest, up to 4x hourly) to station Zaandijk Zaanse Schans .

From there it’s about 10-15 minutes walk to Zaanse Schans – just follow the signs. Walk up the road (Stationstraat) and then turn left towards the windmill and then right to cross over the bridge.

BUS: Connexxion’s Industrial Heritage bus line (391) runs from the bus station (IJ-side) at Amsterdam Central to Zaandam and the Zaanse Schans windmills. It runs up to 4x hourly and the trip takes about 40 minutes.

Public transport tickets for Zaanse Schans

The Zaanstreek Bus Day Ticket costs €11.50 and is valid on all Connexxion services in the Zaandam/Zaanstreek area including the 391 trip to/from Amsterdam. A 90 minute “Bus Tram Metro” ticket costs €6.50.

A day return (2023) on the train costs €7.40 and the trip takes just under 20 mins. There is a €1 surcharge for disposable tickets.

It is well worth getting out of Amsterdam to have a look around Zaanse Schans, a picture postcard version of a traditional Dutch village in a water and country setting.

This article was originally published in 2011. Last updated 3 January 2023 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Related Articles

Madurodam – Holland in Miniature Park in Den Haag

Efteling – A Fairytale Theme Park in the Netherlands

A Guide to Haarlem, Netherlands

A Guide to Maastricht, Netherlands

• Zaanse Schans Tour
• Walking Tours
• Audio guide
• Groups allowed
• Tour guides

Description

Zaanse schans tour from amsterdam.

Explore true Holland with this amazing tour through  Zaanse Schans , Volendam , Marken and Edam . Historical pearls dotted across the countryside of the Netherlands.

Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken Tour

Your journey starts off at the Zaanse Schans where you’ll see plethora of beautifully preserved Dutch windmills. You’ll have ample time for taking pictures. The stops are located in the so called Waterland area. Where you get to explore some of Holland’s most  picturesque villages: Volendam, Edam & Marken.

Volendam, Edam & Marken Tour

Walk past historic locations in the centre of Edam such as the world famous Cheese Market square. After Edam taste some locally produced typical Dutch cheese at an actual cheese producer close to Volendam. At this location the local cheese master shows you how those famous Gouda en Edam cheeses are actually produced.

Next to the cheese producer stands a little clog factory. Here you’ll learn everything about those famous wooden Dutch shoes. The last stop of this wide-ranging Zaanse Schans Tour is a intimate fishermen town called Marken.

Feel like you’re walking in the 17th century is you explore the harbor and the Protestant church. This wide-ranging tour is something that you simply cannot afford to miss during your short stay in Amsterdam or the Netherlands.

Windmill Village  Zaanse Schans Tour

Zaanse Schans is a working and inhabited neighbourhood in the Dutch city Zaandam which also functions as an open air windmill museum. Between 1961 and 1974 old structures from all over the Zaanstreek region were transported to this little  picturesque  neighbourhood. It has the best preserved collection of historic houses and windmills.

The windmills are in complete original state and are operated by the locals with passion and enthusiasm. At the Zaanse Schans you can explore the insides of the windmills at will where you can see the impressive massive rotating parts first hand. Besides being a real educational experience this is the perfect place to shoot some scenic Dutch windmill pictures!

Edam Cheese Market Square

During the Middle Ages in the Netherlands, the Edam cheese market functioned as the city hub. It was here that local farmers brought their freshly produced cheeses. They were weighed at this location and sold and would then be exported globally.

Back in in 1520 Edam was bestowed the rights to organising this type of market and after 50 years they also managed to get the rights to cheese weighing for all time. Those all times rights however ended in 1922 as cheese was then produced on an industrial scale in factories. However, Edam holds a historic reenactment of this famous market every Wednesday during the summer.

In the 13th century, the small fishing town of Marken got completely separated from the Dutch mainland. What followed was centuries of isolation of the local inhabitants. They survived by fishing from the Zuider-sea and eating bread. The harbour of Marken was constructed in the 19th century to the Marken fleet of typical fishing boats; the botters.

Only as recent as 1959 Marken was finally reconnected with the Dutch mainland by building an embankment. Since then Marken has been a peninsula. Even though it has been reconnected Marken hasn’t lost its authentic quality and spirit. This Dutch town is beautifully preserved.

The tides and frequent flooding forced the local inhabitants to build their wooden houses in clusters. Because Marken was flooded on a regular basis in the past all the homes there were built on earth mounds (werfs) and then on social mounds called “terpen” in Dutch.

People also built houses on poles: these have now been closed to form under-houses. This is the only place in the world where you get to see these beautiful historic little houses.

Visitors can explore the Marken Museum, which is housed in a traditional Marken home, or take a stroll through the Marken Heritage Park. There are also several churches and windmills to see, and the Marken Lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition, Marken has a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the Dutch culture.

What’s Included In The Zaanse Schans Tour

• Bus with air-conditioning
• Audio tour guide in 16 different languages
• In person guide in either English, German or Spanish on extended tour
• See a demonstration of the milling process
• Explore Marken, a traditional Dutch fishing town
• See authentic windmills
• See a demonstration by an actual wooden shoe maker
• Visit an old Dutch bakery and cheese factory close to Volendam
• See the IJsselmeer during a boat trip
• Extra: includes a free canal cruise through Amsterdam

Why Should You See It?

Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken are villages located in the Netherlands that are known for their traditional Dutch architecture, picturesque landscapes, and rich history. Here’s why you should visit these villages:

• Zaanse Schans: This picturesque village is famous for its historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses. You can learn about the traditional Dutch way of life, including the production of cheese, oil, and paint, and visit the Zaanse Schans Museum to learn about the history of windmills.
• Edam: This village is famous for its cheese, which has been produced there for over 700 years. You can visit cheese factories and taste the famous Edam cheese, as well as see the traditional Dutch houses and windmills.
• Volendam: This charming fishing village is famous for its traditional Dutch costumes and folklore. You can visit the Volendam Museum, learn about the history of the village, and see a collection of traditional costumes.
• Marken: This small island is famous for its traditional wooden houses and beautiful landscapes. You can walk through the narrow streets, visit the Marken Museum, and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and surrounding countryside.

In conclusion , visiting Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken is a must-do for anyone interested in traditional Dutch architecture, history, and culture. These villages offer a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to experience traditional Dutch life in a beautiful and picturesque setting.

Zaanse Schans Tour Tickets:

Get tickets.

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Home Tours Half Day Zaanse Schans and canal cruise

Half Day Zaanse Schans and canal cruise

• Family friendly

About activity

Important information.

Visit the beautiful windmill village Zaanse Schans. Here you will experience all that is typical Dutch in just a few hours.

From the central meeting point, a short bus ride will take you to the windmill village Zaanse Schans. Here you will experience all that is typical Dutch in just a few hours. See the historic working windmills of Zaanse Schans on a tour from Amsterdam with a professional guide. Learn about cheese making, watch traditional craftsmen making clogs and other artifacts and view the wooden green painted houses and shops. A professional, experienced and friendly guide will accompany you throughout the village before you get time to further explore the village on your own.

Finish your day with a canal cruise through the famous canals of Amsterdam.

Long description

Begin your tour at our central meeting point. A comfortable, air-conditioned single deck bus will take you to today’s destination in just 20/30 minutes.

The windmill village Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that houses a collection of working windmills, wooden houses, barns and shops dating back to the 18th and 19th Century. All these buildings were brought here from 1961 onwards bringing back to life this most prosperous period of the Zaan region.

In its golden age the Zaan Region developed into an industrial area on a scale never seen before, with 600 active windmills: wooden factories powered by wind. In these small factories many tasks were being executed with the aid of wind energy: wood sawn by machines, grinding spices, oil for food and paint, flower, cocoa powder and many other things.

The prosperity in the 18th and 19th century can be seen in the Zaanse Schans windmill village in several ways. Alongside windmills, barns and other buildings, you will see beautiful houses that were originally built as home to rich windmill owners and merchants. These houses have attractive facades and have been painted in traditional colors such as green, beige and light blue.

At arrival in the village, your guide will take you on an orientation tour of the village. You will visit the clog museum (annex wooden shoemaker shop) and in the cheese farm you will get to taste Dutch farmer cheese. Then it is time to further explore the village on your own. Before you set off to discover the Zaanse Schans on your own, your guide will give you further information on the Zaanse Schans and its unique character, teach you local history and culture and give you insider’s tips about what to do and where to go.

Back in Amsterdam, your tour guide will give you your ticket for a regular City Canal Cruise. The voucher can be redeemed at the docks of Blue Boat Company- Gray Line Amsterdam. The ticket for your City Canal Cruise is a so called ‘open ticket’. This means that no time slot has been allocated and you can board any next available boat at one of the two following docks:

• The first dock is located at Stadhouderskade 501, opposite the Hard Rock Cafe. Take tram 1, 2, 5, 11 and 12 and get off at Leidseplein. From there, the dock is a 2 minute walk.
• The second dock is located at Stadhouderskade 550, opposite Heineken Experience. Take tram 2, 5,and 12 get off at Rijksmuseum. From there, the dock is a 5 minute walk or take metro no. 52 and get off at Vijzelgracht. From there, the dock is only a 2 minute walk.
• Drive in 20/30 minutes to the Windmill village of Zaanse Schans
• Guided tour at the Zaanse Schans
• Visit during 15 minutes the wooden shoe maker and see how to make the perfect wooden shoe
• Walk in 5 minutes to the cheese farm
• See in 10 minutes how to make Dutch Cheese and taste them all after the explanation
• Explore the village during one hour free time
• Drive back in 20/30 minutes to Amsterdam.
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Live commentary on board
• City Canal Cruise by Blue Boat Company
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks

Departure details

This tour departs from De Ruijterkade 105, 1011 AB Amsterdam. Which is only a 6 minute walk from the Amsterdam Central Station. From the front of the Amsterdam Central Station (Stationsplein), turn to your left and walk in the eastern direction. Keep on walking and cross the small bridge. Walk until you reach the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel. Turn left and follow the walkway underneath the railway crossing. After this crossing, our departure point is on your right.

Order your tickets

Customer service

Dutch Boat Tours - Cruises at Zaanse Schans Windmills

Book Your Luxury Cruise Now!

Take a look at our fine selection of boats and tours. Wether you want to sail your own boat or want a to explore the area with a skipper, we've got an option for everybody! Questions? Contact us through the chatbot and we will try to answer you as soon as possible!

From €127,-

Open Boat + Skipper

(Partly) Closed Boat + Skipper

Open Boat - Sail Yourself!

Amsterdam Windmills

Want to make the most out of your visit to the Netherlands? Great! Join us for the best rated tours of the whole Zaan area. Dutch Boat Tours provides you with amazing boat tours along the windmills, where you will be ensured to have the best views. Let our centuries old heritage amaze you, while our tourguide/skipper tells you the secrets of the windmills.

Get your own private boat and enjoy this UNESCO protected area in full privacy. Or make some new friends and join a public tour. All our tours come with an experienced skipper/tourguide and food and drinks can be arranged as well! You will always sail on a luxury and safe open boat, where you have more than enough space to move around freely. Discover the windmills in the best way possible with our Amsterdam Windmill Tour. In this tour we will sail past all the 10 windmills of the Zaanse Schans, where we provide you with all the information.

Our tours go from the Zaanse Schans Windmills, to the upcoming city of Zaandam and all the way back to authentic Dutch Wormerveer. Join our cruise and discover why Dutch Boat Tours is the leading company in Windmill Tours at the Zaanse Schans Area.

Amsterdam Windmill Tour Packages

Want to make the booking proces as easy as possible for yourself? Please check out our packages!

2 Hour Private Cruise

2.5 Hour Private Cruise with Unlimited Snacks and Drinks

1 Hour Private Cruise

Curious what others have to say? Check our reviews below!

Your Guide to Visiting Zaanse Schans, a Short and Sweet Day Trip from Amsterdam

The Netherlands are known around the world for (mainly) two things: tulips and windmills! Since I already covered everything you need to know about visiting Keukenhof Gardens , the most renowned tulip garden in the world, it’s time I share my tips for visiting the best place to see the Dutch people’s signature architecture. Discover the best way to visit Zaanse Schans in this guide!

Zaanse Schans is a residential area/park just north of Amsterdam. It is not only a fantastic place to see windmills, but a fun and educational experience to learning about Dutch history and way of life in centuries past.

Even if you only have a weekend in Amsterdam , you can squeeze this quick and easy day trip!

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

How to reach Zaanse Schans

First things first – how can you get to Zaanse Schans? If you are coming from Amsterdam, you have several options.

The first option is to arrive by car. There is a paid parking lot right in front of the park, but if you arrive towards sunset after it is no longer officially open, you don’t have to pay for the parking.

It is an 18-minute drive from the center of Amsterdam, completely along main roads.

By public transportation

You can take the Sprinter 4060 bus toward Uitgeest from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, which is about a 20 minute walk from the park. The bus ride is 30 minutes long.

If you are already in the surrounding area, there are a number of public boats and boat tours you can hop on to reach the park.

By organized tour

Getting to Zaanse Schans isn’t overwhelming by car or public transport, so to save money, I suggest you use one of those options.

But if you are looking to enrich your day trip with more activities or simply prefer someone else handling the transportation for you, then opt for an organized tour.

What to See in Zaanse Schans

Enter the historic dutch windmills.

The main attraction are the Zaanse Schans windmills.

Some mills date back to the 1600s, and what makes them all special is that they each have different histories and use cases. One makes paint, one houses spices, one is a saw mill and more!

One thing to keep in mind is that not every mill is open every day or during all seasons. If there is something particular you want to see, check the website for updated opening times .

You can buy your tickets to enter the mills online or at the mill entrance.

Walk along the windmills and nature park trail

Right beside the trail that leads you down the path of the windmills is an expansive stretch of land that looks like a nature park.

The atmosphere is so tranquil, and you can spot wildlife! I saw birds and rabbits, but I believe there are other small fluffy creatures that also roam the area.

If you have a bike or rent one, it is also the perfect scenic route for a bike ride.

Get up-close to sweet farm animals

One thing I wasn’t expecting about Zaanse Schans but absolutely loved were the farm animals that roam around the village!

I saw the fluffiest sheep just munching away at the grass only a few feet from me, completely out in the open.

Explore the replica of an 18 th century Dutch village

There are so many things to do at Zaanse Schans beyond the windmills. The replica village comes alive with mini museums, workshops and boutiques. There are also several restaurants serving traditional Dutch cuisine.

Tips for Visiting Zaanse Schans

Go at early morning or towards sunset

It’s always better to visit attractions with fewer crowds, right? I visited the park at sunset, which was actually after the park’s opening hours. The area was still open to enter and people were visiting, but many of the shops were closed.

This was actually a perfect time to visit if you want a tranquil experience with nearly no people and a gorgeous landscape of the windmills at sunset.

If instead you are all about the attractions (which I actually didn’t know much about before visiting), then try to arrive at opening hours before the midday peak.

Don’t skip the Zaans Museum

I wish the museum were open when I visited, but unfortunately, I arrived after closing time, so I didn’t get to experience it firsthand.

However, this main museum is all about food coming to life in various ways! Besides the Zaans Museum, there are also other experiences like the Albert Heign Museum, bakery museum and more!

Don’t disturb the wildlife of the Zaan region

The Zaanse Schans is right next to what looks like a sort of nature preserve and along the Zaan River. We saw lots of birds and rabbits that get pretty close to you.

Another animal we saw a lot of? Cats. To ensure nothing bad happens to you or the animals, it is best to just avoid interaction.

Get the Zaanse Schans card for access to all activities

The Zaanse Schans park is free to visit, but if you are interested in doing more than just walking around and actually engaging in all the activities it has to offer, then consider purchasing the Zaanse Schans card .

I think this option is great for families, since many of the activities are designed to keep kids engaged. If you have short time, then it may be better to just visit the park for free and pay for one or two activities as you go.

But, at least you know that there is this option for enjoying the Zaanse Schans.

The SGTD Take

I believe Zaanse Schans is totally worth a visit if you are in Amsterdam and would like an extra interesting thing to do. Not only are the windmills beautiful, but it is really special to be immersed in Dutch history and culture.

A visit shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours. In fact, if you are just interested in seeing the windmills, you could probably walk by all of them in less than an hour. In this way, it becomes a day trip adaptable to any itinerary and one I don’t think you should miss!

Save these travel tips to Pinterest!

Have any questions about visiting Zaanse Schans ? Let me know in a comment!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

Vienna on a budget: 10 money-saving travel tips, san fruttuoso, italy: 10 things you must know before visiting this exotic cove, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Website URL

Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library!

JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP

Check this out

• The Travel Library
• Privacy Policy

BUY ME A COFFEE

I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email.

Planning a trip to Italy?

Looking for Something?

Amsterdam » Trips » Zaanse Schans tour

Guided tour to Zaanse Schans near Amsterdam

This tour will take you to the well known open air museum of Zaanse Schans. A small village filled with beauty and history.

The attractions of Zaanse Schans

The main draw of Zaanse Schans are its windmills. These historical pieces were used for sawing timber, pressing oil out of seeds, and grinding ingredients for paint. Now they are tourist attractions.

There are also historical houses on the site. And workshops in them. For example a bakery and a weavers house. It is nice to walk through this historic setting.

Reservation of the day trip

The tickets cost €30.

To reserve your place, book this tour in advance on the Zaanse Schans trip from Amsterdam webpage.

The departure from Amsterdam

The meeting point is to the right side of central station building (when looking from city center). The address is "De Ruijterkade 105". It is a café called "Grand Café 1884". You can find the location on a map below.

The tour departs every day in the late morning and early afternoon.

The journey to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

This small historical village is about 20 minutes drive from Amsterdam. So the tour is transported by an air conditioned bus. There is some walking on the site of coure. Not much but we still recommend comfortable shoes.

The whole tour lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Included in the tour

The tour is guided by a multilingual person sho speaks English, German and Spanish. There is a guided walkthrough and also individual exploration time.

You can see a live cobbler demonstration about creating wooden clog shoes. And a live demonstration of tradidional cheese making. Tasting the cheese is included.

Not included is other food or drinks. Not included is the entry inside the windmills which the museum charges separately.

Meeting location on the map

Stress-Free Guide: Dutch Tulip Fields On A Day Trip From Amsterdam

All I’ve ever wanted in life is to prance around in a Dutch tulip field. Ideally at sunrise, in a beautiful dress and a big old bow in my hair. On my first trip to Amsterdam last month with my husband, I was set on visiting these beautiful flower fields. 

But, visiting Holland tulip fields isn’t exactly easy . The Netherlands tulip season is short, and hard to predict if it’s too warm or cold that year. Plus, it’s not like there is a giant Amsterdam tulip field in the middle of the city.

It takes planning to visit tulip farms but don’t fret – I have the perfect guide for you to use so you can see these beautiful tulip flower fields during your visit to the Netherlands! 

Did you know that tulips are grown for their flower bulbs, not the actual flowers? Holland makes about $2 billion in tulip bulb exports annually, and while the fields of rainbow flowers are super pretty, it’s really just the bulbs the farmers are after. 

Tulips are grown and allowed to bloom, but then the head of the flower is cut off, this helps the bulb grow even larger. 

This year, in 2024, the flower forecast was off from the normal schedule. It was colder out and harvest season began about a week earlier than normal. Most of the fields were already cut down during our visit, but we did luck out and managed to see a few before the farmers cut the flowers off!! 

My friend who lives in Amsterdam was texting me before we left the United States basically saying ” get your butt to the tulip fields they’re being cut down every day!!” I was nervous we wouldn’t get to see them after the whole point of the trip was to see the flowers, but it worked out! We had a great tour guide who made things happen. 

There Are Many Small Flower Farms, And One Giant One

Keukenhof Gardens is the famous tulip experience with acres and acres for millions of tulips. It’s like Disney in there, but for flowers. It’s the most popular place for tourists to visit during the 6 week long Tulip Festival, as it’s the easiest to visit from the city. 

But there is also smaller, independent farms that grow flowers to harvest tulip bulbs. You usually have to have a car to visit these flower fields, as they are further from the city and not reachable by public transportation. 

That’s why we choose to book a small tour, since the guide knows farmers and has a car so we could easily see the large farm, but also the smaller ones. 

I Booked Used A Guided Tulip Tour On Airbnb

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the guided tour we took from Airbnb with Chris . I saw his tour on TikTok and immediately booked it (consider my influenced!)

We met Chris near Amsterdam’s Central Station along with 2 other couples around 7am. There’s a 6 person max limit for each tour, and he does these daily during the tulip season. 

He had his van stocked with water and little Dutch cookies for us as we drove off. It was early, but that’s the point – he wanted to make sure we could all beat the crowds at Keukenhof Gardens! About 50,000 visit each day. 

On the way to Keukenhof Gardens, he spotted a tulip field that wasn’t cut down yet and we quickly pulled over so we could take photos! He knows the farmer and has gotten permission to bring tour groups there. We didn’t have a lot of time since we had to go to Keukenhof Gardens, but running through the fields was totally the highlight of my day. 

He starts the tour at Keukenhof Gardens, armed you with a custom flower map and gives you about an hour to explore the gardens. When we arrived there were maybe 100 other people there, so it felt empty and beautiful. By the time we left an hour later, it was so packed I could hardly walk. 

Keukenhof Dutch tulip fields is very neat, and I’m glad we got to visit. They have a windmill you can climb up with a stunning view of flower fields, multiple garden buildings, playgrounds and of course, millions of tulips of all varieties. 

My favorite Tulip was white and was called “Healthcare”. For real. 

When you visit, I recommend you make a beeline to the Keukenhof tulip shop. You can pick out tulip bulbs and them in the autumn they will mail them to you to plant (since you have to plant them in the fall so they bloom in the spring.)

I sent a pack to my mother who loves gardening! Saves suitcase room on another gift, too. 

After we piled into his van and he gave us a little sweet treat, and we headed off to Zaandam and Zaanse Schans. Normally he uses this time to take tours to small tulips fields in Holland, but since they were mostly cut down by now we just went on to Zaanse Schans right away.

Don’t Miss Historic Zaanse Schans Windmills 

What I loved about this tour was that it also includes a visit to Dutch windmills!!! Zaandam is a very neat town about a 15 minute train ride out of Amsterdam with an iconic hotel you probably recognize from TikTok. 

But Zaanse Schans is the historic village on that edge of town that is a bit harder to get to without a car or a bike. Another reason I chose to do a guided tulip and windmills tour!! Chris was such a pro at guiding us through Zaanse Schans. Apparently this town used to have hundreds of windmills, but now there are just a handful remaining. 

Most are still operating and making artisan goods the classic way: with wind power!

Chris knows most of the windmill owners and was able to cut through some lines and help us move through the village with ease. It was crowded on a sunny, warm Sunday but we never had to wait in line and even got time to shop at places like the cheese shop!

We also got to see a wooden shoe-making demonstration (very neat!) and I was extremely tempted to buy myself a pair of wooden clogs but Robin talked me out of it. (To be fair, when would I actually use or wear them?)

We Visited The Famous Zaandam Hotel

You’ve probably seen the Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam all over social media. It has a wacky exterior with blue, green and red paint. It looks like a lego house and is absolutely utterly unique. It’s normally not on this tour, but we asked Chris if we could make a stop at this famous hotel and he said yes!

He drove us as close as we could get, and the entire van jumped out and ran over to the hotel to take pictures. 

We didn’t have too much time to explore the town since we all had to get back to Amsterdam, but I can’t wait to come back one day to explore this cute town. So many colorful buildings that look like they should belong in a Wes Anderson movie!!

If you want to rent a car, you can totally visit tulip farms on your own, but it was so much fun doing this guided tour, I don’t really see a point in doing it on your own if it’s your first visit to Amsterdam tulip fields. 

Next time I visit, though, I do want to rent a car and visit the Dutch flower fields at sunrise to take all the photos I want. But that’s just because I’m a photographer! Not needed for regular folks. 

I may even be tempted to rent a Helicopter Tour to photograph them from the sky… 

Frequently Asked Questions About Netherlands Tulip Fields

What month are the tulip fields in the netherlands.

Tulip fields in Holland usually bloom from mid-April to mid-may, give or ake a few days depending on the weather. The Dutch Flower Parada is usually the second week of April. 

I thought visiting April 25th meant we were in the clear for blooms, but this year the flowers bloom early so by May 1st, they were mostly all gone. 

That’s the hard part about flower chasing – you can’t rely on mother nature to be on your schedule! 

Where is The Best Place To See The Tulip Fields?

The easiest place to see millions of tulips are the Keukenhof Gardens, which are open daily during tulip season and can easily be reached by shuttle buses that leave Amsterdam hourly. 

Must Know Tips For Visiting Keukenhof Gardens

• Get there before doors open to avoid crowds
• Everyone goes right, you should go left at the entrance to work against the crowds
• Don’t miss the bulb shop to send bulbs home!
• It will be the least crowded on a weekday, so go then if you can. 

I hope this helps you plan an amazing day trip from Amsterdam to see these flowers! Robin and I had such a fun day on our tour with Chris. We ate well, bought a lot of cheese, climbed inside a real Dutch wimdills and of course, got to witness these beautiful flowers in person. 

I can’t wait to come back to Amsterdam again one day and do this all again! 

The post Stress-Free Guide: Dutch Tulip Fields On A Day Trip From Amsterdam appeared first on Whimsy Soul .