Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans
The OUTDOOR MUSEUM
zaanse schans
Ready to travel back in time to the 18th and 19th century? Discover what Holland was like back then and explore its traditional windmills, workshops and an idyllic little village. The idea behind Zaanse Schans is to provide an authentic insight into life way back when – traditional dress included!
My Rating:
The positives:
This is the perfect opportunity to explore the Holland you’ve seen in the movies. And there’s plenty here to keep the whole family entertained.
The negatives:
Zaanse Schans is a tourist hotspot. Most of the museums and shops are small and quaint, which means they can get a bit crowded. Make sure you’re prepared for that!
Top Tip:
It’s best to avoid weekends and school holidays if you can. At least arrive early on the busiest days.
Last Modified: 06.06.2023 | Céline & Boris
Zaanse Schans
Tickets
| Zaanse Schans Tickets | Prices | Information | Buy ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| World of Windmills | EUR 20 | Admission to the windmills of Zaanse Schans | Buy ticket |
| Zaanse Schans Card | EUR 29.50 | Entrance fees to various windmills, workshops and museums in the Zaanse Schans + World of windmills-Expereince. Including children's scavenger hunt! | Buy Card |
| Bus Transport | EUR 29.50 | Return journey by air-conditioned bus to the Zaanse Schans, without entrance fees, duration: | Buy ticket |
| Zaanse Museum | EUR 14.50 | Entry to the Zaanse Schans Museum + Skip the line | Buy ticket |
The details
at a glance
Opening Hours
Here are the most important:
Clogs workshop: daily 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Windmill Museum: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Cheese factory: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Weaving: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Windmills: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (4.30 p.m.)
Prices
Celebration Entrance to the site, but the individual workshops and windmills have an entrance fee.
show morePrices
Celebration Entrance to the site, but the individual workshops and windmills have an entrance fee.
show morePrices
Here are the most important:
Clogs workshop: free
Windmill Museum: EUR 12.50 for adults, EUR 6.50 for children
Cheese dairy: free
Weaving: EUR 2 for adults, EUR 1 for children
Windmills: Some free, others EUR 5 each for adults
Zaanse Schans
Photo Gallery
WHAT IS
ZAANSE SCHANS?
Zaanse Schans has got to be the most popular attraction in North Holland. The outdoor museum is around 20 km outside of Amsterdam – right at the heart of the Dutch lowlands by the River Zaan.
Think of Zaanse Schans as a time capsule. A place where you can see exactly how people lived in the 18th and 19th century. You’ll be amazed by just how much there is to see and do here. And no doubt fascinated to learn about the fundamental changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, as the new ways in which machines were used and goods were manufactured changed people’s lives forever.
The fact that we can stroll through the narrow streets of the little village here is all down to Jaap Schipper. In 1946, he decided to recreate a traditional Dutch village from this important era as a way of preserving a piece of Dutch culture. Between 1961 and 2014, original buildings were located throughout the region and carefully prepared for relocation. They were taken on an ambitious journey across land and water, before being rebuilt and restored at Zaanse Schans. And now they stand beside reconstructions of traditional structures to create a picture-perfect reflection of the past.
We’re not talking about some kind of Dutch Disneyland with fake building fronts here. These historical wooden houses were once home to the most important craft trades of the time. And visitors to Zaanse Schans can now explore the wide world of Dutch craftsmanship in one place, with everything from woodworking to distilling alcohol happening here.
As you wander around, you’ll see techniques dating back 300 years in action – some of the machines are originals and others are replicas. The fully functional windmills are the main attraction at Zaanse Schans. The wind kindly provides the power needed to keep production going inside them – free of charge! Yes, the windmills are definitely the stars of the show here and they even have special names like De Zoeker and De Bonte Hen. In fact, they may just be the most photographed celebrities in the country (perhaps after the royal family). They stand proud and show visitors the way to Zaanse Schans from afar.
OUR JOURNEY
THROUGH HOLLAND IN THE 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY!
Let’s start by crossing a little wooden bridge to get to the Schipperplein square. On our left is the clog workshop. You can’t leave here without a photo of you wearing the giant clogs outside the door!
Clogs may not be the lightest shoes around, but they were a first attempt at safety footwear and they sure are robust. Step inside the Klompenmakerij to learn more about their history and find out how they are made. If you’re keen to get your hands on a souvenir, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a shop joined to the workshop!
As we mentioned before, the idea behind Zaanse Schans is to provide an authentic insight into life way back when. And that means that the people who work here are all dressed in traditional dress. So don’t be surprised when the person you buy your cheese from at the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm is wearing a fetching white lace bonnet.
You’re welcome to take photos here. The cheese farm isn’t in an original building, but the cheese is authentic and delicious. And there are several talks about dairy products here throughout the day. No doubt you’ll be inspired to taste the different types of cheese and find your favourite.
Exports and imports kept the economy going in the Netherlands during the 18th century. That really shines through at Zaanse Schans. At the local weaver’s house, you can learn all about the traditional Dutch craft of sail making. Without these strong sails, this nation of seafarers may never have been able to leave the local ports.
The barrels used to store and transport food and other goods were just as important back in those days. Head to the coopery to find out how oak slats and metal rings were used to create watertight containers.
Beyond the more practical products, crafts were thriving in Holland at this point in history. Pewter was often used to create lovely little trinkets. The Tinkoepel pewter foundry is the place to go to see this process up close and perhaps buy a souvenir or two.
There’s so much to see here that the time just flies by. You only have to step inside the Zaanse Time Museum to be reminded that every second counts.
If you’ve spent any time in the Netherlands, you’ll have probably shopped in an Albert Heijn supermarket. Here you can see the original set-up of the long-standing supermarket chain with blue and white branding that’s the Dutch answer to Sainsbury’s or Tesco in the UK. You’ll have so much fun looking at what’s on the shelves. Just don’t be disappointed when you don’t find any Nutella – it wasn’t invented until 1940!
Windmills are as much a part of Dutch culture as tulips and mayonnaise. They stand proud along the banks of the River Zaan, stretching up into the Dutch sky and attracting tourists from far and wide. It’s no wonder that Don Quixote mistook these powerhouses for giants in the Spanish classic. When you visit Zaanse Schans, you get a clear picture of all the potential uses of windmills and learn a bit about their history and why they’re so important to the Netherlands.
If you happen to be around on a Friday, you can buy freshly baked bread made with flour ground by the millstone at the windmill called De bleeke Dood. So, the windmill is called ‘Pale Death’… Bit morbid, isn’t it? Maybe it’s called that because the bread is to die for! But the windmills would have been used for more than just grinding flour. Dyes, cocoa, oils and spices would have been produced here too. In fact, you can still buy ground spices at Indïes Welvaren. Next door to the shop, three millstones never stop turning.
The sawmills had an important role to play in this region given that wood was its main building material. If the wind’s strong enough, you can even see wood being worked up close at Het Jonge Schaap. It has to be said that not all the windmills here are giants. There are some mini ones to find too. Will you be able to spot them all? You might be surprised by just how many there are!
One of the best spots for taking a panoramic photo of the windmills is on the jetty just behind the little dyke. Feel the breeze in your hair and breathe in the fresh air as you wander along the water. Explore all the little alleys and admire the pristine gardens along the way.
Every house is a work of art, lovingly preserved down to every last detail. Just remember that not all of the buildings at Zaanse Schans are museums. People do actually live here. Although they must be used to appearing in people’s holiday snaps, make sure you respect their privacy. That means sticking to the paths and not opening garden gates if they’re shut.
After two hours or so, our journey back in time to the 18th and 19th century comes to an end. We finish up back at the Schipperplein square, where we have the chance to become a Zaanse Schans villager ourselves. Dressing up in the traditional clothes is a lot of fun and the photos make for a lovely keepsake. And there’s no need to worry about hygiene here. The clothes are washed much more regularly than they would have been back in 1850!
Before we say goodbye to Zaanse Schans and make our way back to the 21st century, we must pay a visit to the Zaanse Museum. The modern building is just opposite the car park. Inside, the Verkade Experience and an interactive exhibition on food production in the 20th century await. Learn all about how long-standing Dutch confectionery company Verkade used to make its sweet treats. A fresh cup of hot chocolate somehow tastes even better than expected when you enjoy it out on the terrace at the museum café. As you admire the beautiful view of the windmills out on the lowlands, you can process everything you’ve seen and learnt in the last couple of hours.
What better way to end our journey back in time?
Zaanse Schans
FOOD & DRINK
Watching other people at work is hungry and thirsty work! De Kraai is a pancake house with a rustic, laid-back vibe that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Snuggle up by the fire on a cold day and catch some rays out in the beer garden if the sun’s shining. Just make sure that your eyes aren’t bigger than your belly… The pancakes here have a whopping diameter of 29 centimetres!
If you’re in the mood for something more formal, De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis could be right up your street. Indulge in a three-course meal on the terrace overlooking the River Zaan. Not too hungry? The brasserie menu is full of regional specialities. Pick a traditional Dutch dish and treat yourself to a locally brewed Breugem beer from the bar next door to go with it.
If you prefer spirits to beer, don’t forget to check out the village’s very own distillery De Tweekoppige Phoenix. And the bird on the logo does indeed have two heads – it’s not just you seeing things after a tasting session!
You’re never far from a snack here either. Try Coco Lab or the Zaanse Schans bakery. Just follow your nose and tuck into a Duivekater, a traditional sweet white bread from this region. The original bakery dates back to 1658 and was reconstructed here in 1970. The bread is fresh as can be though – promise!
A FEW
FINAL TOP TIPS
Bonus tips:
Before you set off on your journey back in time, here’s a few extra things you may need to know…
You don’t have to pay to visit Zaanse Schans. You’re free to wander the streets to your heart’s content. But you will have to pay to explore the museums and windmills.
The Zaanse Schans Card has you covered from EUR 23.50. It includes generous discounts on food and drink in the village and you can even buy tickets that include public transport.
I recommend downloading the free Zaanse Schans app on your smartphone or tablet. That way, you’ll have access to an interactive map of the village and information on some of the main sights you’ll come across.
If wandering around Zaanse Schans on your own doesn’t appeal to you, you can always choose to go on a guided tour. Prices for walking and boat tours start at EUR 13.00 – you just need to decide which package is right for you. There are special offers for children.
How to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam?
It’s easy to travel to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam on the train or bus. The Connexxion 319 bus from Amsterdam Centraal will get you to the village in 40 minutes. If you go for the train, you’ll need to get off at Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans after 17 minutes and walk for another 15 minutes. Or how about taking a relaxed ride on the air-conditioned Tiqets bus?
If you drive yourself to the village, parking will cost you EUR 12.00 on arrival. Put Zaandam, Schansend 7 into your sat nav to make sure you don’t get lost.
Feeling energetic? You could always cycle here… Or how about arriving in style on the Zaanferry boat?
Official website of the Zaanse Schans (EN): dezaanseschans.nl
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2021 – 2023
With the support of Boris Hermann
OTHER
AMSTERDAM HIGHLIGHTS
Van Gogh Museum
find out more
Rijksmuseum
find out more
Canal Cruise
find out more
Keukenhof (April/May)
coming soon