Zaanse Schans - All you need to know before your trip
When in Amsterdam, don’t limit yourself to merely exploring the city. Consider stepping out and boarding a train to experience more. The Netherlands countryside is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque destinations to be visited in Europe. A separate guide has been crafted by us for the best things to do in Amsterdam. This blog specifically focuses on a day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam and everything you need to know before your journey.
We highly recommend booking an Amsterdam City Card, as it offers ultimate savings. With the card, you’ll have access to free entry to museums and attractions, complimentary public transportation, canal cruises, and bicycle rentals. Explore further details about it using the link provided below.
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how to get to zaanse schans windmills from Amsterdam ?
The best way to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is by various modes of transportation, including bus, train, bicycle, car, or guided tour. The most efficient and quickest method is by car, but as a tourist in Amsterdam, hiring a car is not necessary. Amsterdam is well connected with public transport options like tram, bus, and train, which operate frequently. This makes exploring Amsterdam city and its neighbouring areas easy and efficient via public transport.
Discussing guided tours, this could be the most hassle-free and relaxing way to explore the windmills, as your travel arrangements and activity planning are taken care of. You can select your preferred pickup and drop-off locations when choosing the tours. Here are some of our top recommendations for guided tours offered by one of our trusted partners.
DAY TRIP ACTIVITIES
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Is Zaanse Schans Free to Visit ?
The straightforward answer is yes, Zaanse Schans is free to visit. This is one of the reasons why Zaanse Schans is beloved by locals and tourists as a day trip from Amsterdam. You can simply visit during the opening hours, stroll around the village, and capture beautiful pictures near the windmills. Additionally, you can visit the cheese tasting room and the wooden shoe workshop. There is no admission fee charged to enter the village. However, if you wish to visit the windmills, the museum, or the crafts, then you have to pay a bare minimum entrance fee.
Is Zaanse schans worth visiting for ?
Zaanse Schans is definitely worth a visit, offering a scenic glimpse into Dutch heritage with its well-preserved windmills, historic houses, and traditional crafts. You can also experience the charm of Dutch countryside life, explore museums, witness wooden shoe-making and cheese-making, and even take a boat tour along the river. Below are a few must-do activities while visiting this iconic place. We personally consider it the best day trip from Amsterdam, so when planning, allocate a minimum of four hours to explore the place, excluding travel time.
Things to do in Zaanse Schans
A variety of activities to be done while in Zaanse Schans are available. We have highlighted several must-do activities in this post.
Explore the Windmills, take a closer look, and learn about their history. An entrance fee is required to access the top of the windmills, but strolling around them is free.
Wooden Shoe Workshop, a traditional Dutch craft firsthand. Watch skilled artisans carve and shape wooden shoes (klompen) using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You can even try on a pair for yourself.
Cheese Tasting, learn about the Dutch cheese-making process and sample delicious cheese at the cheese tasting rooms. A variety of cheeses are available for tasting. The entire tasting room is creatively filled with props related to the cheese-making process, offering opportunities for photography in those cute backdrops. You can also purchase cheese along with condiment pairings. The best thing is that you can taste as much as you like, helping you decide on your purchase.
Boat Trip, board a boat from the Zaanse Schans jetty. You will have the option of a guided tour or simply taking a boat to cross the river to the other side of town. The best thing about this trip is discovering the colourful neighbourhood, traditional houses, indulging in the rich countryside and Dutch food and drinks.
Cycling, rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops and ride through the stunning countryside surrounding Zaanse Schans. The best thing we like about cycling in the Netherlands is the designated cycling routes for cyclists. Cycling in the Dutch countryside will never leave you bored; instead, it will boost your enjoyment of the scenic beauty surrounding you.
Visit the Museums, explore the rich cultural heritage of Zaanse Schans and the Verkade Experience which lies inside the museum. The museum highlights age-old trades like cooperage, where barrels were carefully crafted, clog-making, a quintessential Dutch art form, and chocolate making.
Best place to eat in Zaanse schans?
One of the best places to dine in Zaanse Schans is the De Kraai Restaurant, open daily from 9am to 5pm, except on Wednesdays. It offers a cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu features a variety of Dutch specialties, including pancakes, Dutch fries, and traditional dishes such as stamppot and erwtensoep (pea soup). Additionally, there are options for sandwiches, salads, desserts, and a Kids menu. Another popular option is the “De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis” restaurant, located right next to the windmills. It also offers a charming atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of Dutch and international dishes.
What is the Best time to visit Zaanse Schans ?
The best time to visit Zaanse Schans is during spring and summer. April to September is considered the peak season, while October to March is the low season. Spring and summer can be very crowded with tourists visiting the famous attractions. We visited in September, and it was definitely a pleasant trip with fewer tourists and less crowd. Zaanse Schans operates daily, with the Windmills, museums, cheese factory, and weaving open from 10 am to 5:00 pm, and the clog workshop from 10 am to 6:00 pm. To maximize your experience, consider planning your visit for early morning or early afternoon.
Does Zaanse Schans Always Get Rainy Weather?
The weather in Zaanse Schans varies throughout the year. Like many places in the Netherlands, Zaanse Schans can experience rainy weather, especially during the fall and winter months. During the spring and summer seasons, Zaanse Schans often enjoys pleasant and mild weather, with sunny days ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions. However, occasional rain showers are still possible during these seasons. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting Zaanse Schans and to come prepared with appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket or umbrella, just in case of rain. Additionally, the occasional rainy day can provide a unique and atmospheric experience, adding a different perspective to your visit to this charming Dutch village.
What are the most unusual things to see in Zaanse Schans ?
One of the most unusual sights in Zaanse Schans is the collection of working historic windmills. These windmills, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are still operational, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional Dutch craftsmanship and engineering.
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