Overview
Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum and village near Zaandam, featuring well-preserved traditional Dutch houses and windmills from the 17th and 18th centuries. It offers a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage and traditional Dutch craftsmanship.
Zaanse Schans is significant for its well-preserved industrial heritage and traditional Dutch architecture, showcasing the region's history and craftsmanship.
Location
Address
Coordinates: 52.47466625, 4.822131679
Neighborhood: Zaanse Schans
Coordinates
52.474666, 4.822132
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
April-September
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, better light for photography
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • tulip season
- • spring blossoms
summer
warm to hot
- • extended operating hours
autumn
cool to mild
- • fall colors
- • harvest season
winter
cold
- • holiday lights
- • Christmas market
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Check windmill operating hours
- Book tickets online for discounts
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate (some walking and standing)
- • uneven surfaces, stairs in windmills
Medical facilities: first aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
credit cards, debit cards, cash
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 weeks for peak season
- • official website
- • 24 hours in advance for refund
- • available for online tickets
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Zaanse Schans Official App
Size: 35 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Tickets and discounts, Windmill operating hours
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Restaurants
Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Distance: 25 km
Travel Time: 30 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Proud of the heritage and craftsmanship, a piece of Dutch history preserved
Historical Significance: Important center for industrial activities in the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing the region's innovative spirit
Insider Tips
- Free entry early morning before official opening
- Best local food at the Wooden Shoe Workshop cafe
- Visit the nearby Zaans Museum for additional context
Local Recommendations
- • Try local cheese at the Cheese Farm
- • Ask for guide Marjolein for in-depth historical insights
- • Visit the nearby Zaandam city center
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Windmill De Zaansche Molen
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Low angle for the sail
Result: Iconic windmill shot
The Cheese Farm
Best Time: Morning
Tips: Natural light
Result: Cheese making process
The Clock Museum
Best Time: Afternoon
Tips: Focus on details
Result: Intricate clock mechanics
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Zaans Museum
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Museum
Coffeemonsters
Distance: 1km
Walking: 15 min
Type: Coffee shop
Zaandam City Center
Distance: 2km
Walking: 25 min
Type: City center
Reviews
Based on 15,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Visit early to avoid crowds"
- "Check windmill operating hours"
- "Combine with Zaans Museum visit"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Zaanse Schans and Cheese Tasting Guided Tour from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans Windmills, Cheese and Volendam Tour from Amsterdam
Escape Amsterdam: E-Bike to Zaanse Schans Windmills & Zaandam
Best of Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Mills, The Hague & Rotterdam
From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Giethoorn with Boat Tour
Alkmaar Cheese Market, & Zaanse Schans Guided Day Tour
Zaanse Schans Private Tour Windmills
Keukenhof, Tulip Farm, Flower Fields & Zaanse Schans Windmills
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn with Canal Cruise
Private Daytrip Giethoorn and Windmills of Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Private Guided Tour: Zaanse Schans and Zaandam from Amsterdam
Half-Day Private Guided Sightseeing Tour of Zaanse Schans
Visit Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam - Walking Tour
Private Guided Half Day Tour in Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
Amsterdam Day Tour: Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken
Private Tour Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam & Marken
Full-Day Trip From Amsterdam to Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans + Cruise
Visit Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Cheese Factory and Monnickendam
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Private Group Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour from Amsterdam
Giethoorn Luxury Private Bus Tour + Zaanse Schans (7 guests)
Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour Half Day From Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans Luxury Private Bus Tour + Volendam/Edam (7 guests)
Quick Info
Available Tours
219
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
15,000
Adult Entry
€10