While Amsterdam is the most well-known destination in the Netherlands, there are lots more to see in the country, and one of which is Zaanse Schans.
Zaanse Schans is a quaint little neighborhood located near Zaandam in the Netherlands. It's known for its well-preserved historic windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and beautiful scenery, which makes it another popular tourist attraction. It's worth visiting if ever you're in Amsterdam.
How to Get to Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is easily accessible from Amsterdam, even through public transportation.
You can take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Koog-Zaandijk station. Trains run frequently and the whole ride takes about 15 minutes. From Koog-Zaandijk station, just follow the signs to the bus stop and take Bus 391 which will take you directly to the town in about 10 minutes.
Since Zaanse Schans is only 15 kilometers away from Amsterdam, you can also cycle all the way there if that's something you enjoy. You can rent a bicycle and follow the scenic route along the river, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace.
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| charming neighborhood with well-preserved Dutch houses and windmills |
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour which is what I did. For me, it's the most convenient way to visit Zaanse Schans because I got to learn a lot during the tour, plus I got to see other places outside of Amsterdam. The only drawback to this option is that it doesn't offer a lot of flexibility since you can only stay for a limited time.
Things to Do in Zaanse Schans
Covering an area of around 86 acres, Zaanse Schans is a pretty small neighborhood but it's quite charming and most attractions are within walking distance. Here are some things you can do here.
Admire the traditional Dutch houses.
Zaanse Schans features a collection of historic houses and buildings, most of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These houses are typical examples of traditional Dutch architecture, with their green wooden façades and distinctive styles.
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| traditional Dutch houses characterized by their green facade and roof shingles |
Check out the windmills.
This neighborhood is famous for its collection of windmills, which were originally used for various industrial purposes such as grinding spices, sawing timber, and processing oil, paint, and mustard. Today, some of the windmills are still in operation, and visitors can explore the interiors of some of them to learn about their workings.
Visit the museums and workshops.
There are several museums and workshops in Zaanse Schans where visitors can delve into the region's history and traditional crafts. The Zaans Museum provides insights into the local culture, industries, and history of the area, while other workshops demonstrate traditional crafts like cheese-making, clog-making, and chocolate-making.
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| known for its windmills that are still in operation today |
Walk around the open-air museum.
While Zaanse Schans is a neighborhood where people live, it's often referred to as an open-air museum due to its preservation of traditional Dutch heritage. Walking through the area feels like stepping back in time, as the atmosphere is reminiscent of an old Dutch village.
Shop for souvenirs.
The area around Zaanse Schans is home to several shops and boutiques where you can purchase souvenirs, Dutch treats, and handmade crafts. It's an excellent opportunity to pick up unique mementos of your visit.
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| often referred to as an open-air museum |
I really enjoyed this part of my trip to the Netherlands. It was a nice break from the busy city of Amsterdam. It was just unfortunate that the weather was gloomy that day, which explains why my photos aren't that nice.
If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, then I would highly recommend spending a day or at least half a day in Zaanse Schans. It's definitely worth visiting.
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