When Is the Best Time
Zaanse Schans, a wonderful day trip suitable for all ages and Must-Do just 20 km north of Amsterdam. Plan at least half a day for your visit here. The areal entrance is free of charge though some windmills take an entrance fee of 5 €.
Most attractions are open from 9 a.m.until 5 p.m., but some are just open every second Saturday, some only on request or for groups. Some windmills and houses are closed during the wintertime from November onwards. You can check out the opening hours here: Opening Hours
Beautiful to arrive by boat, offered only from May to October from Friday to Sunday.
Very popular with almost two million visitors each year. Either you arrive in the morning it gets already busy from 10 am onwards or after 3 pm. It gets overrun here during the tulip season in April when tour buses combine Keukenhof with Zaanse Schans. Fewer visitors from mid-September on. October during the school holidays again more crowded. The quietest time is in the winter, but many windmills remain closed.
It's an open-air museum where you can spend the whole day. If you stay within walking distance, you can enjoy the whole scenery also without the crowds. Our favourite B&B is the "Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans". This means "sleeping excellent" at the Zaanse Schans. They also have bikes for rental.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
It is easy to get to Zaanse Schans, the open-air museum, by public transport; bus and train from Amsterdam. There are still six working industrial windmills, 250 years ago there were 600 of this windmills. That was impressive for sure, and it was the first industrial hub in the Netherlands; producing shelves, colours, mustards, paper, flour, and much more.
There is a free entrance to the area, but several windmills charge a fee if you like to have a closer look inside, Interesting tours are offered how cheese or the famous wooden clogs are made. One windmill offers chocolate tasting an amazing experience for the children. There is a clock museum as well. I like most the exhibition and manufacturing of clogs. Some famous companies of the Netherlands started their business here. Have a look at the pics; two descriptions are about of these old shoes.
Are you looking for souvenirs and presents? You definitely get wonderful gifts here for the loved ones at home.
Check the weather forecast before; the sunset is magical here. Also, the view from a cruise boat to the windmills is spectacular.
Purchase the Zaanse Schans Card for 15 € per adult and 10 € for children. The card gives you access to all sites, also a discount for parking, windmill cruise, and souvenirs.
Helpful Links:
Have a look at the calendar to schedule your visit.
How to get to Zaanse Schans and ferry opportunity.
