If you’re visiting Amsterdam and craving a little escape, let me put you on to one of my favorite finds: a day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. Just a quick 20-minute train ride from the city, this little village feels like stepping straight into a storybook. Think colorful wooden houses, traditional Dutch windmills still turning, and the smell of fresh chocolate drifting through the air. Honestly, it’s one of those places that makes you forget what year it is (in the best way).

Why Visit Zaanse Schans?

Zaanse Schans is like a living museum where Dutch history comes alive. The village is designed to preserve the traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries, and it’s not just for show…you’ll find real working windmills, clog workshops, cheese-making demonstrations, and crafts that have been passed down for generations.

If you’ve ever wanted to see something close to what life looked like in the Netherlands centuries ago, this is your perfect chance. Plus, it truly is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam if that’s where you’re basing yourself for your trip!

Things to Do in Zaanse Schans

Explore the Windmills: There are about a dozen still working today, and you can actually step inside for around €6 to see the gears and machinery in action. Super cool and worth it.

Cheese Heaven: Stop by one of the cheese shops for free tastings (yes, free!) and learn how Dutch cheese is made.

Clog Workshop: Watch how those famous wooden shoes are crafted. You might even get to try some on.

Step Inside a Spice Mill: I wandered into De Huisman, a spice mill that speializes in mustard, and as someone who cooks often, I loved checking out the different spiced products. If you know me, you know I’m not one to purchase “souvenirs” when traveling, but I couldn’t help but get some cheese dips and a tiny jar of Dutch mill “honing-dille” (honey dill) mustard. Sooo good, y’all!!

Chocolate Factory: The smell of chocolate hits you the second you get off the train. Don’t skip the chocolate factory like I did. But if you do, stop by Blik op Cacao in the village to make your own cup of hot chocolate and to check out a bunch of different locally made peanut butters!

Stroll the Village: Even if you don’t do all the activities, just walking around is a dream. The houses look like something out of a fairytale and the windmills really set the scene. 

Tips for Visiting

Go Early: Zaanse Schans is popular, especially during peak travel season. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful stroll.

Budget-Friendly: Entrance to the village is free, but you’ll pay for specific activities like entering windmills or museums.

Perfect Half-Day Trip: You don’t need a whole day here, unless you really wanna take your time strolling. I’d say 4 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Go between April – October: If you want to avoid very cold weather, April – October is a good time frame to go, but just know that you won’t be alone—this is considered high season for tourism, and for good reason. If you’re okay with the cold temperatures, December – March would be fine too, just make sure you get yourself a hot chocolate or hot coffee to keep you cozy while strolling through the village. I went on a morning in early September and it wasn’t necessarily cold or hot, but it was very windy!

Getting to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

From Amsterdam Centraal, hop on a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. If you got the Amsterdam city multi-day pass, you will have to buy a separate ticket, but it’s easy and the ticket machines will tell you exactly what to do. I paid 8, 40 € for the roundtrip. From there, it’s just a 10-minute (20 if you’re slow like me) walk to the village.

Still Not Convinced?

Zaanse Schans is one of those places you’ll keep thinking about long after you leave. Between the windmills, the chocolate, the cheese, and the dreamy little streets, wait…do I really need to say more? It’s hands down one of my top recommendations for anyone visiting Amsterdam. It’s a short trip with a big payoff. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.🤭

Have you started planning your day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam yet? What’s your first stop going to be?