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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
DIMITRIS SOFIANIDIS
GR

Dimitris

Greece
Jan 2026
5/5
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Everything went as described and even better. Many thanks to Steff and Estrit for their good energy and great effort. I defenetly recommend this tour.
Lisa Gardiol
FR

Lisa

France
Jan 2026
5/5
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+2 more

#I really enjoyed the tour. Alina, Océane and Stef the rock were amazing guides/drivers. We have been lucky to enjoy some snowy landscape. I strongly recommend to go on that tour to discover more about the countryside. Thank again to the team that made that tour memorable
Cole Kowitz
AU

Cole

Australia
Jan 2026
5/5
#The tour was amazing, lots of information and very enjoyable! It definitely makes it a lot more enjoyable when you have a great host like Eveline she really made it so easy! Keep up the good work 5/5
TESSIER CLAIRE
FR

Tessier

France
Oct 2025
4/5
Anna our guide and Tim our driver were top notch! Everything went smoothly and the village is really too beautiful! The only downside was that the departure checkpoint had changed, and the information was only given by e-mail on the morning of departure, so I didn't see it; as a result, we were almost late.
Kathleen Stevens
US

Kathleen

United States
Dec 2025
5/5
The I Amsterdam city card made it easy to get around with public transportation. We enjoyed using it for entry into museums and the canal tour. Good value!
Davide Buiatti
IT

Davide

Italy
Sep 2025
5/5
Very convenient to have so many experiences for free. To be expanded though with the whole amsterdam transportation network. The splinter to the airport is not included
Neil Hannah
GB

Neil

United Kingdom
Nov 2025
4/5
This tour delivered everything it promised in an efficient and well organised way. Patricia was an excellent tour guide; knowledgeable, interesting and engaging but not too loqacious. The windmills were great, the cheese factory and shoemaking pretty good if a bit kitch and both Volendam and Markem were delightful. No hidden extra costs, excellent timekeeping, fascinating history...whats not to like?
AMAYA DIAZ ALVAREZ

Amaya

Nov 2025
5/5
It is an excursion where you see very nice villages and very cool mills. We had a guide of 10 Katty, she is very sweet and kind besides being an excellent professional, a great day.

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Step back into 17th-century Holland on a charming day trip to Zaanse Schans. This easy escape from Amsterdam is a must-do for anyone wanting to see authentic windmills, wooden houses, and traditional Dutch craft shops in action.

Overview:

  • Distance from Amsterdam: Approximately 20 km
  • Typical travel time: 20-40 mins each way (by train or coach)
  • On-site visit duration: 2.5-4 hours
  • Cost range: €15–€40 (excluding transport/depending on attractions visited)
  • Best season/time of year: Spring/Summer (April–September) for the best weather and viewing.
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Central Amsterdam (e.g., Damrak, Central Station area)
  • Key attractions/sites covered: Historic windmills (working), traditional wooden houses, cheese farm, clog workshop.

Why visit Zaanse Schans?

Aerial view of Zaanse Schans windmills by the river near Amsterdam.
Windmills at Zaanse Schans by the water in the Netherlands.
Traditional Dutch houses in Zaanse Schans during Floriade Expo Half Day Tour from Amsterdam.
Visitors browsing colorful wooden clogs at a shop in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands.
1/4

Proximity to Amsterdam

Escape the city buzz with a quick trip to Zaanse Schans! Just a 25-min drive from Amsterdam, it's the perfect day trip for a Dutch immersion.

Historical importance

See the oldest working Dutch windmills still producing oil, paint, and spices using 18th-century techniques.

See authentic Dutch sceneries

Capture postcard-perfect scenes of green meadows, historic wooden houses, and picturesque waterways unique to the Dutch countryside.

Learn about Dutch crafts and life

Experience authentic Dutch culture through cheese making, clog crafting, and traditional artisan workshops.

Day trip options from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

Choose a tour that fits your style!

Colorful Dutch houses along the waterfront in Volendam, Netherlands.

For people with limited time

Cheese Tasting & Zaanse Schans Tour

  • 3.5 hours with a guide in English, German, or Spanish
  • Cheese farm visit, clog-making demo, and local tastings
  • Great for food lovers and visitors short on time

Self-Guided Tour

  • 3.5 hours with transfers and a digital walking app
  • Includes Zaanse Schans tour with cheese tasting, clog demo, and map with shop discounts
  • Perfect for independent travelers on a budget

Half-Day Guided Tour (Zaanse Schans & Volendam)

  • 5 hours with an English, German, French, or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Includes coach transfers, cheese-making and clog-making demonstrations
  • Best for first-time visitors and history lovers
Small electric boat on a canal in Giethoorn, passing under a wooden bridge with thatched-roof houses nearby.

For people who love short getaways

Full-Day Tour (Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken)

  • 6 hours with an English or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Visit multiple villages with transfers, free Wi-Fi, and audio guide
  • Optional upgrade: boat ride from Volendam to Marken, windmill entry, clog factory tour

Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam & Marken

  • 6.5 hours with English or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Cheese tasting, clog-making workshop, and fishing village visit
  • Extended version available for 8 hours

Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Tour

  • 9 hours including Zaanse Schans highlights and a 1-hour electric boat ride in Giethoorn
  • English-speaking guide and transfers included
  • Suited for culture enthusiasts and those wanting a longer countryside escape

Day trip options simplified for you

Zaanse Schans comparison table

Highlights of Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans windmills by the water under a clear blue sky.
Wooden clog being crafted at Zaanse Schans workshop, Netherlands.
Woman in traditional attire holding cheese at a Dutch cheese farm and clog factory.
Traditional Dutch houses in Zaanse Schans, part of the Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans & A’DAM Lookout Guided Tour.
Hands selecting cheese at a market in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands.
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Historic windmills

Step inside working windmills still used for grinding spices, pressing oil, and sawing timber, showcasing the Netherlands’ early industrial power and craftsmanship.

Clog workshops

Skilled artisans demonstrate clog making with traditional tools, turning raw wood into iconic Dutch shoes. You can observe, learn, and even try pairs on.

Cheese tasting

Experience the full cheese-making process from fresh milk to finished product. Sample regional varieties like Gouda and Edam while learning about Dutch dairy traditions.

Traditional houses

Stroll past original 18th- and 19th-century timber houses relocated here. Their gabled roofs and green façades reflect authentic Zaan architecture and village life.

Craft shops

Browse artisan stores offering handmade chocolates, variety of cheeses, Delftware pottery, pewter items, and baked treats, providing insight into enduring Dutch craftsmanship and authentic regional goods.

How to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

All Zaanse Schans tickets include round-trip transfers in a luxury AC coach from Amsterdam. Just 20.1 km from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is a 20-min drive by car or by coach.

  • Comfortable transfers: Enjoy round-trip transfers in air-conditioned buses from central Amsterdam. Relax in a modern bus with Wi-Fi and USB charging, ensuring a comfortable journey.
  • Pre-planned: With a pre-planned itinerary, you don't have to worry about logistics or time management, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
  • Expert guide: A knowledgeable guide will provide context, historical background, and fascinating insights that you wouldn't get on your own.
  • Quick online booking: No more long ticket lines or complicated reservation processes. Browse tour options, compare prices, and secure your spot with a few clicks.  
  • Multiple stops: Maximize your sightseeing opportunities, allowing you to visit multiple attractions in a single day, including Edam, Volendam, Marken, and Giethoorn. 

The Sprinter train 4046 Uitgeest and 7446 Uitgeest to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, the closest station to the Dutch village.

Best for: Convenience and speed.

Time taken: Approximately 30 minutes.

Approx price: €6.20 for a round trip​

The bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station Bus Stop H to Zaandam.

Best for: A scenic route and those on a tight budget.

Time taken: Around 75 minutes, depending on traffic.

Approx price: €3.60 one-way

Cycle from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans via the S100.

Best for: Visitors looking for an immersive journey

Time taken: About 70 minutes

Best time to take a day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

  • Cultural and seasonal events: During summer, local markets showcase Zaanse Schans's crafts and food. Spring and summer are perfect for windmill tours and boat rides, experiencing the area's scenic beauty.
  • Optimal weather: Peak times are the summer months, July and August, when more daylight means extra sightseeing, while off-peak times are spring and autumn when you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. May to September offers the best climate when you can expect mild temperatures and less rainfall, making for a comfortable visit.
  • Visitor volume: Spring and autumn see lower tourist numbers, offering a more relaxed experience. Off-season travel can also lead to lower accommodation and travel costs.

Nearby villages often included in tours

Canal houses and boat along a tranquil waterway in Edam.

Edam

Known for world-famous cheese, Edam offers peaceful canals, a historic weighing house, cobbled streets, and an old market square surrounded by elegant gabled buildings.

Volendam cheese factory interior with cheese wheels and visitors exploring production process.

Volendam

This fishing village charms with colorful wooden houses, boats along the harbor, traditional Dutch costumes, authentic cheese factories, lively markets, and restaurants serving fresh seafood specialties.

Maxima Bridge in Marken, Netherlands, with church tower and traditional houses in the background.

Marken

Once an island, Marken retains its maritime identity with wooden stilted houses, narrow lanes, a small harbor, and traditional crafts preserving its seafaring heritage.

Boat ride on Giethoorn canal passing traditional Dutch house and garden, Netherlands.

Giethoorn

Known as the Venice of the Netherlands, Giethoorn features canals instead of roads, thatched-roof cottages, wooden bridges, and tranquil boat rides through scenic waterways.

Tips to make the most of your day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

  • Footwear choice: Wear comfortable shoes, as walking between windmills, houses, and workshops involves uneven paths, cobblestones, and grassy areas that can get muddy after rain.
  • Local interaction: Engage with the craftspeople in the workshops; they often have fascinating stories. Try local treats like fresh "stroopwafels" from the bakery as well as authentic Dutch cheese at the cheese factory.
  • Windmill schedules: Check windmill opening schedules in advance, since not all mills operate daily, and some only run machinery when weather conditions allow.
  • Carry bag: Bring a small backpack for cheese samples, handmade souvenirs, or local crafts, since several shops offer tasting sessions and unique artisan products.
  • Photography rules: Photography is welcome in most areas, but some craft demonstrations may restrict flash or close-up shots, so always ask permission before capturing artisans.
  • Nearby visits: Combine your visit with nearby villages like Edam or Volendam, since many guided tours cover multiple towns in one convenient trip.
  • Transport ease: Public transport from Amsterdam requires train and bus changes, so a guided tour or direct coach may save time and simplify logistics.
  • Food planning: Food options inside are limited, so either carry snacks or plan to eat in Volendam or Zaandam for broader dining choices.
  • Weather prep: The open-air layout means strong winds are common, so bring a light jacket even in summer for comfort near the river.

Frequently Asked Questions about day trips from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

Are Zaanse Schans tours wheelchair accessible?

Paths and bridges can be uneven, but accessible restrooms and parking are available. Coaches are wheelchair-friendly.

Is Zaanse Schans suitable for children?

Yes, Zaanse Schans is family-friendly, with educational activities and open spaces for children to explore.

Is Zaanse Schans open during public holidays?

Zaanse Schans is a residential and working neighborhood, not a theme park or outdoor museum, so you can visit the village 365 days a year, including on public holidays. Please note that windmills and museums may be closed on public holidays.

Are pets allowed at Zaanse Schans?

Pets are allowed in the outdoor areas of Zaanse Schans but not inside the museums or windmills.

Can I see working windmills at Zaanse Schans?

Yes! Several windmills at Zaanse Schans are still operational and demonstrate traditional milling processes for oil, paint, and wood.

Can I visit the houses?

The houses in the Zaanse Schans are examples of authentic, historic Zaan-style timber construction. Because the homes are mostly occupied, you cannot visit them. You can view them from a distance so as not to disturb the residents.

Are there any additional activities not included in the ticket?

Some craft centers, windmills, and museums can be visited for a fee. You can also book the Windmill Hopper for a unique cruise that will take you past the iconic windmills of the Zaanse Schans!

Is there parking available for those driving to Zaanse Schans?

Yes, parking is available. However, note that parking charges for cars are €15.00 and €35-€55 for touring coaches, depending on the season. The price is for the whole day, and per-hour payment is not possible. Payment can only be made by debit or credit card.

Are meals included in the day trip, or should I bring my own food?

Most tours include tastings of local products but not full meals. You’ll have free time to eat at local cafes.

What happens if I am late or miss the departure?

Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid missing departures, as tours cannot wait. If delayed, contact your operator immediately since later tour availability is limited.