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Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours

4.6(3.8K Ratings)

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Zaanse Schans Tours

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From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Cristina Barata de Araujo Costa
BR

Cristina

Brazil
Apr 2025
review-image
The experience was great, but Headout sent me to the wrong location, so I missed my reservation. I had to rebook for the next day at a different time slot. But Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans are amazing!
Loriel Luckie

Loriel

May 2025
We loved the Zaanse Schans area and everything included in our tour. Our guide was welcoming, very well informed and patient. The bus ride was comfortable and easy to access. The difficulty for us was the sheer number of people (herding cats) and the duplicity of two languages. It would have been nice to know ahead of time that more than the language you signed up for was going to be included. This fact only allows the guest half-time with their guide. When you factor this in, unfortunately, it goes from great to only good.
Saryna Young

Saryna

Jul 2024
Bus ride comfortable and tour guide informative Cheese tasing fun. Clog making demo cool and not too long. And the 1.45 hr visit to windmills just right for stroll and discovery. It was just the right amount of time. I do wish it included entry into windmill museum.
Pavel Ploscariu

Pavel

Sep 2022
It was all I wanted for a day tour outside of Amsterdam. I learned interesting things about Netherlands and enjoyed the scenery in every city we visited. Nice, funny, and knowledgeable, guide and safe driver.
Lynn Denvir-Watson

Lynn

Jul 2022
Already recommended to my friend who is travelling to Holland, next week..... Monik, our guide was perfect. Very experienced & informed.
Marilyn Guay
CA

Marilyn

Canada
May 2025
The tour was very good and Evelyne guided us well in French. Voledam and the cheese museum are great! The mill site is very busy and touristy.
ambra maccabiti

Ambra

Jun 2025
Beautiful city! Absolutely must do city card because it makes your life easier and facilitates entry to a lot of museums and places that you would normally maybe not visit. Highly recommended! Amber
Holzer Günther
AT

Holzer

Austria
May 2025
The large selection of different ways to organize your day. I think it's a shame that many interesting sights have to be booked online in advance to get a ticket. We couldn't visit the van Gogh Museum because we didn't get a ticket.

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The ultimate day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

A day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is a quintessentially Dutch experience, offering an escape into a world of windmills, traditional crafts, and charming wooden houses. Step back in time along the Zaan River and witness the Netherlands of the 18th and 19th centuries! From clogs and cheese to working windmills and historical workshops, Zaanse Schans provides a cultural immersion, making it a must-do for anyone seeking a taste of Dutch heritage.

Day trip options from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

  • Types of tickets: Book a ​Zaanse Schans tour with audioguide or combine your day trip to nearby places like ​Volendam, ​Marken, ​Edam, or ​Geithoorn.
  • Cancellation policy: All Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans tours can be cancelled 24-48 hours prior to the commencement of the tour.
  • What’s included: Your ​tickets include entry to Zaanse Schans, round-trip coach transfers from Amsterdam, a cheese-making demonstration, a clog-making demonstration, an audioguide, a digital walking guide, and a complimentary map.
  • Combo tours: Choose a holistic experience by visiting nearby towns in addition to Zaanse Schans. Visit ​Zaanse Schans and Volendam, ​Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, or ​Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans with an electric boat ride.
  • Upgrades: The ​Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken day trip can be upgraded to an all-inclusive experience with a boat trip from Volendam to Marken, a visit to a working windmill, and entry to the clog factory.

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.

Things to do in Zaanse Schans

amsterdam to zaanse schans

Zaanse Schans windmills

Zaanse Schans is renowned for its iconic windmills, living symbols of Dutch heritage. These preserved structures showcase the intricate mechanics of 17th-century milling technology.

amsterdam to zaanse schans

Volendam Cheese Factory

Volendam, a picturesque Dutch fishing village, is home to a cheese factory where you can witness the art of Dutch cheese-making. Delve into the cheese production process, from milk to the final product, and sample some delectable cheeses.

amsterdam to zaanse schans

Boat trip on the Marken Lake

Enjoy a tranquil boat journey across the Marken Lake, offering vistas of the Dutch landscape. As you sail between Marken and Volendam, relish the peacefulness of the water and take in the charming towns of Monnickendam and Katwoude along the way.

amsterdam to zaanse schans

Village of Marken

Once a remote island, Marken is now a peninsula steeped in Dutch history. Accessible by boat ride, the village beckons with its charming wooden houses and maritime character. Explore its narrow streets, visit a traditional clog maker's workshop, and try on authentic Dutch wooden clogs—a genuine cultural experience.

amsterdam to zaanse schans

Visit a traditional clog maker

Step inside a traditional clog maker's workshop and witness skilled craftsmen utilizing a steam engine to create iconic Dutch wooden clogs. Discover the intricate process in a live demonstration, from raw wood to the final product, and even try on these quintessential Dutch shoes—a memorable encounter with Dutch craftsmanship.

E-scooter riders exploring Edam streets with traditional Dutch architecture, Volendam harbor, and Edam Cheese Museum.

Historic cheese town of Edam

Edam welcomes you with peaceful canals, narrow lanes, and postcard-perfect houses. Sample its famous cheese, explore the old market square, and visit the historic weighing house. Local boutiques and a laid-back vibe make this charming town a lovely stop on your Zaanse Schans adventure.

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

  • Research and pre-book tickets: Secure tickets online for windmills to skip lines and guarantee access. Plus, with guided tours and transfers from Amsterdam, you can enjoy more without fussing over the logistics. 
  • Plan your transportation: If you’re not traveling by coach tours, decide on your travel method (bus or train), considering factors like cost, travel time, and convenience, and check schedules and prices.
  • Be flexible: Allow for detours; Zaanse Schans is full of surprises, but so are Volendam, Marken, Keukenhof, and Giethoorn.
  • Pack light but essential: Water, snacks, layers in case of cold weather, cash as some smaller shops may not accept cards, a power bank, and a camera are must-carries.
  • Don't miss: Working windmills, especially inside one, the traditional clog and cheese-making demonstrations, and the historic wooden houses along the river.
  • 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. Take time to walk away from the main tourist areas and explore the smaller paths.
  • Souvenirs & shopping: Shop for your own clogs (wooden shoes) in various designs, Dutch cheeses, such as Gouda and Edam, Delftware pottery, and traditional Dutch sweets and biscuits. The shops near the main windmill area are the best for souvenirs.
  • Cultural insights: Respect the Zaanse Schans property – you're visiting a living museum, so always ask before touching or taking anything. Keep your voice low, especially during the off-season when residents are more likely to be at home. Dispose of your trash in the designated bins and be mindful of the local customs, culture, and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about day trips from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

Are Zaanse Schans tours wheelchair accessible?

Zaanse Schans dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, so the paths, bridges, and buildings are not always wheelchair-friendly. Disabled parking and restrooms are available. Wheelchairs may be reserved at the Zaans Museum if necessary. The coaches are fully 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 not all windmills and museums are open 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?

Your tours focus on transportation, guided information, and entry to specific attractions. While most tours may include tastings of local products, such as Dutch cheese, full meals like lunch are rarely included. However, you'll have free time to explore and have lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants. This allows you to choose your meal, catering to your preferences and budget. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you, especially if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

What happens if I am late or miss the departure?

Tours adhere to strict departure times and do not wait for latecomers. If you realize you're going to be late, call the tour operator as soon as possible. In some rare cases, if there are multiple departures or similar tours, they might accommodate you on a later tour. However, this depends on availability. To be on the safer side, plan to arrive at the departure point at least 30 mins before the scheduled departure time, and factor in potential traffic delays or public transportation disruptions too.

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