Zaanse Schans
Prices quoted correct as of July 2026
If you think of Dutch cliches then windmills have to be up there, alongside tulips and clogs.Well Zaanse Schans has historic windmills a plenty, along with distinctive green wooden houses were were relocated here to recreate the look of an 18th/19th-century village.
The Zaanse Schans is a heritage village in which the 18th and 19th centuries are brought to life. Very popular with visitors from all over the world it is important to remember people still live here. Please bear this in mind during your visit.
Indeed it has become so popular they need to restrict the number of visitors each day, which has proved unpopular in places.
Admission costs, adult €29.50, child (4-17) €20.00Parking is available at Zaanse Schans for €15.00 per car but the car park generally fills up by 11:00. You are advised to travel by public transport.
Bus transport is best with 800 / 801 departing Amsterdam Central Station every 15 minutes, or you can catch a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, from where it's a 15 minute walk to the village.
So what else is there, apart from windmills (and there are plenty of them), some of which will be operational and open to the public.
Well there is, obviously, a windmill museum, there is a time museum (the area is well known for watch making). a coopers, and weavers and merchant houses to explore.For food there are plenty of places to eat, including the ubiquitous pancake house.
Oh, did I mention plenty of windmills.
There's plenty of walking to see the place properly but another option is a cruise, costing from €9.00 passing 10 windmills, chocolate factories, historic Dutch houses and more in a relaxing 25 minute journey.
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