Zaanse Schans: Admission to Museums & Windmills + Digital Audio Guide
Experience Dutch heritage in an iconic location in the Netherlands
- Admission to museums & windmills (see additional info)
- Admission to heritage sites (see additional info)
- Digital Audio Tour
- Use of toilet facilities
Zaanse Schans Tickets and Tours
Is Zaanse Schans worth visiting
- We definitely think so as it’s not something you see every day.
What you see when visiting Zaanse Schans
- Windmills
- Traditional wooden houses
- Artisan workshops
- Cheese making
- Clog making
- Museum
About Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is the picturesque open-air museum village near the town of Zaandam, and renowned for its well-preserved historic windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisan workshops.
Windmills
Zaanse Schans is famous for its collection of functioning windmills, some of which date back to the 18th century. The windmills were once used for various industrial purposes such as sawing timber, grinding spices, and milling flour and today visitors can explore the interiors of some windmills to see how they operated.
Traditional Dutch Houses
The area is also dotted with charming wooden houses, many of which are still inhabited. These houses reflect traditional Dutch architecture and offer a glimpse into the daily life of the past.
Museum and Workshops
There are several museums and workshops within Zaanse Schans where you can learn about traditional crafts such as cheese-making, clog-carving, and chocolate-making. There are also interactive exhibits that provide insights into the region's cultural heritage.
Throughout the day, there are demonstrations of traditional crafts and activities which allow you to experience firsthand how certain products are made. You might see artisans crafting wooden shoes (clogs), making cheese, or baking Dutch treats.
Set against a picturesque backdrop of meadows, waterways, and historic buildings, Zaanse Schans is a popular destination for photography enthusiasts and offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing authentic Dutch traditions.
Popular Tickets
Popular Attractions
Zaanse Schans Fun Facts
Living Museum: Zaanse Schans is not just a museum but a living, working community. The area preserves historic windmills, houses, and workshops from the 18th and 19th centuries, giving visitors a glimpse into traditional Dutch life.
Windmills Galore: The site is home to several functional windmills, each with its own purpose, from grinding spices and sawing wood to producing oil. The windmills were once common across the Zaan region, which was one of the world’s earliest industrial areas!
Iconic Green Houses: The traditional green-painted wooden houses at Zaanse Schans are a distinctive feature of the area. They were moved here from various parts of the Zaan region to preserve them and are typical examples of 17th and 18th-century Dutch architecture.
Cheese Factory: Zaanse Schans has a working cheese farm, where you can watch the traditional process of cheese-making. You can also sample and purchase a variety of Dutch cheeses, including the famous Gouda.
Clog Workshop: The wooden clog, an iconic symbol of Dutch culture, is showcased at Zaanse Schans in a dedicated workshop. Here, you can see how these traditional shoes are made and even try on a pair yourself.
Chocolate History: Zaanse Schans is located in the Zaan region, which has a long history in chocolate production! The area was one of the first places in the world to industrialise chocolate processing, and you can still smell cocoa in the air from nearby factories.
Trade History: In the 17th century, the Zaan region was a bustling centre of trade and industry, often considered the world's first industrial zone. The area was home to hundreds of windmills and shipyards that played a key role in the Dutch Golden Age.
Scenic Location: The Zaanse Schans is set along the Zaan River, so it offers incredible views.
Useful Information For Zaanse Schans
