Zaanse Schans Guide
Windmills and Tradition: Step Back in Time at Zaanse Schans Guide
Zaanse Schans is a charming historical neighborhood located just outside of Amsterdam, offering a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Dutch life. Famous for its well-preserved windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts, it's a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Dutch experience. The area provides a picturesque setting to learn about the Netherlands' industrial heritage and its rich cultural traditions. The Zaanse Schans wasn't always a preserved village. The windmills and houses were relocated here in the mid-20th century to create a living museum. The Zaan region was once a major industrial area, powered by hundreds of windmills that processed everything from grain and wood to paint and spices. The Zaanse Schans aims to preserve this industrial heritage and showcase the traditional crafts that were once vital to the region's economy. At Zaanse Schans, visitors can explore the working windmills, each with its own unique purpose. Tour the wooden houses and learn about the lives of the families who once lived there. Watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like cheese making, clog making, and weaving. Sample local cheeses and other Dutch delicacies. You can also take a boat trip along the Zaan River for a different perspective of the area. The area is known for its traditional Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) and various cheese products, which you can sample at local shops and restaurants.
Transportation
The easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is by bus. Take bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the village.