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Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Explore Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken with scenic bus rides, a guide and cheese tasting!
- Spend the day exploring Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken—think windmills, fishing villages, wooden houses, and all the cheese you can handle!
- Hop on a comfy bus and let your guide fill you in on all the fun facts, history, and quirky details you’d totally miss otherwise!
- Take in Marken’s harbor, dotted with wooden fishing boats. Then, visit the Protestant Church to see its grand organ, wooden beams, and maritime-themed decor.
- Wander Zaanse Schans’ windmill-dotted landscape, then near Volendam, meet expert cheesemakers, watch the process unfold, and sample some Dutch cheese!
- Want more? Upgrade for an Edam visit, a ferry ride, lunch, a working windmill tour, clog-making with steam power, an Amsterdam canal cruise, and more!
Explore Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken with scenic bus rides, a guide and cheese tasting!
- Spend the day exploring Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken—think windmills, fishing villages, wooden houses, and all the cheese you can handle!
- Hop on a comfy bus and let your guide fill you in on all the fun facts, history, and quirky details you’d totally miss otherwise!
- Take in Marken’s harbor, dotted with wooden fishing boats. Then, visit the Protestant Church to see its grand organ, wooden beams, and maritime-themed decor.
- Wander Zaanse Schans’ windmill-dotted landscape, then near Volendam, meet expert cheesemakers, watch the process unfold, and sample some Dutch cheese!
- Want more? Upgrade for an Edam visit, a ferry ride, lunch, a working windmill tour, clog-making with steam power, an Amsterdam canal cruise, and more!
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken
- English or Spanish-speaking guide
- Bus transportation for the entire tour
- See windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Cheese tasting
Additional Paid Upgrades:
- Visit to Edam
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- Entrance to clog factory and live demonstration of Dutch shoe-making
- Entrance to a cheese farm
- Visit a windmill still in operation
Exclusions
- Ferry ride from Volendam to the island of Marken (available at extra cost)
- Lunch (available for purchase)
- Ensure your entry tickets, and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/strollers users.
- Arrive 10 minutes early to meet your guide—the bus leaves on time, no exceptions!
- For safety reasons, the visit to Marken may be replaced if the weather takes a turn.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
From Amsterdam: Guided Half-Day Tour of Zaanse Schans with Cheese Tasting
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION3 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
De Ruijterkade
Your meeting point, Tour Company at De Ruijterkade, is just a quick 6-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
17.4 km
20 minutes
1
Zaanse Schans
2 activities
Zaanse Schans is like stepping into a Dutch time machine—think windmills, wooden houses, artisan workshops, and all the old-school charm of the 18th century!
Things to do
1. Visit a wooden shoemaker's shop
Included in price
Watch skilled artisans bring wooden shoes to life at a clog-making workshop, where traditional Dutch craftsmanship takes center stage!
2. Enjoy cheese tasting
Included in price
Stop by a Dutch cheese farm, watch the experts in action, and enjoy endless samples of farm-fresh cheese at the shop!
17.4 km
20 minutes
2
END POINT
De Ruijterkade
A short half-day trip with windmills, cheese tasting & multilingual guides!
- In just 3.5 hours, see Zaanse Schans’ windmills, taste farm-fresh cheese, and enjoy a guided tour with comfy single-deck bus transfers from Amsterdam!
- Explore Zaanse Schans with an expert guide in English, Spanish, or German, soaking in its charming streets and breathtaking 18th-century windmills!
- See Dutch craftsmanship in action at a wooden shoemaker’s shop, where artisans skillfully carve and shape traditional clogs in a live demo!
- Watch cheese-making in action at a traditional Dutch farm, then indulge in an all-you-can-taste cheese experience at the farm’s shop!
- Upgrade your ticket with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise! Glide past historic landmarks with an English-speaking guide for a fresh perspective on the city.
A short half-day trip with windmills, cheese tasting & multilingual guides!
- In just 3.5 hours, see Zaanse Schans’ windmills, taste farm-fresh cheese, and enjoy a guided tour with comfy single-deck bus transfers from Amsterdam!
- Explore Zaanse Schans with an expert guide in English, Spanish, or German, soaking in its charming streets and breathtaking 18th-century windmills!
- See Dutch craftsmanship in action at a wooden shoemaker’s shop, where artisans skillfully carve and shape traditional clogs in a live demo!
- Watch cheese-making in action at a traditional Dutch farm, then indulge in an all-you-can-taste cheese experience at the farm’s shop!
- Upgrade your ticket with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise! Glide past historic landmarks with an English-speaking guide for a fresh perspective on the city.
Inclusions
- Half-day guided tour of Zaanse Schans
- English, German, or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam in a single-deck bus
- Live clog-making demonstration
- Entry to a Dutch cheese farm
- Local cheese tasting at a shop
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise voucher (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry to windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Carry local currency or cards for extras not covered by the ticket.
- Prepare for unpredictable weather - carry an umbrella.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- Entry to windmills is not included with these tickets.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- Check-in closes 15 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals cannot be rescheduled, so be sure to arrive on time!
- This tour includes plenty of walking and some steps, so comfy shoes are a must!
- This tour is limited to a maximum of 60 travelers.
- Infants (0-3 years) join for free but won’t have a seat—they must sit on their guardian’s lap and don’t need to be included in the booking.
- This tour runs as scheduled, rain or shine.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Trips
From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Tour with an Audio Guide and Transfers
Explore Zaanse Schans at your own pace with a digital guide and round-trip transport.
- Go solo or with your crew—no group tour rules! Wander Zaanse Schans at your own pace, whether you’re snapping windmill pics or chasing cheese dreams.
- Your digital walking guide’s got your back! Find hidden gems, get cool insights, and make sure you don’t just stare at windmills without knowing their story.
- Whether you're an early explorer or a late starter, different departure times make this trip fit your plans, without throwing off the rest of your day.
- With round-trip transport included, you can enjoy Zaanse Schans without worrying about trains or routes. Just board, explore, and return with zero hassle.
- Cheese lovers and clog enthusiasts, rejoice! This ticket includes a live wooden shoe demo and a cheese tasting so good, you’ll want to take some home.
Explore Zaanse Schans at your own pace with a digital guide and round-trip transport.
- Go solo or with your crew—no group tour rules! Wander Zaanse Schans at your own pace, whether you’re snapping windmill pics or chasing cheese dreams.
- Your digital walking guide’s got your back! Find hidden gems, get cool insights, and make sure you don’t just stare at windmills without knowing their story.
- Whether you're an early explorer or a late starter, different departure times make this trip fit your plans, without throwing off the rest of your day.
- With round-trip transport included, you can enjoy Zaanse Schans without worrying about trains or routes. Just board, explore, and return with zero hassle.
- Cheese lovers and clog enthusiasts, rejoice! This ticket includes a live wooden shoe demo and a cheese tasting so good, you’ll want to take some home.
Inclusions
- Half-day tour of Zaanse Schans
- An audio and digital walking guide
- Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam
- Cheese tasting and live clog-making demo
- Complimentary map
- Ensure your entry tickets, and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Foldable strollers are allowed on the coach.
- For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
- Late arrivals can't be rescheduled, and tickets are non-refundable—so be sure to arrive on time!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION6 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Tolhuis Buiksloterweg
Tolhuis, at Buiksloterweg 7, sits in Amsterdam’s north by the IJ River. Easily reached by ferry from Central Station, it’s a convenient spot for locals and tourists alike.
40.4 km
41 minutes
1
Alkmaar
Tickets included
See cheese carriers in action at Alkmaar’s historic market, watch traditional handjeklap bargaining, soak up Waagplein’s lively vibes, then enjoy free time to shop, eat, or wander picturesque streets.
28 km
32 minutes
2
Zaanse Schans
Tickets included
Wander Zaanse Schans, where historic windmills spin, cheese and clogs are crafted, and charming wooden houses transport you to a picture-perfect slice of Dutch history.
17.7 km
20 minutes
3
END POINT
Tolhuis Buiksloterweg
Witness age-old cheese trading traditions at Alkmaar’s market before touring Zaanse Schans!
- Get front-row access to Alkmaar’s famous cheese market! See cheese carriers in action, hear the market bell chime, and watch how authentic Dutch deals unfold!
- Dutch cheeses in Alkmaar await you! Your ticket includes tastings of local specialties like Edam & Gouda, giving you a taste of the Netherlands' best flavors.
- Next, visit Zaanse Schans, where windmills turn, clogs are crafted, and Dutch heritage comes to life in a picture-perfect village.
- Start your Friday right! This half-day adventure means epic sights before noon and the rest of the day wide open for whatever’s next on your list.
- Looking for more? A boat ride through Alkmaar’s canals reveals stunning architecture and hidden corners. If that sounds fun, tickets are available separately.
Witness age-old cheese trading traditions at Alkmaar’s market before touring Zaanse Schans!
- Get front-row access to Alkmaar’s famous cheese market! See cheese carriers in action, hear the market bell chime, and watch how authentic Dutch deals unfold!
- Dutch cheeses in Alkmaar await you! Your ticket includes tastings of local specialties like Edam & Gouda, giving you a taste of the Netherlands' best flavors.
- Next, visit Zaanse Schans, where windmills turn, clogs are crafted, and Dutch heritage comes to life in a picture-perfect village.
- Start your Friday right! This half-day adventure means epic sights before noon and the rest of the day wide open for whatever’s next on your list.
- Looking for more? A boat ride through Alkmaar’s canals reveals stunning architecture and hidden corners. If that sounds fun, tickets are available separately.
Inclusions
- Half day tour to Alkmaar & Zaanse Schans
- Visit to Alkmaar Cheese Market
- Variety of Dutch cheese tastings
- Visit to Zaanse Schans
- An expert guide
- Round-trip transportation from Amsterdam
- Bottled water, tea & coffee at the departure point
Exclusions
- Alkmaar boat ride (available on site for purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Ensure your entry tickets, and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Carry local currency or cards for extras not covered by the ticket.
- Prepare for unpredictable weather - carry an umbrella.
- Check-in closes 15 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals cannot be rescheduled, so be sure to arrive on time!
- Please note, this tour is only available on Fridays.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
From Amsterdam: Guided Zaanse Schans and Volendam Half-Day Tour
See Zaanse Schans' windmills & Volendam’s harbor on a guided half-day tour.
- Escape the city and soak in the Dutch countryside! This 5 hours guided tour takes you to Zaanse Schans’ windmills and Volendam’s scenic waterfront.
- Hop on a single-deck bus and enjoy the ride as your expert guide in English, French, Spanish, or German shares fascinating facts about the Dutch countryside.
- Stroll through Zaanse Schans, where windmills spin, wooden houses charm, artisans craft clogs, and farm-fresh Dutch cheese is just waiting to be tasted.
- Discover Volendam’s fishing traditions, explore historic churches, catch the action at the Fish Auction, and admire the picturesque views of IJssel Lake.
- Upgrade your ticket with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise! Float past historic landmarks, soak in city views, and hear fun stories from your English-speaking guide.
See Zaanse Schans' windmills & Volendam’s harbor on a guided half-day tour.
- Escape the city and soak in the Dutch countryside! This 5 hours guided tour takes you to Zaanse Schans’ windmills and Volendam’s scenic waterfront.
- Hop on a single-deck bus and enjoy the ride as your expert guide in English, French, Spanish, or German shares fascinating facts about the Dutch countryside.
- Stroll through Zaanse Schans, where windmills spin, wooden houses charm, artisans craft clogs, and farm-fresh Dutch cheese is just waiting to be tasted.
- Discover Volendam’s fishing traditions, explore historic churches, catch the action at the Fish Auction, and admire the picturesque views of IJssel Lake.
- Upgrade your ticket with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise! Float past historic landmarks, soak in city views, and hear fun stories from your English-speaking guide.
Inclusions
- Half-day guided tour of Zaanse Schans and Volendam
- English/German/French/Spanish-speaking guide (as per the option selected)
- Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam on a single-deck bus
- Cheese-making demonstration
- Clog-making demonstration
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise voucher (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry to windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Carry local currency or cards for extras not covered by the ticket.
- Prepare for unpredictable weather - carry an umbrella.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- Entry to windmills is not included with these tickets.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- Check-in closes 15 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals cannot be rescheduled, so be sure to arrive on time!
- This tour includes plenty of walking and some steps, so comfy shoes are a must!
- This tour is limited to a maximum of 60 travelers.
- Infants (0-3 years) join for free but won’t have a seat—they must sit on their guardian’s lap and don’t need to be included in the booking.
- This tour runs as scheduled, rain or shine.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Tour Company
Meet your guide at Tour Company, a 6-minute walk from the Amsterdam Central Station. The office is located inside the restaurant, Cafe1884.
44.2 km
39 minutes
1
Keunkenhof
Tickets included
Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a world-renowned flower garden in Lisse, Netherlands.
It's famous for displaying millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths during spring. Spread over 32 hectares, it is open to the public from mid-March to mid-May. Explore its beautifully landscaped gardens, admire intricate flower sculptures, and enjoy various attractions like flower shows, exhibitions, and boat rides. Once at Keukenhof, you'll go on a guided tour for about 45 minutes, where you'll wander around the park and learn all about it. After that, you're free to explore at your own pace! Your guide will tell you all sorts of interesting things, like how they grow these flowers, their history, and their importance in Dutch culture.
48.4 km
39 minutes
2
Zaanse Schans
2 activities
Free Admission
Zaanse Schans is a charming historic village located near Amsterdam. It's a picture-perfect glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age, with its iconic windmills, traditional wooden houses painted in vibrant colors, and picturesque canals. This open-air museum showcases the region's rich history of wind-powered industries, including sawmills, oil mills, and mustard mills. You can even witness some of these windmills in action today!
Highlights
1. Witness shoe-making
Included in price
You'll have the chance to visit a traditional wooden shoemaker's shop, where skilled artisans will showcase their craft in a live demonstration.
2. Cheese-tasting
Included in price
Get ready for a cheesy treat! You'll have the chance to watch a demonstration and then sample some delicious cheese at an authentic Dutch cheese farm.
19.2 km
20 minutes
3
END POINT
Tour Company
See the world-famous garden on a guided tour & explore a Dutch village with traditional windmills.
- Cherish a peaceful and serene escapade to the Dutch countryside on this day trip that includes both Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans.
- Take a step back to the 18th and 19th centuries at the quaint Zaanse Schans, and enjoy the unique beauty of the famous wooden windmills.
- Get the authentic Dutch experience as you learn how cheese and wooden clogs are made, and explore a traditional Marker home from the 1940s.
- Ensure your day is spent in utmost comfort and convenience with roundtrip bus transfers and an optional guided tour in English, Spanish, or German.
- Enhance your experience by upgrading to tour Volendam, a popular fishing village in the countryside, or go on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
See the world-famous garden on a guided tour & explore a Dutch village with traditional windmills.
- Cherish a peaceful and serene escapade to the Dutch countryside on this day trip that includes both Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans.
- Take a step back to the 18th and 19th centuries at the quaint Zaanse Schans, and enjoy the unique beauty of the famous wooden windmills.
- Get the authentic Dutch experience as you learn how cheese and wooden clogs are made, and explore a traditional Marker home from the 1940s.
- Ensure your day is spent in utmost comfort and convenience with roundtrip bus transfers and an optional guided tour in English, Spanish, or German.
- Enhance your experience by upgrading to tour Volendam, a popular fishing village in the countryside, or go on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans
- Entry tickets to Keukenhof
- Self-guided tour of Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans
- Roundtrip transfers via AC coach from Amsterdam
- Witness wooden shoe-making
- Cheese tasting
- 45-min guided tour of Keukenhof (as per option selected)
- English/German/Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Tour of Volendam (as per option selected)
- Amsterdam canal cruise (as per option selected)
- Small group size of max 8 people (as per option selected)
- Please note that Keukenhof is a cash-free site, so cash payments will not be accepted.
- Free entry for children under the age of 3.
- Child tickets must be booked for kids aged 4-13.
- This experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
DoubleTree by Hilton
You can find this location on Oosterdoksstraat, just steps from Centraal Station and a short walk from Dam Square.
17.6 km
22 minutes
1
Zaanse Schans
Tickets included
Step into a postcard at Zaanse Schans! Explore working windmills, see clogs crafted by hand, and snack on freshly made Dutch cheese.
135 km
90 minutes
2
Giethoorn
Tickets included
Cruise Giethoorn’s peaceful canals, walk over quaint wooden bridges, and explore cozy thatched-roof cottages straight out of a storybook.
126 km
90 minutes
3
END POINT
DoubleTree by Hilton
Visit Zaanse Schans for windmills and cheese, and then explore Giethoorn by boat and foot!
- Experience Giethoorn with ease! This ticket gives you canal views, walking paths & a boat ride through a village where the only way around is by water or foot.
- Fancy wooden shoes and cheesy goodness? Zaanse Schans has both! Watch Dutch craftsmanship in action—and don’t forget to grab a taste.
- Choose your ride! Relax on a boat led by a guide for effortless sightseeing or take the wheel of an electric boat for a self-guided Giethoorn adventure.
- Nine hours tour? Yes! But trust us, between Giethoorn’s canals, Zaanse Schans’ windmills, and all that cheese, you’ll wish it was longer!
- Enjoy round-trip transport from Amsterdam with a guide who’s got all the tips, tricks, and cheesy jokes covered.
Visit Zaanse Schans for windmills and cheese, and then explore Giethoorn by boat and foot!
- Experience Giethoorn with ease! This ticket gives you canal views, walking paths & a boat ride through a village where the only way around is by water or foot.
- Fancy wooden shoes and cheesy goodness? Zaanse Schans has both! Watch Dutch craftsmanship in action—and don’t forget to grab a taste.
- Choose your ride! Relax on a boat led by a guide for effortless sightseeing or take the wheel of an electric boat for a self-guided Giethoorn adventure.
- Nine hours tour? Yes! But trust us, between Giethoorn’s canals, Zaanse Schans’ windmills, and all that cheese, you’ll wish it was longer!
- Enjoy round-trip transport from Amsterdam with a guide who’s got all the tips, tricks, and cheesy jokes covered.
Inclusions
- 9-hour full-day tour to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn
- Entry to a clog-making factory at Zaanse Schans
- Entry to cheese-making factory
- 1-hour electric boat tour in Giethoorn with or without a skipper
- Live, professional guide
- Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam
- Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Carry local currency or cards for extras not covered by the ticket.
- Prepare for unpredictable weather - carry an umbrella.
- Late arrivals can't be rescheduled, and tickets are non-refundable—so be sure to arrive on time!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Amsterdam
Find your ideal day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
Experience
Inclusions
Duration
Best suited for
Upgrades
Recommended tickets
From Amsterdam: Guided Zaanse Schans and Volendam Half-Day Tour
- Entry to Zaanse Schans
- Round-trip coach transfers
- Volendam tour
- Cheese-making demo
- Clog-making demo
- English-speaking guide
5-5.5 hours
History buffs, first-time visitors, those looking for enhanced experiences, those short on time
- Amsterdam Canal cruise
From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Full Day Tour
- Entry to Zaanse Schans
- Round-trip coach transfers
- Volendam and Marken tour
- Cheese tasting
- English or Spanish-speaking guide
6 hours
Budget travelers, adventure seekers, history buffs
- Boat trip from Volendam to Marken
- Visit to working windmill
- Entry to a clog factory
From Amsterdam: Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour
- Entry to Zaanse Schans
- Round-trip coach transfers
- Entry to Keukenhof
- Cheese-making demo
- Clog-making demo
- English, Spanish, or German-speaking guide
9 hours
Solo travelers, history buffs, flower enthusiasts, photographers, those looking for enhanced or personalized experiences
- Amsterdam Canal cruise
- Small-group English tour of max. 8 people
From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Tour with an Audio Guide and Transfers
- Entry to Zaanse Schans
- Round-trip coach transfers
- Cheese-making demo
- Clog-making demo
- Audioguide
- Digital walking guide
- Map
3 hours
Budget travelers, independent travelers, those who want to explore at their own pace
-
From Amsterdam: Giethoorn and Windmills Guided Tour
- Entry to Zaanse Schans
- Round-trip coach transfers
- Giethoorn tour
- Cheese-making demo
- Clog-making demo
- Electric boat ride
9 hours
Adventure seekers, Dutch culture enthusiasts, those looking for immersive experiences
-
How to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans
All of the 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. This is your best option for having the least amount of worries when finding your way to and around Zaanse Schans.
Round-trip transfers
By train
By bus
By bike
- Comfortable transfers: Enjoy round-trip transfers in air-conditioned luxurious buses from central Amsterdam. Relax in a climate-controlled bus, ensuring a comfortable journey regardless of the weather. With onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and USB charging, stay connected or simply unwind.
- 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. This brings Zaanse Schans to life and allows for a deeper understanding of the locations visited.
- 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. Find a tour that matches your interests and schedule, offering flexibility and convenience
- Multiple stops: Maximize your sightseeing opportunities, allowing you to visit multiple attractions in a single day, including Keukenhof, 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
Things to do in 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. Explore these working windmills, gain insight into their historical significance and the vital role they played in shaping the Netherlands.
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. It's a flavorful immersion into one of the country's most cherished culinary traditions.
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. It's a scenic interlude that adds to the tour's allure.
Village of Marken
Once a remote island, Marken is now a peninsula steeped in Dutch history. Accessible by a 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.
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.
River Zaan boat tour
The boat ride on the River Zaan provides a unique view of Zaanse Schans' historic windmills, wooden houses, and picturesque scenery. Join one of the frequent guided tours that depart from the village and offer an informative 25-minute journey through the Dutch countryside, accommodating up to 12 passengers.
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, the windmills, and some 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 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, factor in potential traffic delays or public transportation disruptions too.