Zaanse Schans is a story weaved through old model windmills, handicraft shops and museums, clogs and the smell of cheese and chocolates. The Zaanse Schans is a residential area whichbrings back the memories of 18th and 19th century. It is full of windmills, wooden-colourful houses, barns, and workshops.

The Zaan Discrict saw the start of industrial revolution in the mid of 19th century. To preserve the history of Zaan District architect Jaap Schipper came up with the plan of Zaanse Schans in 1946. From 1961, many buildings were transported to Zaanse Schans by road and water, thus preserving the industrial history of Netherlands.

WINDMILLS IN ZAANSE SCHANS

Move your eyes around in Zaanse Schans and windmills is what you see in every corner with a beautiful background of green meadows. Just climb up these windmills to get a panoramic vie of this beautiful heaven. These windmill houses show how wood is sawn, or oil, flour, spices and pigments are milled. Roam around and explore these windmills and learn how the industry use to work in 18th and 19th century.

HANDICRAFTS SHOPS IN ZAANSE SCHANS

The Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm: Learn all about the typical Dutch delicacies at Catharina Hoeve, a replica of a traditional farm from Oostzaan. The cheese makers, clad in traditional costumes, will tell you all about the different types of cheese.

Opening Hours

April to September: 8:00 to 18:00 ( daily)

October to March: 8:30 to 17:00 (daily)

Clog workshop: Learn about the world famous Dutch shoes. See how they were made for farmers, workers and the general public. It is open everyday and admission is free to the museum as well as the workshop.

Opening Hours

April to September: 8:00 to 18:00 ( daily)

October to March: 8:00 to 17:00 (daily)

The Weaver’s House: Learn how large sails were made, both for boats and windmills. Crawl behind the loom, relax in the box bed and admire the weavers in their traditional costumes.

Opening Hours

April to September: 10:00 to 17:00 ( daily)

October to March: 10:00 to 17:00 (daily)

Tiemstra Coopery: See how barrels were made, after all it is not an easy art. The Coopery displays the fully outfitted workshop of barrel-making company S.R. Tiemstra & Sons from Oostzaan.

Opening Hours

April to September: 11:00 to 16:00 ( daily)

October to March: 11:00 to 16:00 (daily)

Zaans Gedaan/CacaoLab: Ever wondered why the Zaanstreek area smell of cocoa? Learn it in CacaoLab.  They show how chocolates are made in the traditional way following the18th-century methods and using traditional utensils. You can also taste and buy these chocolates.

Opening Hours

April to September: 10:00 to 17:00 ( daily)

October to March: 10:00 to 1700 (daily)

Liqueur distillery de Tweekoppige Phoenix: Learn about the ancient tradition of distilling alcohol. The Tweekoppige Phoenix also offers a tasting of three liqueurs from the broad range of liquer, sweet to peppery.

Opening Hours

April to September: 10:00 to 18:00 ( daily)

October to March: 10:00 to 17:00 (daily)

The Tinkoepel pewter foundry: This is one of the last pewter foundries in the Netherlands. All the products are cast and finished by hand. Free daily demonstrations are conducted. De Tinkoepel at Zaanse Schans is housed in a listed building dating from the second half of the 18th century.

Opening Hours

April to September: 10:00 to 17:00 ( daily)

October to March: 11:00 to 16:00 (daily)

DAILY WALKS

“Mayor’s Walk’ with Kaatje Slagter a Mayor’s wife from 1850, is held every day. Her knowledge about this neighbourhood and gossips shared by her will make your visit to Zaanse Schans unforgetable. While doing so, she is dressed in a Zaan Costume, you can feel the authenticity !

Duration: 45 minutes

Timings: Starts at 11 AM and final tour at 4 PM

Price: €19.50 (Adults) and €9,50 (Children 4-12)

Meeting Point: in front of Windmill Cruises next to windmill De Huisman, Kalverringdijk 23

Language: English 

ZAANSE SCHANS BIKE TOURS

There are two cycling routes: a short route ‘Hotspot Wormerveer’ and a longer route ‘Around de Noord’.

Zaanse Schans Bike Rent

Address: Kalverringdijk 25, 1509 BT Zaandijk

Opening hours: Every day from 09:00-17:30

Contact information: Tel: +31 (0)6 26740840