zaanse schans bus tour

• Zaanse Schans Tour
• Walking Tours
• Audio guide
• Groups allowed
• Tour guides

Description

Zaanse schans tour from amsterdam.

Explore true Holland with this amazing tour through  Zaanse Schans , Volendam , Marken and Edam . Historical pearls dotted across the countryside of the Netherlands.

Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken Tour

Your journey starts off at the Zaanse Schans where you’ll see plethora of beautifully preserved Dutch windmills. You’ll have ample time for taking pictures. The stops are located in the so called Waterland area. Where you get to explore some of Holland’s most  picturesque villages: Volendam, Edam & Marken.

Volendam, Edam & Marken Tour

Walk past historic locations in the centre of Edam such as the world famous Cheese Market square. After Edam taste some locally produced typical Dutch cheese at an actual cheese producer close to Volendam. At this location the local cheese master shows you how those famous Gouda en Edam cheeses are actually produced.

Next to the cheese producer stands a little clog factory. Here you’ll learn everything about those famous wooden Dutch shoes. The last stop of this wide-ranging Zaanse Schans Tour is a intimate fishermen town called Marken.

Feel like you’re walking in the 17th century is you explore the harbor and the Protestant church. This wide-ranging tour is something that you simply cannot afford to miss during your short stay in Amsterdam or the Netherlands.

Windmill Village  Zaanse Schans Tour

Zaanse Schans is a working and inhabited neighbourhood in the Dutch city Zaandam which also functions as an open air windmill museum. Between 1961 and 1974 old structures from all over the Zaanstreek region were transported to this little  picturesque  neighbourhood. It has the best preserved collection of historic houses and windmills.

The windmills are in complete original state and are operated by the locals with passion and enthusiasm. At the Zaanse Schans you can explore the insides of the windmills at will where you can see the impressive massive rotating parts first hand. Besides being a real educational experience this is the perfect place to shoot some scenic Dutch windmill pictures!

Edam Cheese Market Square

During the Middle Ages in the Netherlands, the Edam cheese market functioned as the city hub. It was here that local farmers brought their freshly produced cheeses. They were weighed at this location and sold and would then be exported globally.

Back in in 1520 Edam was bestowed the rights to organising this type of market and after 50 years they also managed to get the rights to cheese weighing for all time. Those all times rights however ended in 1922 as cheese was then produced on an industrial scale in factories. However, Edam holds a historic reenactment of this famous market every Wednesday during the summer.

In the 13th century, the small fishing town of Marken got completely separated from the Dutch mainland. What followed was centuries of isolation of the local inhabitants. They survived by fishing from the Zuider-sea and eating bread. The harbour of Marken was constructed in the 19th century to the Marken fleet of typical fishing boats; the botters.

Only as recent as 1959 Marken was finally reconnected with the Dutch mainland by building an embankment. Since then Marken has been a peninsula. Even though it has been reconnected Marken hasn’t lost its authentic quality and spirit. This Dutch town is beautifully preserved.

The tides and frequent flooding forced the local inhabitants to build their wooden houses in clusters. Because Marken was flooded on a regular basis in the past all the homes there were built on earth mounds (werfs) and then on social mounds called “terpen” in Dutch.

People also built houses on poles: these have now been closed to form under-houses. This is the only place in the world where you get to see these beautiful historic little houses.

Visitors can explore the Marken Museum, which is housed in a traditional Marken home, or take a stroll through the Marken Heritage Park. There are also several churches and windmills to see, and the Marken Lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition, Marken has a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the Dutch culture.

What’s Included In The Zaanse Schans Tour

• Bus with air-conditioning
• Audio tour guide in 16 different languages
• In person guide in either English, German or Spanish on extended tour
• See a demonstration of the milling process
• Explore Marken, a traditional Dutch fishing town
• See authentic windmills
• See a demonstration by an actual wooden shoe maker
• Visit an old Dutch bakery and cheese factory close to Volendam
• See the IJsselmeer during a boat trip
• Extra: includes a free canal cruise through Amsterdam

Why Should You See It?

Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken are villages located in the Netherlands that are known for their traditional Dutch architecture, picturesque landscapes, and rich history. Here’s why you should visit these villages:

• Zaanse Schans: This picturesque village is famous for its historic windmills and traditional Dutch houses. You can learn about the traditional Dutch way of life, including the production of cheese, oil, and paint, and visit the Zaanse Schans Museum to learn about the history of windmills.
• Edam: This village is famous for its cheese, which has been produced there for over 700 years. You can visit cheese factories and taste the famous Edam cheese, as well as see the traditional Dutch houses and windmills.
• Volendam: This charming fishing village is famous for its traditional Dutch costumes and folklore. You can visit the Volendam Museum, learn about the history of the village, and see a collection of traditional costumes.
• Marken: This small island is famous for its traditional wooden houses and beautiful landscapes. You can walk through the narrow streets, visit the Marken Museum, and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and surrounding countryside.

In conclusion , visiting Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken is a must-do for anyone interested in traditional Dutch architecture, history, and culture. These villages offer a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to experience traditional Dutch life in a beautiful and picturesque setting.

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Holland Explorer

Amsterdam & the netherlands travel guide, from amsterdam to zaanse schans: plan your visit.

Your visit to the Netherlands would not be complete without visiting the picturesque Dutch countryside. The Zaanse Schans, a typically Dutch small village with green-timbered houses and historical windmills, is located just outside Amsterdam. You will definitely enjoy visiting it!

Zaanse Schans Tours from Amsterdam

Taking a tour to the Zaanse Schans is a good idea, especially if you have a short visit to the Netherlands. One of the cheapest options is the Zaanse Schans tour from Amsterdam (from € 29,50).

Reservation for all tours is required. The tours are popular, so in the hight season we recommend to book the tours online at least 2-3 days in advance. Book now >>

Zaanse Schans: how to get there?

Zaanse Schans is located just 16,5 km away from Amsterdam. You can get there by car, bicycle or public transport.

How to get to the Zaanse Schans by car

Navigation address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW, Zaandam . In 2024 parking costs € 11 – € 15 per day for cars, depending on the season. It is not possible to pay with cash, only with card.

It is possible to park with motor homes near the Zaanse Schans, the address of the parking place is Wezelstraat 12, 1541 LZ, Koog aan de Zaan .

How to get to the Zaanse Schans by bus

Take Connexxion bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans. It departs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 40 minutes. You can buy tickets online or from the bus driver. A ticket costs € 11.50 and it’s valid all day.

Use the Glimble travel planner to check current departures times and plan your journey:

• Download Glimble for iOS >>
• Download Glimble for Android >>

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also valid in this bus. The Region Travel Card offers you an opportunity to visit big attractions around Amsterdam (Zaanse Schans, Volendam, the Beach at Zandvoort and much more) on your own, with flexible departure times. Order A&RTT online >>

You can also use the Dutch Countryside Card . The Card is a unique combination of:

• Amsterdam & Region Travel Card (unlimited public transportation in and around Amsterdam)
• canal cruise in Amsterdam .

How to get to the Zaanse Schans by train

Take a Sprinter to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station. The train journey from Amsterdam Central Station takes only 17 minutes ( book tickets online ). Zaanse Schans is just a 10-minute walk from the station. You will see numerous direction signs as soon as you leave the station.

Tip! If you travel to the Zaanse Schans by train, make a stop at Zaandam.

This world-famous building in Zaandam, which facade is made of stacked typical houses from the area, is actually a hotel. So you can even stay there! It’s only 12 minutes by train to Amsterdam. Check Inntel Hotels Zaandam >>

Attractions of the Zaanse Schans

The village of the Zaanse Schans is the world famous for its collection of historic windmills. Many of them are not just heritage, but still fully-operating wooden machines. You can visit windmills and see it yourself how they are used for making spices, sawing wood, grinding oil and much more. Very impressive!

Zaanse Schans opening hours in 2024

The Zaanse Schans village is open for visitors any time of the day and the year. However different attactions opening hours differ depending on the season. In the high season (from April to November) almost everything is open between 10.00 and 17.00. But in the low season it is different. We recommend you to check opening hours online before you go to visit the Zaanse Schans.

Zaanse Schans prices & tickets (windmills, cruises)

Most of museums and craft demonstrations, and several windmills can be visited free of charge. But for some of the attractions you have to pay . For example, a ticket to Het Jonge Schaap, De Zoeker and De Kat windmills costs €5,00 for adults and €2,50 for children each.

You can also buy a  Zaanse Schans card (€29,50), which is a includes:

• Zaans Museum ticket (usual price – €14,50)
• Verkade Chocolate and Biscuit Factory ticket
• Weaver’s House ticket
• Coopery entrance ticket
• Museum Zaan Time ticket
• World of Windmill sticket
• De Kat paint windmill ticket
• Het Jonge Schaap saw windmill ticket
• Museum Zaanse Tijd ticket
• 30% discount on parking ticket (usual price – € 11 – € 15 per day)

Zaanse Schans with I amsterdam card

If you have the I amsterdam city card , you can visit many of the Zaanse Schans attractions for free . In 2024 Zaan Time Museum and Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience as well as several windmills in Zaanse Schans are included in the card .

• Order I amsterdam Card online >>

How long will it take to visit the Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans will easily fill half a day. Keep in mind that the village is located close to the water, and the weather will most probably be windy. Taking some warm clothes (gloves, shawls, scarfs) will make your visit to the Zaanse Schans more comfortable.

Enjoy your visit to the Zaanse Schans!

This article is also available in German: Willkommen im Dorf Zaanse Schans!

About the author:

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• How to get to Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam?

Hi, can we use the I AMSTERDAM CARD for the 817 and 397 buses in Zaanse Schans area?

Kindly email answer.

Hi Hannah, to the I Amsterdam city card is only valid in the public transport within the city (operated by GVB company)/

Hi, is there direct bus 817 between the Zaanse Schans and Volendam this summer 2023 as well? can you please tell me is that bus running every day? and price too. thank you.

Hi! No, unfortunately the bus 817 is no longer operating. We’ve updated information in the article above. Sorry for the possible inconvenience!

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• About this activity

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Multiple languages
• See the 17th-century houses and preserved windmills of Zaanse Schans
• Stop at a farm to sample authentic edam and gouda cheeses
• Watch a clog demonstration to see how traditional Dutch shoes are made
• Learn how the Dutch created their polders from the sea
• Stroll among the colorful houses of Volendam to experience a traditional Dutch fishing village

Activity location

• Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Meeting/Redemption Point

• De Ruijterkade 153, 1011 AC Amsterdam, Países Bajos | De Ruijterkade 153, 1011AC Amsterdam (main entrance of the Bowling Alley "Aloha"). Your guide will be dressed in green so that they are easily recognizable.

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Sun, Jun 23 -
• Mon, Jun 24 $42
• Tue, Jun 25 $42
• Wed, Jun 26 $42
• Thu, Jun 27 $42
• Fri, Jun 28 $42
• Sat, Jun 29 $42
• Sun, Jun 30 $42
• Mon, Jul 1 $42
• Tue, Jul 2 $42
• Wed, Jul 3 $42
• Thu, Jul 4 $42
• Fri, Jul 5 $42
• Sat, Jul 6 $42
• Sun, Jul 7 $42

Tour in English

• Activity duration is 8 hours 8h 8h

Tour in Spanish

What's included, what's not.

• What's included What's included Transportation by a comfortable private coach
• What's included What's included Tour guide
• What's included What's included Visit the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans
• What's included What's included Clog making demonstration
• What's included What's included Cheese tasting
• What's excluded What's excluded Food and drink
• What's excluded What's excluded Ticket inside a windmill at Zaanse Schans (optional)
• What's excluded What's excluded Tips

What you can expect

Visit Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken on a guided bus tour from Amsterdam. Admire the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans, attend a clog-making demonstration, and sample Edam and Gouda cheese. Depart Amsterdam by luxury bus on this exciting tour and head north of the city to see the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans on the banks of the river Zaan.

Explore the traditional 17th-century houses and a collection of beautifully preserved windmills from the nation’s industrial heritage.

Continue on to visit Edam, a beautiful town known worldwide for its cheese. Enjoy a cheese tasting and an exciting clog demonstration.

Before the end of the day, go to Volendam and Marken, passing many authentic polders, the name given to land reclaimed from the sea. Wander down narrow streets, past colorful houses and visit the harbors full of fishing boats. You will have some free time to shop for souvenirs and sample the local fish specialties.

Back in Amsterdam, you will be dropped off at the meeting point.

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Zaanse Schans Sightseeing Big Bus Tour & Amsterdam Canal Cruise

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This tour offers the following benefits to cruise passengers: Cruise Friendly Refund Policy Shore Excursions with this benefit will offer a full refund if any of the following occur: - Your cruise ship arrives late, and you miss your Shore Excursion as a result. - Your cruise ship changes its date of arrival and it is not possible to reschedule. - Your cruise ship skips port. - Your cruise is canceled by the cruise line. - You cancel prior to the Cancellation Deadline on your confirmation voucher. In the event of a refund claim for one of these reasons, Project Expedition will verify the cruise ship’s actual itinerary before processing a refund. To be eligible for a refund, you must submit your claim in writing no later than 14 days after the scheduled date of the Shore Excursion. Back to Ship Guarantee Project Expedition guarantees that you will get back to your ship on time, provided that all of the following requirements apply: - The Shore Excursion you booked offers the Back to Ship Guarantee. - Your Shore Excursion is scheduled to end no less than 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of your cruise ship. It is your responsibility to confirm your ship’s departure time prior to booking, in addition to re-confirming the ship’s itinerary on the day of the Shore Excursion. - You have not changed or deviated from the original itinerary of the Shore Excursion that you booked on Project Expedition. - The delay in returning to the ship was due to no fault or action of your own. In the event that you are not returned back to your cruise ship before it departs, Project Expedition will cover up to USD $500 per person towards transportation and/or accommodation necessary to travel to the next port of call. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

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I took this shitty bus trip so you don’t have to: How to tour Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken on your own

To be fair, it wasn’t the worst way to spend a day in The Netherlands. It just wasn’t the best. But my mistakes are there to make you a better traveller, and now you don’t need to get stuck on a hot bus with 100 other tourists racing through The Netherlands like it was a police chase. Here’s a breakdown of how to tour Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken on your own.

The bus trip that I took so you don’t have to:

Tours & Tickets bus trip booked through Viator – $76 USD per person 7hrs

First stop: Zaanse Schans

Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans by Train $7-$14 USD / Bus $6-$12 USD

This city of windmills looks like something straight out of The Hobbit. The landscape is picturesque, and you could spend a whole day loading up your Instagram. But remember: people live here. Don’t walk through their yards or sit on their porches for the perfect photo. It is clear though, that tourism keeps this town alive, they even have an app you can download to plan your trip.

The windmills function but maily for tourist demonstrations. The streets are lined with shops and cafes, and you can actually smell chocolate in the air. With only 1,200 windmills left in The Netherlands, Zaanse Schans has 13 of them still operating daily, grinding spices, paint, oil, flour and stone.

Public toilets, on the other hand, are not quite as abundant. There’s one, to be exact, and it will cost you .50 Euro so keep some change on hand for emergencies. If you have any Euro leftover, rent a bike and follow the well laid out paths circling the town.

• Our bus tour included 60-minute to walk to a sawmill, a 15-minute presentation about how it works, a few fun facts (The United State’s Declaration of Independence was written on paper traced back to this village!) and a firm warning that if we were not back at the bus on time, they would leave. And they weren’t joking, either. They say they leave people everyday.

Book a bed and breakfast or an Airbnb for the night or head 23 kilometers east to your next stop – Volendam.

Busses leave from Zaanse Schans for $6 USD

Volendam is best known for three things: cheese, fish and pop music. I can direct you to the first and most important of these.

The Cheese Factory is worth a stop but the 8 minute demonstration is not. Instead, sample all the cheeses, purchase your favorite and then walk over to Woltje’s Backerij for desert. Head downstairs for a more worthy demonstration and brief history of stroopwafels. Upstairs get a hot and fresh caramel-filled piece of heaven for 2 Euro. It’s totally worth it.

• The  bus tour will drop you first at the Volendam museum which is mostly mannequins in authentic costumes. Skip it, especially if time is tight. Then cheese and stroopwafels with quick lunch break and a stop at Foto de Boer a portrait studio with traditional outfits. Lastly, there’s another firm warning that the ferry will leave without you.

Luckily, you’re not on this bus tour and you have time to walk through this adorable town. There is plenty of shopping and most of the touristy Dutch souvenirs are cheaper than in Amsterdam.

After a lunch of fish with a scenic lake view, walk to the Volendam Marken Express Ferry, which leaves every 45 minutes for Marken – our next stop.

Volendam to Marken by ferry $10 USD

Wooden houses, wooden shoes … you wouldn’t want to miss this place. It’s the least tourist-filled tourist town on this trip. Marken is quiet and slow, the perfect last stop to sit and have a beer overlooking the Harbor.

• –  Unless you’re on the tour bus, in which case you’ll race through town on foot to the Wooden Shoe Factory, watch a really cool machine carve out a wooden shoe in minutes, try on or buy a pair and hurry back to your tour bus because it’s time to go home.

But you heeded my advice and skipped the tour, so have a stroll through the winding roads and admire all the well-kept gardens. Plan ahead if you want to spend the night — the small town has limited choices — or head back to the big city. Busses back to Amsterdam cost just $7 USD.

Congratulations! You saved money, not time. I took the shitty bus tour so you don’t have to. Oh, one last dig at the tour package: the free canal tour in Amsterdam? Skip it! The Lovers tour is jam packed and you listen to a recording through a headset in your language of choice. Instead, try a smaller tour company. We loved Those Dam Boat Guys . You’ll never have more than 10 people on your trip, and you have a say in where you go, plenty of opportunities to ask questions and they actually encourage you to bring alcohol or your smoke of choice.

Lovers Canal Cruise is $15 USD 1hr

Those Dam Boat Guys $30 USD 90+ min

Still got the travel bug? Check out our tips for Bali list.

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10 thoughts on “i took this shitty bus trip so you don’t have to: how to tour zaanse schans, volendam and marken on your own”.

This is amazing, I was about to book a bus. Thank you!

How did it go? Were you able to do it on your own? I’d love to hear! ~Maloney

I love this! Thank you for being so candid. It’s actually very helpful.

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, I’m super happy it was helpful! ~M

Very Good info on this Tour…Thank You

I was a bit sceptical of the bus tour and was looking for diy options so that I can explore the area at a leisure pace. Your blog is a great starting point. Would love if your could share some route/directions for commuting. Thanks 🙂

I am going to attempt this DIY trip in two weeks time. Wish me luck! I much prefer having my own time to wander around pretty little towns than a rushed itinerary filled with demonstrations that I am not necessarily interested in.

Hi. Which bus did you take from Zaanse Schans to Volendam? Thank you in advance.

We took the tour and it was way back pre covid so buses may have changed but I would still recommend taking public transport rather than the tour. Good luck!

Thanks Maloney for a great post. We did this by public transport last Wednesday (May 3). Train to Zaanse Schans from Ams Centraal – very quick and easy. Back to Centraal and took bus 316 from the rear of the station (buy tickets at the station) to Volendam – nice walk from bus stop to the harbour via the marina that took around 20 minutes. Didn’t take the ferry to Marken as it was cold and windy, but we could have done the whole trip easily in a day starting around 10am. Got back to Centraal on the bus around 6.30. Saw all the coach parties being shunted around – they looked a bit bewildered and didn’t get the chance like us of sitting in the sun out of the wind having tea and cake!

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Your Guide to Visiting Zaanse Schans, a Short and Sweet Day Trip from Amsterdam

The Netherlands are known around the world for (mainly) two things: tulips and windmills! Since I already covered everything you need to know about visiting Keukenhof Gardens , the most renowned tulip garden in the world, it’s time I share my tips for visiting the best place to see the Dutch people’s signature architecture. Discover the best way to visit Zaanse Schans in this guide!

Zaanse Schans is a residential area/park just north of Amsterdam. It is not only a fantastic place to see windmills, but a fun and educational experience to learning about Dutch history and way of life in centuries past.

Even if you only have a weekend in Amsterdam , you can squeeze this quick and easy day trip!

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

How to reach Zaanse Schans

First things first – how can you get to Zaanse Schans? If you are coming from Amsterdam, you have several options.

The first option is to arrive by car. There is a paid parking lot right in front of the park, but if you arrive towards sunset after it is no longer officially open, you don’t have to pay for the parking.

It is an 18-minute drive from the center of Amsterdam, completely along main roads.

By public transportation

You can take the Sprinter 4060 bus toward Uitgeest from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, which is about a 20 minute walk from the park. The bus ride is 30 minutes long.

If you are already in the surrounding area, there are a number of public boats and boat tours you can hop on to reach the park.

By organized tour

Getting to Zaanse Schans isn’t overwhelming by car or public transport, so to save money, I suggest you use one of those options.

But if you are looking to enrich your day trip with more activities or simply prefer someone else handling the transportation for you, then opt for an organized tour.

What to See in Zaanse Schans

Enter the historic dutch windmills.

The main attraction are the Zaanse Schans windmills.

Some mills date back to the 1600s, and what makes them all special is that they each have different histories and use cases. One makes paint, one houses spices, one is a saw mill and more!

One thing to keep in mind is that not every mill is open every day or during all seasons. If there is something particular you want to see, check the website for updated opening times .

You can buy your tickets to enter the mills online or at the mill entrance.

Walk along the windmills and nature park trail

Right beside the trail that leads you down the path of the windmills is an expansive stretch of land that looks like a nature park.

The atmosphere is so tranquil, and you can spot wildlife! I saw birds and rabbits, but I believe there are other small fluffy creatures that also roam the area.

If you have a bike or rent one, it is also the perfect scenic route for a bike ride.

Get up-close to sweet farm animals

One thing I wasn’t expecting about Zaanse Schans but absolutely loved were the farm animals that roam around the village!

I saw the fluffiest sheep just munching away at the grass only a few feet from me, completely out in the open.

Explore the replica of an 18 th century Dutch village

There are so many things to do at Zaanse Schans beyond the windmills. The replica village comes alive with mini museums, workshops and boutiques. There are also several restaurants serving traditional Dutch cuisine.

Tips for Visiting Zaanse Schans

Go at early morning or towards sunset

It’s always better to visit attractions with fewer crowds, right? I visited the park at sunset, which was actually after the park’s opening hours. The area was still open to enter and people were visiting, but many of the shops were closed.

This was actually a perfect time to visit if you want a tranquil experience with nearly no people and a gorgeous landscape of the windmills at sunset.

If instead you are all about the attractions (which I actually didn’t know much about before visiting), then try to arrive at opening hours before the midday peak.

Don’t skip the Zaans Museum

I wish the museum were open when I visited, but unfortunately, I arrived after closing time, so I didn’t get to experience it firsthand.

However, this main museum is all about food coming to life in various ways! Besides the Zaans Museum, there are also other experiences like the Albert Heign Museum, bakery museum and more!

Don’t disturb the wildlife of the Zaan region

The Zaanse Schans is right next to what looks like a sort of nature preserve and along the Zaan River. We saw lots of birds and rabbits that get pretty close to you.

Another animal we saw a lot of? Cats. To ensure nothing bad happens to you or the animals, it is best to just avoid interaction.

Get the Zaanse Schans card for access to all activities

The Zaanse Schans park is free to visit, but if you are interested in doing more than just walking around and actually engaging in all the activities it has to offer, then consider purchasing the Zaanse Schans card .

I think this option is great for families, since many of the activities are designed to keep kids engaged. If you have short time, then it may be better to just visit the park for free and pay for one or two activities as you go.

But, at least you know that there is this option for enjoying the Zaanse Schans.

The SGTD Take

I believe Zaanse Schans is totally worth a visit if you are in Amsterdam and would like an extra interesting thing to do. Not only are the windmills beautiful, but it is really special to be immersed in Dutch history and culture.

A visit shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours. In fact, if you are just interested in seeing the windmills, you could probably walk by all of them in less than an hour. In this way, it becomes a day trip adaptable to any itinerary and one I don’t think you should miss!

Save these travel tips to Pinterest!

Have any questions about visiting Zaanse Schans ? Let me know in a comment!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

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Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans & Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Combine three typical dutch tours.

• One-hour sightseeing tour on the canals
• Historic windmill village in Holland
• Ticket to the world’s largest flower park

About this tour

Dutch flowers, an authentic windmill village and Amsterdam seen from the water all in one package. Book your tickets in advance.

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THE KEUKENHOF HAS ENDED. BACK IN MARCH 2025.

Nature’s most beautiful creations, a visit to the authentic windmill village Zaanse Schans and Amsterdam from the water. You may start to wonder if all these ‘peaks’ even fit in one tour...

It doesn’t get more Dutch than this package deal. Your tour starts with a ride through the scenic area where our famous flowers are cultivated. The first stop will be at the Keukenhof, there’s no place in the world where you find any more Dutch flowers in one garden. A tour guide will tell all about it.

The Keukenhof is open for a limited period only. The Keukenhof opens on March 2025.

Zaanse Schans

Up next is the typical Dutch windmill village Zaanse Schans, where you get thrown back to the time of wooden shoes, windmills, wooden houses and get acquinted with the traditional Dutch cheese making process. All accompanied by a professional and experienced guide.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

You will end this tour with the Amsterdam Canal Cruise where you can enjoy the Amsterdam canals from the water and see the capital from a unique perspective.

Can I bring my dog?

In principle, dogs are not allowed.

Is there a toilet on the bus?

Yes, there is a toilet on the bus.

Does the tour proceed in case of bad weather?

We run this tour no matter the weather.

Is this tour available year-round?

Yes, this tour is available all year round

Can I cancel after booking?

Yes, this is possible if you cancel more than 24 hours before departure

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© 2024 Stromma Nederland B.V. | Keizersgracht 270, 1016 EV Amsterdam | Stromma Nederland is part of Stromma Group

Half Day Bus Tour to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken and Edam Village

This Dutch Countryside and Windmills Tour will take you from Amsterdam to the villages of Zaanse Schans, Volendam and to the former island of Marken; the order of tour can change.

The peaceful villages of Zaanse Schans, Marken and Volendam are only a short drive from the city centre. There you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the area and immerse yourself in the old way of life as you admire the colourful Dutch windmills.

When you get outside the Dutch capital you enter a different world, with most of the small towns surrounding the city appearing like open-air museums. A visit to Zaanse Schans means you can get your fill of historical windmills. Over ten windmills line the banks of the Zaan river and the area around them is free for you to wonder around in as it really is an open-air museum. You can enter some of the windmills at a small extra charge. Zaanse Schans is one of the best places to see windmills in Holland.

Volendam is a typical Dutch fishing village and taking a walk along De Dijk and through the harbour area will not disappoint. Here you will visit the Cheese Factory to learn more about how the Dutch make cheese and have a little taste as well. Another stop along the tour is Woltjes Backerij, where you will step back in time to the 19th century to see how people lived then and how they made stroopwafels. If you are staying in town for lunch, we recommend the freshly caught fish.

The third location visited on the tour is the village of Marken, a former island in the Markermeer, now a peninsula. You'll travel between Marken and Volendam by boat, with a scenic, 30 minutes trip across the IJsselmeer. Enjoy the view as you sail past the towns of Monnickendam and Katwoude.

When you walk among the houses on Marken, be careful to stay on the road because before you know it you're in someone's garden. A visit to a traditional clog, or wooden shoe, maker completes our tour. Here clogs are still made according to a 100-year-old tradition with steam powered tools. They are surprisingly comfortable as you will be able to try for yourself.

During this tour you will discover a world unlike any other, an experience that is sure to be cherished by adults and kids alike. Take a break from the commotion of the city and unwind as you visit one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets.

The Amsterdam countryside is waiting to welcome and introduce you to a completely other side of the Netherlands compared to its bustling capital city. 

• An up-close look at the windmills of Zaanse Schans
• Including a guided cheese factory tour, Learn how cheese is made at the Cheese Factory Volendam
• Including a guided caramel waffle bakery tour, Taste a truly Dutch cookie at Woltje's stroopwafel bakery
• Including a guided wooden shoes factory tour, See how wooden shoes are made with an antique steam engine
• Including a half hour boat cruise from Volendam to Marken , sail across the IJsselmeer!
• Visit an authentic Marker home from the 1940s
• Visit a windmill still in operation
• The traditional Dutch experience in Volendam & Marken
• Walking tour in Edam Village
• See how cheese, and stroopwafels are made
• Audio guide on the bus with 16 languages and free earphones
• Daily Departure from March 21 to October 22
• Duration: Around 6-7 hours
• Departure from Amsterdam Central Station
• Touring Bus Tour

Instruction of Booking This Tour

• This tour departures every day.
• Please write down your  Travel Date .
• Please write down your correct contact number and email address at the order page. The address is used for your invoice only.
• After your payment, we will send you e-ticket(s) and confirmation guideline by email within few minutes (sometimes it might take longer).  
• Please check your tour date, time and departure address on your e-ticket(s) .
• If your chosen date is not available (Sold out), we will contact you by phone or email for an alternative date. Or we will cancel your order and refund your payment. 

Instruction of Using Tickets

• Present your e-ticket(s) at the meeting point of Amsterdam Central Station, simply show it from your smart phone.
• You don't need to wait in the queue.
• No need to print out the ticket(s).
• Please arrive and check in 15-30 minutes before the tour depature time.
• Please be present on time, touring bus departures on schedule. The bus doesn't wait.

Tour Departure Place: Amsterdam Central Station

Meeting Point Address: IJ-Passage, De Ruijterkade 34a

Tour Depature Time: 12:00 (Daily from March 21 to October 22)

• 12:00 - 12:30 Depature and travel to Zaanse Schans
• 12:30 - 13:30 Zaanse Schans, Visit a windmill
• 13:30 - 14:00 Travel to Volendam
• 14:00 - 15:00 Volendam, cheese factory, stroopwafel bakery
• 15:00 - 15:30 Boat Cruise to Marken
• 15:30 - 16:30 Marken, wooden shoes factory, Marker home
• 16:30 - 17:00 Travel to Edam
• 17:00 - 18:00 Edam Walking Tour
• 18:00 - 18:30 Travel back to Amsterdam

Note: The time schedule might be slightly different depending on real traffic situation on the tour date

• Adult: 13+ years old
• Child: 4-12 years old
• This ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable