Zaanse Schans
distance ± 25 kilometer
The Zaanse Schans is one of the top tourist locations in the Netherlands. It is a unique residential and working area with museums, mills, shops, old crafts, restaurants, an information centre and a boat tour service. This area gives an excellent impression of the Zaan region in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Between the traditional wooden houses, warehouses and windmills, one gets the feeling of being back in times long gone at the Zaanse Schans.
The various windmills
From a distance you can see the wings turning slowly with vast meadows in the background. A serene image, but hard work is done in the mill. The creaking, toiling wood and all the moving parts in the belly of the building form an impressive spectacle in which wood is sawn or oil, flour, spices and dyes are ground. Climb the exciting, narrow stairs to the mill deck for a beautiful view and see how the industry has developed in the wide area.
Dive into history
We can talk about the history of the Zaanse Schans for hours, but the stories only really come to life when you see, hear, taste and move them in one of the museums on the Zaanse Schans. Learn how raw materials are processed, how products are made and how they used to be transported. Operate the machine to wrap chocolate yourself or immerse yourself in the world of watchmaking at the Museum Zaanse Tijd. Do you visit multiple museums? Then you can save a lot with the Zaanse Schans Card. The card can be purchased at the information centre in the Zaans Museum, the Wevershuis and at the Museum Zaanse Tijd.
Crafts
The characteristic clatter of wooden clogs on cobblestones would never have existed without the artisans who crafted this unusual footwear. The Old Dutch handicrafts have also brought us the typical Dutch cheeses and the Delft Blue decorative style. You’ll encounter various different artisans as you stroll through the Zaanse Schans. Feel free to look over their shoulders; they’ll be happy to show you where their particular products come from. There’s a great range of products available in the craft shops, for a wonderful souvenir of our special past.
Walking
On foot, you see so much more. Move almost silently through the landscape and become one with this area of pure Holland. There is a wide variety of walking routes throughout the Zaanse Schans. You can decide for yourself how far you wish to walk and where your walk will take you.
Cycling
The Netherlands is practically made for cyclists. There are endless asphalt cycle paths and very few hills, making the bike the ultimate way to discover the region. Want to see more than the Zaanse Schans? If so, there is a variety of cycling routes in the surrounding area. These routes allow you to choose exactly how long your journey will be.
Boat tour
See the Zaanse Schans from a completely new perspective by exploring it from the water. We try to keep the water of the river Zaan free from cruise boats and other vessels. The waterside is part of the protected view of the Zaanse Schans and we would like to keep it that way. Therefore there is a limited opportunity to view the Zaanse Schans from the waterside.
Shopping
Take a piece of the Zaanse Schans back home with you!
There is so much to see, do and admire in the Zaanse Schans. The artisan clog makers, the De Kat Paint Mill where the miller spends his days making paint and pigment, and the tinworks where everything is crafted by hand. Would you like to take a piece of the Zaanse Schans home with you? No problem! You can buy beautiful souvenirs from a wide variety of outlets. In addition to the windmills and workshops that sell items directly, you can also find a number of shops in the Zaanse Schans.
More information about opening hours, tickets and attractions::
www.dezaanseschans.nl
Close to the cozy center & beach
Would you like to enjoy the sun and the peace and quiet?
Would you like to enjoy the sea and the peace for a few days? Then inquire about the possibilities of a wonderful holiday in cottage de Duinroos in Egmond aan Zee. It is suitable for 3 adults or a family with 1 child from 4 years.
