Visit the mills of Zaanse Schans: full guide

If the Pays des Tulipes bears his name well, he would also deserve to be surnamed Pays des Moulins. Come and visit the mills of Zaanse Schans, and explore their territorial history.

Located by the canals and lakes typical of Netherlands , the mills of Zaanse Schans illuminate the landscape. Apart from the traditional colourful wood houses, the windmills impose their prestance.

If you want to discover an authentic part during your stay in the Netherlands, then you should not miss visiting the mills of Zaanse Schans.

Through the museums retracing the history of the mills and the region or the streets of the residential area of the village, go to the encounter of a culture and traditions preserved by inhabitants who are at the heart of making them discover.

The mills of Zaanse Schans in a few words

It should be noted that Zaanse Schans is first a village in the Zaanstreek region. Before being symbolized by the many mills, this village was built to defend the lands of the Spanish invaders.

It was in the 16th century. Today, the mills of Zaanse Schans have become real tourist attractions. In the middle of the 20th century, they were dismantled and restored with the aim of making them accessible to the public.

Visiting the mills of Zaanse Schans will allow you to discover the region in one of its most beautiful aspects. In the morning mist or in the razing light of the sunset, the mills pass the horizon next to the typical wood houses of the region.

We promise breathtaking landscapes. In addition, you can visit the mills from the inside. Thus, discover the sawmill, the oil factory or the cheese factory still in operation!

1. On foot

The discovery of the Zaanse Schans mills is a lot on foot. At the same time, land management is ready. Along the canals and small lakes, explore the paths that lead you from mill to mill.

In addition to exploring the natural beauty of Dutch landscapes, you can visit the places at your own pace. This will be to discover the museums open to the public and the various mills-workshops.

Zaans Museum

Also, on site, do not miss the Zaans Museum, at the entrance of the site. It offers temporary exhibitions and fixed collections that retrace the history of the Zaanse Schans mills. It was inaugurated to preserve local culture.

Practical information:

• Visiting the Zaanse Schans mills on foot is actually following the path and entering the mills. The pricing is rather simple, it is done at the entrance of each mill: 4€ for one adult, 2€ children 6 to 12 years and free for under 6 years ;
• Correctly equipped, these mills will allow you to discover them without problems, some being even equipped with explanatory videos;
• On the other hand, if you want to go to a guided tour, you will have to count at least 20 € per person for 1h15 visiting.

2. By bike

Visiting the mills of Zaanse Schans is perhaps the most Dutch way to do so. Remember that the Netherlands is the champions of bike use.

Then it seems logical that bicycles are made available to visitors. The time for a walk is all very pleasant, by the canals, between the wood houses and the old mills, your discovery will be total.

At your own pace, with family or included in a group of travellers, discover the diversity of the mill region. No one needs to be athletic, the Netherlands mostly flat, which offers no difficulty.

Practical information:

• You can choose to take your bike tour with a tour guide (French is usually available). So, your turn lasts until 3 hours and costs 35 € per person, rental included ;
• You may also be equipped with your own bikes, in which case, access to bike paths is free of charge. However, no guide for you, you will be delivered to yourself;
• Note that it is forbidden to enter the narrow streets between the houses. Bike garages are therefore available.

3. By boat

Being located on the edge of the water, the mills visit other than on the farmland. So, give yourself the pleasure of discovering the mills from the water!

Enjoy a unique and unbeatable view of the mills and their surroundings. Some cruises take place accompanied by a tourist guide, otherwise you will have the opportunity to get an audio guide in your language.

Also, there are cruises that offer you the opportunity to make stopovers with each mill and then visit them. It will be up to you to select the tour of your choice.

Practical information:

• For a cruise audioguide and port of call the most popular mill in Zaanse Schans, count 9,95 € per person. Attention, at that price, the cruise on the canal does not last more than 30 minutes.

4. In e-scooter

Discover how to visit the Zaanse Schans mills in an original and ecological way: the electric scooter. On board your oil-free-fed bowl, follow a remarkable route, between the mills, canals and the green meadows that stretch, pastures and private gardens.

Take a look at Dutch nature and culture at your own pace. At the time of renting the electric scooter, you will be given a map allowing you to notice in a noticeable way what to see, where you have to stop and how to go to any place.

The mill area is a real museum: history, culture, traditions and nature blend in for your greatest pleasure!

Practical information

• The activity is accessible from 49€ per person. This includes renting the scooter (from 10am to 6pm), two drinks (before and after), waterproof clothing if necessary, as well as explanation of possible routes and their points of interest;
• Of course, it is mandatory know how to bike and possess a driver's license. People who do not have it, or children, will have to climb to the back of a scooter as a passenger.

5. From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans and other Dutch mills

The proximity of the mills of Zaanse Schans and Amsterdam makes it possible to consider a visit from the capital. Indeed, only 15 minutes separate you by train.

So you can imagine that providers have taken the opportunity to make your discovery easier by offering excursions from Amsterdam. And it’s very practical.

Come and visit the mills of Zaanse Schans without taking care of transportation and discover the charming region in the north, its landscapes, its culture and traditions.

Also note that some excursions supplement the visit by making you discover the other mills. Indeed, the northern region of Amsterdam was at the time very suitable for the construction of the mills (terrain, topology).

Today, many are still standing, perfectly preserved and even in working conditions. Marken, Edam or Volendam are places where you can find them.

Practical information:

• Excursions often take place during the day. Attention, however, lunch and drinks are not always included, so think about taking your snack and what to drink;
• For a complete trip from Amsterdam with a professional local guide and cruises to Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam, count 95 € per person. This type of visits also includes a discovery of Amsterdam from its channels;
• Otherwise, for 44,50 € per person, the half-day time from Amsterdam, discover the Dutch village with a commented cruise;
• Finally, explore the Dutch countryside thanks to the “lot” performance, which allow a slightly more intense tour of the mills;
• For 30,95 € per person, enjoy a tour by bus with guide to Zaanse Schans and a cruise between Volendam and Marken. In summary, it will be to find the formula that suits you.