Zaanse Schans, Historic village and open-air museum in Zaandam, Netherlands.
The Zaanse Schans settlement spans a collection of relocated wooden buildings, functioning windmills, and traditional workshops along the Zaan River banks.
The establishment of Zaanse Schans began in 1961 when historic structures from the Zaanstreek region were transported to preserve Dutch industrial heritage.
The settlement maintains traditional Dutch craftsmanship through active demonstrations of wooden shoe making, cheese production, and windmill operations.
Visitors can reach Zaanse Schans by taking an 18-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans railway station.
Two windmills at Zaanse Schans remain in their original construction locations, while others were brought from different parts of the region.
Location: Zaanstad
Inception: 1961
Official opening: September 12, 1961
Opening Hours: 24/7
Website: http://zaanseschans.nl
GPS coordinates: 52.47389,4.81639
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:14
The windmills from Kinderdijk in the Netherlands to Cape Cod demonstrate technical innovation and cultural heritage. These structures served for grain milling, drainage, and industrial production. Each mill documents the local history and technical development of its region. The collection includes 18th century mills like the Sanssouci Mill in Potsdam and modern specimens like the Murphy Mill in San Francisco.
Zaans Museum
408 m
De Kat
155 m
De Huisman
93 m
Het Jonge Schaap
248 m
De Zoeker
229 m
De Bonte Hen
488 m
Het Klaverblad
449 m
De Os
332 m
De Gekroonde Poelenburg
75 m
Kalverringdijk 5, Zaandam
229 m
In de Gecroonde Duyvekater
120 m
Zaandam Time Museum
241 m
Klompenmakerij Zaanse Schans
323 m
De Hadel
182 m
Kaatmolen
477 m
De Windhond
244 m
Het Zwarte Kalf
374 m
Museum Zaanse Tijd
238 m
Lagedijk 39, Zaandijk
177 m
Honig Breethuis
250 m
Zonnewijzerspad 8, Zaandam
196 m
Kalverringdijk 11, Zaandam
200 m
Lagedijk 80, Zaandijk
216 m
Lagedijk 106, Zaandijk
138 m
Lagedijk 110, Zaandijk
127 m
Lagedijk 70, Zaandijk
252 m
Lagedijk 66, Zaandijk
248 m
Zonnewijzerspad 7, Zaandam
196 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes