Beyond Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans: the back story
The back story
About Zaanse Schans: the back story
The Zaanse Schans, on the river Zaan north of Amsterdam, gathers windmills, green wooden houses, museums and craft workshops from the Zaan region.
Getting there
By train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then a walk across the river.
What to see
The windmills, the museums and the craft workshops; see the official website for opening times and tickets.
Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans; check ns.nl.
Our advice: arrive early or late in the day, when the coach groups have gone.
Why it's on our list
- Getting there
- What to see
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Zaanse Schans: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Zaanse Schans: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 14 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- A’DAM Lookout12 kmCar or taxi 44 min
- Anne Frank House12 kmCar or taxi 45 min
- The Dam12 kmCar or taxi 46 min
- The Begijnhof13 kmCar or taxi 47 min
- Rijksmuseum14 kmCar or taxi 50 min
- Van Gogh Museum14 kmCar or taxi 51 min
- Concertgebouw14 kmCar or taxi 51 min
- Schiphol Airport17 kmCar or taxi 63 min
Main railway stations
- Amsterdam Centraal12 kmCar or taxi 45 min
- Amsterdam Zuid16 kmCar or taxi 57 min
- Amsterdam Amstel16 kmCar or taxi 58 min