Zaanse Schans is a well-known open-air conservation area and museum, famous for its windmills, traditional architecture, pewter factory, a cheese and dairy farm and an age-old grocery store dating back to the 1900’s.
One of the main draws to Zaanse Schans is its collection of windmills, which are still in use today. Visitors can tour the inside of the windmills and see how they were used for everything from grinding grain to sawing wood. The neighborhood also features a museum focused on the history of chocolate and cocoa, as well as a cheese-making facility where visitors can watch artisans craft traditional Dutch cheeses.
In addition to these attractions, Zaanse Schans also features a number of shops and restaurants, selling everything from handicrafts and souvenirs to traditional Dutch snacks and meals. The area is easily accessible by train or bus from Amsterdam and is a popular day trip destination for tourists looking to experience traditional Dutch culture.
We visit Zaanse Schans during our spring cruises in Holland aboard hotel barge Panache. See the full itinerary here.
The world famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland is renowned for its spring displays of over 7 million colourful tulips and flowering bulbs. Read More
English
Spanish
French
German
Norwegian
Portuguese
Swedish
Italian
Russian
Simplified Chinese
Japanese