Exploring the Wonders of Zaanse Schans: A Full Guide

Introduction

Zaanse Schans is a small village in the Netherlands, located in the municipality of Zaanstad in the province of North Holland. It is a popular tourist spot, known for its traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and green fields. This charming village is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and is a great place to explore the Dutch culture and history. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a look at the wonders of Zaanse Schans and what makes this small village so special.

History of Zaanse Schans

The history of Zaanse Schans goes back to the 16th century, when the Zaan district was home to a large number of windmills. In the 18th century, the windmills were used for a variety of industrial purposes, and the area became a major industrial hub. In the 19th century, the area started to decline and the windmills slowly started to fall into disrepair. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the area was restored and transformed into the tourist destination it is today.

What to See and Do

Zaanse Schans is home to a variety of attractions, from its historic windmills to its quaint wooden houses. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• The Zaanse Schans Windmills – The windmills of Zaanse Schans are some of the most iconic sights in the Netherlands. Visitors can take a guided tour of the windmills and learn more about their history and the traditional Dutch way of life.
• The Wooden Houses – The wooden houses of Zaanse Schans are some of the most photographed in the Netherlands. These traditional houses are a must-see for any visitor.
• The Cheese Farm – The Zaanse Schans cheese farm is a popular attraction, where visitors can learn about the traditional Dutch cheese-making process.
• The Windmill Museum – The Windmill Museum is home to a large collection of windmills, from traditional Dutch windmills to modern wind turbines. Visitors can learn more about the history of windmills and their importance in the Netherlands.
• The Zaanse Schans Nature Reserve – The Zaanse Schans Nature Reserve is a protected area of natural beauty, with a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
• The Zaanse Schans Market – The Zaanse Schans market is the perfect place to pick up some traditional Dutch souvenirs, from handmade wooden clogs to authentic cheese.

Where to Stay

Zaanse Schans is a great place to stay for a few days or even longer. There are a variety of accommodation options available, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the most popular places to stay include:

• Hotel Zaanse Schans – This hotel is located in the heart of the village and offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites.
• Camping Zaanse Schans – This campsite is located just outside the village and is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly stay.
• B&B Zaanse Schans – This bed and breakfast is a great option for those looking for a cozy stay in a traditional Dutch setting.
• Hotel Schans – This luxury resort is located in the heart of the village and offers a range of exclusive amenities and facilities.

Where to Eat

There are a variety of restaurants and cafes in Zaanse Schans, offering a range of international and traditional Dutch cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants include:

• De Kaasboerin – This traditional Dutch restaurant serves a range of delicious cheese specialties, from fondue to Dutch cheese cake.
• De Boterwaag – This restaurant serves a range of traditional Dutch dishes, from stamppot to herring.
• Pannenkoekenhuis – This pancake house is a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
• Het Koekenpannetje – This cafe is known for its delicious Dutch pancakes and waffles.
• De Stadskantine – This restaurant offers a range of international dishes, from Italian pasta to Mexican tacos.

Events and Festivals

Zaanse Schans is home to a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include:

• Zaanse Schans Windmill Festival – This annual festival takes place in May and is a great way to experience the traditional Dutch culture.
• Zaanse Cheese Market – This annual event takes place in September and is a great way to sample the local Dutch cheeses.
• Zaanse Schans Christmas Market – This event takes place in December and is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
• Zaanse Schans Music Festival – This annual music festival takes place in June and is a great way to experience the best of Dutch music.
• Zaanse Schans Food Festival – This annual food festival takes place in August and is a great way to sample a variety of traditional Dutch dishes.

Shopping

Zaanse Schans is a great place to pick up some traditional Dutch souvenirs. Some of the most popular shops include:

• De Kaasboerin – This shop sells a variety of traditional Dutch cheeses, from Gouda to Edam.
• De Clog Maker – This shop sells a variety of traditional wooden clogs, from traditional Dutch clogs to modern designs.
• De Zaanse Schans Market – This market is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs, from Dutch trinkets to traditional Dutch foods.
• De Koffie Pot – This shop sells a variety of traditional Dutch coffee and tea, from Dutch koffie verkeerd to Dutch hot chocolate.
• De Stroopwafel Maker – This shop sells a variety of traditional Dutch stroopwafels, from classic stroopwafels to modern variations.

Transportation

Zaanse Schans is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Zaandam, which is a 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. There are also regular bus and tram services to the village.

Weather

Zaanse Schans has a mild maritime climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 20°C, while in the winter months it is around 5°C.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Zaanse Schans is in the summer months, from May to September. This is when the village is at its busiest and most vibrant, with plenty of events and festivals taking place.

Conclusion

Zaanse Schans is a charming village in the Netherlands, known for its iconic windmills, quaint wooden houses, and traditional Dutch culture. From exploring the windmills and wooden houses to sampling the local cuisine and picking up some souvenirs, Zaanse Schans is the perfect place to explore the Dutch culture and history. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a fun-filled holiday, Zaanse Schans is the perfect destination for you.