Zaanse Schans: A Windmills, Crafts and History Self-Guided Tour
5.0 / 5 · 3 traveler reviews
Discover the charm of Zaanse Schans on this self-guided 45-minute walking tour through a historic Dutch village of windmills, wooden houses, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Starting at Klaverringdijk, stroll past green-painted homes, cross wooden bridges, and visit working windmills that still produce paint, oil, and timber. Tour highlights include: • De Kat, the world’s only working paint mill • Traditional Zaan architecture with green facades and white trim • A clog workshop showcasing centuries-old shoemaking techniques • Cheesemaking demonstrations with tastings • Museumwinkel Albert Heijn, the first store of the iconic Dutch chain The tour ends at the Museum Zaanse Tijd, home to 17th–18th century Dutch clocks.
Your experience
Stop 1
Stroll by and see how one of the most recognizable symbols of the Dutch countryside is made and remains a proud symbol of Dutch heritage, and a popular souvenir. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Stop 2
Pass by and witness how milk is transformed into more than just a product but a culture. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Stop 3
Walk by and learn about this unique windmill and the only remaining working paint mill in the world. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Stop 4
Sneak a peek as you pass by this reconstruction of a 1680 mill, demonstrating how wind power was harnessed to saw logs into planks. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Stop 5
Pass by and see one of the few remaining working oil mills in the Netherlands where oil is traditionally pressed from seeds – a beautiful example of how wind power was used for industrial production, long before electricity or engines existed. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Stop 6
Stroll past a special piece of Dutch retail history, a faithful reconstruction of the first Albert Heijn store, founded in 1887, which went from humble beginnings in a small neighbourhood to the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
What’s included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Meeting and pickup
This tour begins near nr 1 Klaverringdijk, 1509 BT Zaandam, Netherlands, at the entrance of the Zaanse Schans windmill area. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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