Before you go

Your trip to Zaandam.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Zaandam – Holanda Setentrional Destination Around Amsterdã about 24 km from Haarlem

How to get there

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) Haarlemmermeer · 25 km
Station Zaandam 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Amsterdam Centraal, NS trains reach Zaandam station in about 10 to 15 minutes, with frequent departures. For the Zaanse Schans, get off at the next station, Zaandijk Zaanse Schans (formerly Koog-Zaandijk), about 20 minutes from Amsterdã. There are also direct buses from Amsterdam Centraal to the Zaanse Schans.

How many days

One day is enough: the morning at the Zaanse Schans, visiting one or two windmills and the Zaans Museum, and the afternoon in Zaandam centre, with the Czaar Peterhuisje. It can be done as a round trip from Amsterdã or from Haarlem.

When to go

From April to September the days are longer and more workshops and windmills welcome visitors. The Zaanse Schans receives millions of visitors each year; on weekends and in July and August, arrive early. In winter, from December to February, windmills may have reduced hours; check before you go.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The train links Amsterdã to Zaandam and the Zaanse Schans in a few minutes, and the Zaanse Schans car park often fills up. Between Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station and the windmills, the walk crosses the bridge over the Zaan.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Zaandam

Morning
Windmills of the Zaanse Schans
Take the train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans and cross the bridge over the Zaan. Arrive early to walk among the green wooden houses and visit one of the mills open to the public, such as the paint mill De Kat.
Afternoon
Zaans Museum and workshops
Visit the Zaans Museum, with the Verkade Experience and its biscuit and chocolate machines, and stop by the clog, cheese and tin workshops.
Late afternoon
Czaar Peterhuisje
Take the train back one stop to Zaandam and walk to the Krimp to see the wooden house where Czar Peter the Great stayed in 1697. Check the closing time.
Evening
Dinner in Zaandam or return to Amsterdã
Dine at the restaurants around the Gedempte Gracht and the Dam de Zaandam, or catch the train back: Amsterdã is just a few minutes away.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is the Zaanse Schans in Zaandam?

Yes. The Zaanse Schans is a neighbourhood of Zaandam, in the municipality of Zaanstad, on the east bank of the river Zaan. The nearest station is Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, on the other side of the river.

Which train station should I use?

For the Zaanse Schans, use Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, formerly called Koog-Zaandijk. For Zaandam centre and the Czaar Peterhuisje, use Zaandam station. Both are on the same line departing from Amsterdã.

Can you combine Zaandam and Volendam in the same day?

It is possible, but it will be rushed, because there is no train between the two places and the route goes via Amsterdã. The most comfortable option is one day for each.

Will the windmills be turning?

The windmills at the Zaanse Schans are working mills and turn when there is wind and operation, without guaranteed times. Even when stopped, some can be visited inside.

Back to Zaandam