Zaanse Schans
Experience Zaanse heritage at an iconic location in the Netherlands
Come visit a famous open-access heritage site in the Netherlands. Experience the Zaanse Schans and walk past its windmills, green wooden houses, handicraft shops and industries, which for centuries have been the hub of world trade.
Discover the Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is a residential area in which the 18th and 19th centuries are brought to life. Despite the fact that visitors from all over the world visit this neighbourhood every day, it is good to know that people still live here. Keep this in mind during your visit. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh cookies, or take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made.
You should be sure not to miss the mills, museums, cheese factory and pewter foundry. The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of monumental houses, mills, barns and workshops where people practise traditional crafts. Make a bike or boat ride, browse the shops and eat Dutch pancakes at the pancake restaurant. A day out at the Zaanse Schans in North Holland is fun and educational.
Interactive map
Travel back through time and learn about the history of the Zaanse Schans. Explore and learn about the Zaanse Schans with the interactive map.
- See all locations; museums, mills, workshops where people practise traditional crafts, shops and restaurants
- Learn about the history of the Zaanse Schans and its unique locations
- Explore and plan your route using the interactive map
Discover the heyday of Western Europe's first industrial area.
History
Rather than just reading about the heritage of the Zaan region in history books, you should experience it for yourself! That is what architect Jaap Schipper must have thought when he came up with the plan for the Zaanse Schans in 1946. From 1961, several properties were transported to the area, by road and by water. Along with its mills, museums, nature and culture, the Zaanse Schans has become a wonderful attraction where you can experience the industrial history of the Netherlands up close.
Rules & regulations
To make every visitor’s stay at Zaanse Schans as pleasant as possible, there are certain house rules everyone must follow. Check out the rules & regulations for a pleasant visit to the Zaanse Schans.
That way, you can enjoy all the sights and activities to the full.
