Nestled in the heart of the Zaanstreek region, Zaanse Schans is a true Dutch postcard. This museum village, located just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, offers a journey back in time with its windmills, 17th-century wooden houses, and picturesque atmosphere.
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Description
Created between 1961 and 1974 to preserve regional heritage, Zaanse Schans brings together historic buildings that have been relocated and restored to recreate a typical village of yesteryear. Visitors can explore a clog-making workshop (Klompenmakerij), a cheese factory (Kaasmakerij), and several iconic mills such as De Zoeker (oil mill), De Kat (pigment mill), and De Poelenburg (sawmill).
The Zaans Museum tells the story of this once-industrial region, while local shops and restaurants keep artisanal traditions alive. With walking and cycling trails, cultural immersion, and bucolic landscapes, Zaanse Schans is a must-see for anyone who wants to discover the soul of the Netherlands.