View from Around the World: Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

A Step Back in Time: My Magical Day at Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

There are places in the world that feel like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale, and for me, Zaanse Schans is one of them. Nestled just a short train ride from Amsterdam, this charming Dutch village is a step back in time, a place where windmills still turn, clogs are carved by hand, and the air is rich with the scent of freshly made stroopwafels.

I started my day in Amsterdam, grabbing a quick coffee before hopping on the train to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans Station. The journey took just about 20 minutes, and as I stepped off the train, I was immediately greeted by the sight of traditional windmills standing proudly against the Dutch sky. A short 10-minute walk over the bridge, past the gently flowing Zaan River, led me into what felt like an open-air museum frozen in time.

Walking into Zaanse Schans is like stepping into a painting. The wooden houses, painted in rich shades of green, with charming white trim, exude an old-world charm that instantly captivated me. The atmosphere was serene, with the gentle hum of the wind and the rhythmic creaking of the windmills adding to the authenticity of the experience.

One of the first things I did was explore the working windmills, each with its own fascinating history and function. These windmills, some dating back to the 17th century, were once the driving force of Dutch industry, used for everything from grinding spices to sawing wood. I visited De Kat, a windmill still producing vibrant pigments for paint and was mesmerized by the intricate mechanics that have kept it running for centuries. Climbing up to the viewing deck, I was rewarded with a panoramic view of the picturesque landscape—green fields stretching endlessly under a bright blue sky, the wind whispering through the reeds along the riverbanks.

Clogs, Cheese & Chocolate

Zaanse Schans is not just about windmills—it’s a place where Dutch traditions are alive and well. I wandered into a clog-making workshop, where a craftsman demonstrated the old-fashioned way of carving wooden shoes. The speed and precision with which he transformed a simple block of wood into a perfectly shaped clog was nothing short of impressive.

Next, I indulged in a cheese-tasting session at Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm, where I sampled an array of Gouda, Edam, and Beemster cheeses—each bite creamier and richer than the last. The best part? You can take home your favourites!

Of course, no trip to Zaanse Schans would be complete without some Dutch sweets. I stumbled upon a stroopwafel stand, where the warm caramel-filled waffle treat melted in my mouth. For chocolate lovers, there’s also the Zaans Gedaan CacaoLab, where you can learn about the region’s chocolate-making history and even create your own cocoa blend.

After hours of exploring, I took a quiet walk along the river, watching the windmills turn slowly in the afternoon breeze. The sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

Zaanse Schans is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a living, breathing tribute to Dutch heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone looking to escape the city for a day, this charming village offers an unforgettable experience. As I boarded my train back to Amsterdam, my heart felt full, my camera roll was packed with stunning photos, and my bag was heavy with cheese and chocolates—a perfect souvenir from a perfect day.

If you’re visiting the Netherlands, don’t miss Zaanse Schans. It’s a place where history, nature, and culture come together in the most magical way.