Amsterdam Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Cheese & Volendam Tour

Summary

Windmills, cheese tasting, and Volendam lunch from Amsterdam

You’ll wander among real Dutch windmills at Zaanse Schans, watch clogs being made by hand, taste more cheeses than you thought existed at Henri Willig farm (with baby cows nearby), and have lunch overlooking Volendam’s harbor. With pickup in Amsterdam and a local guide sharing stories along the way, it’s one of those days you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

You know that moment when you first step out of the car at Zaanse Schans and the air smells like grass and something sweet — maybe waffles? That’s how our day started. Our guide, Pieter, waved us over to the windmills right away. I’d seen photos before but standing there, hearing the creak of the sails and feeling the damp wood under my hand inside the paint windmill (Rembrandt’s paint, apparently!), it just felt… real. There was a group of school kids running around in bright raincoats, shouting in Dutch — I caught maybe one word. “Molen,” which means mill, I think.

We watched a guy named Jan make clogs — he joked about his grandfather doing it slower but better. The smell of sawdust stuck to my jacket for hours after. I tried on a pair (way too big) and Li laughed when I tried to say “klompen” in Dutch — probably butchered it. Then we drove out to Henri Willig farm. Cows everywhere, even a few calves with those soft noses that nudge your hand if you stand still long enough. They showed us this milking robot thing that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie. The cheese tasting was wild — thirty types lined up on wooden boards, some with cumin or truffle or stuff I couldn’t pronounce. I kept going back for the smoked one.

Volendam was next — honestly, I didn’t expect much but ended up loving it. The harbor is busy but not loud; just seagulls and people eating fish by the water. We had lunch at this little place Pieter swore by (he was right about the herring). Afterward we wandered along the dijk, dodging bikes and smelling fresh stroopwafels from a stand nearby. Bought some for later but they didn’t last long.

I still think about that view across the water in Volendam — gray sky, boats bobbing quietly, nothing fancy but somehow perfect for that moment. If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam with windmills and cheese and all those Dutch things you hear about (but with actual locals showing you around), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zaanse Schans Windmills and Villages

• Visit Dutch windmills at Zaanse Schans
• Watch Dutch clog making demonstration
• Explore windmills interiors and photo spots
• Tour Henri Willig farm and cheese tasting
• Visit Volendam fishing village and lunch

Top questions

How long is the Zaanse Schans windmills tour from Amsterdam?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours including all stops.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Amsterdam?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Amsterdam are included.

Can you go inside any of the windmills at Zaanse Schans?

Yes, admission includes entry to one windmill so you can see inside.

Is cheese tasting included on this tour?

Yes, you can taste over 30 varieties of Dutch cheese at Henri Willig farm.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch in Volendam?

The reference mentions fish restaurants; vegetarian options may be available but aren’t specified.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we see how clogs are made?

Yes, there’s a demonstration showing how traditional Dutch clogs are made.

Are souvenirs available during the tour?

You can buy clogs/wooden shoes and cheese as souvenirs during stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in Amsterdam by private vehicle with Wi-Fi and bottled water onboard, entry to Zaanse Schans windmill park (including admission to one windmill), a clog-making demonstration with time to shop for souvenirs, guided visit at Henri Willig farm with unlimited cheese tasting (and shipping options if your suitcase is full), plus time for lunch in Volendam before heading back.