Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Day Trip: Small Boat, Cheese & Clogs

Summary

Canal village boat ride, windmills, cheese tasting and clog making

You’ll walk through Zaanse Schans with its old windmills and try on wooden clogs before sampling Dutch cheeses straight from the source. Then drift through Giethoorn’s canals by small electric boat—sometimes steering yourself—with a local guide sharing stories all along the way. It’s a day full of simple surprises and quiet moments you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the quiet to hit so suddenly after we left Amsterdam. One minute it’s city noise out the van window, next it’s just green fields and those old windmills at Zaanse Schans—painted that deep green you see in postcards but somehow less perfect in real life. Our guide, Jeroen, waved us over to the clog workshop first. He joked about how even Dutch kids trip over their first pair (I nearly did too). The smell of sawdust mixed with something sweet—maybe waffles from the stall next door? Anyway, I still have a photo of my friend grinning in those wooden shoes.

The cheese place was packed but not rushed. A woman in this blue-and-white dress handed out slices—one tasted like nutmeg and another I can’t even name. She told us about the cows behind the farm and how they’re picky eaters (who knew?). After that we wandered along the river for a bit. The wind off the water was sharp but not cold enough to need gloves. There’s something about watching those big sails turn that makes you feel small—in a good way.

The drive to Giethoorn felt long but not boring. Jeroen pointed out IJsselmeer—the huge lake—and told us stories about dikes and floods; I half-listened while watching clouds roll over flat fields. Giethoorn itself is almost too pretty: no cars, just these tiny canals and arched bridges everywhere. We squeezed into a little electric boat (nine of us plus Jeroen), and he let me steer for a bit—honestly, I thought I’d crash into a duck or someone’s garden but he just laughed and said “that’s part of learning.” The water was glassy except for our wake and you could hear ducks flapping around under the willow trees. I still think about that hour on the canal sometimes—it felt like time slowed down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn

• Visit Zaanse Schans windmills and houses
• Attend wooden shoes factory demonstration
• Try fitting wooden shoes
• Attend cheese-making demonstration and tasting
• Free time for shopping Dutch delights
• Travel towards Giethoorn with guide commentary
• Take 1-hour small electric boat ride in Giethoorn
• Drive boat yourself to explore canals
• See thatch-roof cottages and wooden bridges

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans day trip?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at a central location in Amsterdam.

How many people are on the small boat in Giethoorn?

The electric boat fits up to 9 people plus your guide.

Can I drive the boat myself during the Giethoorn canal ride?

Yes, you can take turns steering under supervision—it’s part of the experience.

Are cheese tastings included at Zaanse Schans?

Yes, free cheese tasting is included after a demonstration at the factory.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; there’s time to buy snacks or food during stops.

How long do we spend at Zaanse Schans?

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring windmills, clogs workshop, and cheese factory.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old; car seats must be provided by travelers for kids under 12.

Does this tour include entry fees for attractions?

Yes, all entry fees for guided activities (clog workshop, cheese demo) are included.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by coach or van from Amsterdam to both Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn, guided tours at each stop with hands-on demonstrations at both the clog workshop and cheese factory (plus tastings), entry fees covered throughout, and an hour-long ride on a small electric boat in Giethoorn where you can even try steering yourself before heading back in the evening.