Zaanse Schans: Private day trip with local guide & cheese

Summary

Windmills, wooden shoes & cheese: a real day in Zaanse Schans

You’ll wander among real working windmills in Zaanse Schans, try your hand at clog-making with a local craftsman, and taste Dutch cheeses straight from the source. With your private guide leading the way (and sharing stories you won’t find online), this day trip from Amsterdam feels personal — full of small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried to walk in clogs?” That’s how our guide, Pieter, started the day — grinning as he handed me a pair at the workshop in Zaanse Schans. I wobbled (a lot), and the whole group laughed, even the shoemaker who’d been carving wood since before I was born. The place smelled like fresh sawdust and something sweet drifting from a bakery nearby. It’s funny, I thought this private Zaanse Schans day trip would be all windmills and postcards, but it felt more like visiting someone’s quirky village than ticking off sights.

The train from Amsterdam was quick — maybe 20 minutes? — but stepping out felt like time had slowed down. Ducks waddled past us on the path, and Pieter pointed out which windmill still grinds spices (I could actually smell cinnamon in the air). We ducked inside one of them; it was louder than I expected, all creaks and whirring gears overhead. He told us about families who used to live right above these machines — can’t imagine sleeping through that racket. The keyword “Zaanse Schans private day trip” popped into my head because honestly, being here without crowds made everything feel closer somehow.

We ended up at a little cheese shop where the owner let us taste slices of gouda so creamy it almost melted on my fingers. She explained each one patiently while I tried to pronounce “komijnekaas” (Pieter snorted at my attempt). There was something about standing there with locals chatting away in Dutch that made me forget about checking my phone for once. On the way back to Amsterdam Central Station, Pieter scribbled some food tips on my map — his handwriting is terrible but I still have it tucked in my bag.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zaanse Schans Highlights and Workshop

• Wooden clogs workshop
• Cheese tasting
• Visit Zaanse Schans windmills
• Optional stops by host's choice
• Return to Amsterdam by train

Top questions

How do you get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam?

You travel by public transport; the train ride from Amsterdam Central Station takes about 20 minutes.

Is cheese tasting included on this Zaanse Schans private day trip?

Yes, cheese tasting is included during the tour.

Do you visit inside a windmill?

Your entrance ticket includes access to visit inside a working windmill.

Is there a clog-making demonstration?

Yes, you join a wooden clog workshop at a local shoemaking factory in Zaanse Schans.

Does this tour include transport back to Amsterdam?

Yes, return public transport to Amsterdam Central Station is included.

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

How long does the whole experience last?

The full day trip typically lasts several hours including travel time.

What’s included

Your experience includes public transport between Amsterdam and Zaanse Schans, entry to one of the historic windmills, hands-on time at a clog-making workshop with local craftspeople, Dutch cheese tasting at an authentic shop, plus your own private local guide throughout the day.