Zaanse Schans: Windmills, Clogs & Cheese Small-Group Tour

Summary

Windmills turning slow, wooden shoes clacking, cheese everywhere

You’ll slip into village life at Zaanse Schans: watch clogs come to life in a noisy workshop, climb inside a working windmill with views over the river, taste cheeses fresh from the farm shop — all with a local guide who actually grew up nearby. It’s half-day travel that feels slower somehow.

What’s the experience like?

We were already outside Amsterdam before I realized how much quieter everything felt. The bus windows fogged up a bit from the drizzle — classic Dutch weather, but honestly it just made the green fields look even brighter. Our guide, Pieter, had this easy way of pointing things out without sounding like a textbook. He waved as we passed a row of crooked houses and said something about how the river used to flood here every spring. I could smell wet grass when we stepped off at Zaanse Schans — that earthy scent you only get after rain.

The first stop was the clog workshop. I’d seen those wooden shoes in souvenir shops but never really thought about how they’re made. The guy inside (his name was Jan — he told me twice because I kept forgetting) showed us these old machines that looked like they belonged in a Tim Burton movie. When he started carving, wood shavings flew everywhere and it smelled sharp, almost sweet. I tried on a pair for fun — not exactly my style but surprisingly comfortable? Jan laughed when I nearly tripped walking out.

After that we wandered over to one of the windmills — this one still grinding pigments for paint, which is wild to me. You can climb up inside and feel the whole thing creak under your feet while the sails groan overhead. The view from the platform was just... wide open sky and water, and you could see all these tiny people below looking up at us. My hands got stained with some blue powder from touching a barrel (probably wasn’t supposed to), but nobody seemed to mind.

The cheese farm was last. They gave us slices of everything — young gouda, something smoked that I still think about now and then. The woman running the tasting switched between Dutch and English so fast it made my head spin (in a good way). There was this moment where everyone went quiet just to chew and nod at each other; maybe it’s silly but it felt kind of peaceful.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Zaanse Schans and local crafts

• Meet local guide from Zaan Tours
• Learn about Zaanse Schans history
• Watch clog making demonstration
• Explore wooden shoe museum
• Visit paint mill and climb platform
• Attend cheese making presentation
• Taste cheeses at cheese shop

Top questions

How long is the Zaanse Schans windmills tour from Amsterdam?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including transfers.

Is pickup included for this small-group day trip?

Yes, round-trip shared transfer from Amsterdam is included.

Will we see real working windmills at Zaanse Schans?

Yes, you’ll enter an actual paint mill windmill during the tour.

Is there cheese tasting on this Zaanse Schans tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a cheese farm for tastings and a presentation.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What languages are available for information sheets in the windmill?

You’ll receive an information sheet in your language at the windmill.

Is there much walking involved in Zaanse Schans tours?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking around the village area.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shared transfer from Amsterdam, entrance fees for all activities at Zaanse Schans including the working windmill and clog workshop demonstrations, plus guided cheese tasting at a local farm before heading back to the city.