For most people around the world, the Netherlands conjures up images of sprawling tulip fields, historic windmills with their blades turning gently in the breeze along canal banks, and perhaps those famous cheeses and wooden clogs known far beyond the country’s borders.
Sure, it’s a bit clichéd — maybe even a lot — but whether we like it or not, these are things that have long been associated with the country’s image. So much so, in fact, that there’s a small village called Zaanse Schans that exists to showcase this very scene, and admission is now going to cost you.
A Stone’s Throw from Amsterdam and Millions of Visitors
Between the appeal of seeing this postcard-perfect scene and its proximity to Amsterdam, it didn’t take much for the hamlet of Zaanse Schans, with its hundred or so residents, to become one of the country’s most visited attractions, welcoming around 3 million visitors each year.
That’s a lot of people — too many, in fact. Like so many other destinations, the site has now fallen victim to overtourism. Hence this idea, as is increasingly common, for authorities to charge admission to better manage visitor flow while also collecting some much-needed funds for protecting and maintaining the site. Starting next year, it will cost $19 (€17.50) per person to visit Zaanse Schans.
Originally, Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum and historic village located about nine miles north of Amsterdam. It’s a chance to step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a typical Dutch village from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Everything’s there, starting with those old windmills that remain the main attraction. Restored and mostly still functional, they line up along the Zaan River and can be toured to better understand their mechanisms and how they operated in days gone by. Then there’s the village itself, with its many traditional green wooden houses typical of the Zaan region. Most were relocated here and restored on-site several decades ago to preserve this heritage, and some have even been transformed into working clog-making workshops, cheese factories, or distilleries. Others serve as small museums dedicated to specific themes or activities, while places like the Zaans Museum trace the industrial history and daily life of the region in times past.
It’s a wonderful stroll to discover on foot or by bike along lanes and small canals offering a truly picturesque atmosphere and great photo opportunities, particularly those reflections of windmills in the water that photographers seek out. A way to capture the essence of the Netherlands, you might say…
Info: www.zaanseschans.com
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
