Travel through a century-old windmill village

🌟A Magical Guide to the Zaanse Schans Windmill Village🌟 This year marks the 100th anniversary (1925-2025) of the famous Dutch tourist attraction, the Zaanse Schans Windmill Village. Here's my Nth visit: 🚆Transportation: Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station (Sprinter train, approx. 20 mins). Follow the signs for the windmill village from the station (15-min walk). Renting an OV-fiets bicycle is recommended for a more scenic ride along the river! 🏰Attractions: 1️⃣ Must-see windmills: De Kat: An industrial windmill, with giant stone grinders for pigment and wood inside. Open every Wednesday and Friday. De Zoeker & De Bonte Hen: Still-operating oil mills. Book a visit to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Zaan River. De Hadel: A marvel of Dutch water management engineering. The rotating blades at sunset create a cinematic filter. 2️⃣ Immersive cultural experiences: Wooden Shoe Workshop: Try on 17th-century wooden shoes, step on a water wheel, and watch artisans carve colorful clogs. Cheese Museum: A mini-museum with Gouda cheese tasting. Discover the secret of how the Dutch "grow taller every day thanks to cheese." Zaanse Museum: Experience both a chocolate factory and a textile workshop. You can also DIY gifts for children's parties. 3️⃣ Hidden photo spots: Miffy Shop: A pink cottage with cute rabbit sculptures, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Drawbridge spectacle: Witness the vertical opening of the bridge to allow large ships to pass, and experience the magic of Dutch engineering. ⚠️Tips: 1️⃣ High probability of cloudy weather from April to September. Pack a windbreaker and an umbrella. 2️⃣ Some windmills require advance booking (e.g., De Kat). Check the official website for opening hours. 3️⃣ The village market is crowded on weekends. Visiting on a working day is recommended. 4️⃣ The parking lot charges by vehicle type. Arriving early to secure a spot is recommended.