A Windmill Wonderland: My Solo Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

#mytraveldiary I just took the perfect solo day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans and felt like I’d stepped into a classic Dutch painting. It was an easy, fulfilling escape into the Netherlands’ iconic countryside of windmills, crafts, and open skies. What is this place all about? Zaanse Schans is a living-open air museum and historic village just north of Amsterdam. It’s famous for its perfectly preserved 18th-century green windmills, traditional wooden houses, and artisan workshops demonstrating classic Dutch crafts like clog-making and cheese farming. It’s a celebration of Dutch heritage in a picture-postcard setting. Why Here? For an effortless and rewarding solo adventure. It’s safe, easy to reach, and offers a self-guided experience packed with photo opportunities, culture, and fresh air—all at your own pace. It’s the ideal way to experience the iconic Dutch countryside without needing a car. My Solo Itinerary: · Morning: Caught a direct 20-minute train from Amsterdam Central to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans. Walked 15 minutes to the village, greeted by the unforgettable sight of working windmills along the river. · Afternoon: Explored inside a windmill to see how paint or oil is made. Watched a live clog-making demonstration and sampled Dutch cheese at the farm. Walked along the riverbank, crossing charming wooden bridges for the best windmill photos. · Late Afternoon: Enjoyed a coffee and appeltaart (apple pie) at the pancake house before taking the easy train ride back to Amsterdam. Top Tips for Solo Travelers: · Go Early or Late: Arrive right at opening (9 AM) or after 3 PM to avoid the biggest crowds. · Wear Comfortable Shoes: The village is compact but best explored on foot along cobbled paths and bridges. · Bring a Camera: This is one of the most photogenic places in the Netherlands—perfect for selfies with windmills! · Check the Windmill Schedule: Not all windmills are open every day; check online to see which are operating. This day trip was the perfect blend of culture, history, and fresh air. I loved having the freedom to wander, learn, and simply enjoy the view all by myself. #solotravel #zaanseschans #netherlands #daytrip #travelalone