The Windmill City That Smells Like Chocolate – A Day Trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans 🍫

This past spring, I visited Amsterdam, and while the city itself was beautiful and vibrant, the highlight of my trip came when I ventured outside of the city. Just a short 4 stop scenic train ride away lies a place that feels like stepping into a Dutch postcard — windmills, wooden clogs, chocolate in the air, and charm around every corner. If you're heading to Amsterdam, don’t miss this easy and unforgettable day trip to Zaanse Schans!

Getting There: From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans

During my stay in Amsterdam, I stayed just outside the city center. Each morning, I hopped on the bus to get to Amsterdam Centraal and the rest of the city, and it was so easy to navigate. — just use apple maps public transportation navigation or listen along for each stop, tap your credit card as you board, and you're good to go!

Tip: If you use an AMEX, bring a backup card. Many places in Amsterdam (including public transport) don’t accept American Express.

From Amsterdam Centraal, take a train heading toward Zaandam — it’s just two quick stops away. The moment you arrive in Zaandam, you’ll be transported to this lego style surrounding. The architecture is cartoon-like, colorful, and like nothing I have ever seen before— it’s one of those places where you’ll want your camera ready before you even leave the platform.

Just steps from the train station (less than a minute’s walk), I stopped at Bagels & Beans Almere for a delicious gluten-free bagel and a cozy chai latte. The vibe here is warm and inviting full of natural light and plants, with big windows perfect for people-watching before continuing your journey.

All Aboard for Chocolate and Windmills

When you're ready to continue, hop back on the train for another two stops to Zaanse Schans — you’ll know you’ve arrived when you step off the train and smell chocolate in the air!

As far back as 1840, windmills in the Zaan region were processing cocoa beans. By 1911, this small corner of the Netherlands became one of the world's largest hubs for cocoa production in the world!

Follow the crowd down the path past the chocolate factory, where signs along the way share stories about the region’s rich industrial past. Be sure to grab a photo with the iconic giant clogs, and pop into Smells Like Chocolate for a sweet treat to enjoy on your walk or bring home as a gift.

Exploring Zaanse Schans

Cross the bridge, and find yourself entering a storybook setting. Traditional green wooden houses, windmills, quaint shops, and a farm filled with animals — it’s like stepping into a fairytale.

Here are some can’t-miss stops:

• Blik Op Cacao – Make your own hot chocolate in a cozy bakery full of delicious, homemade treats

• Windmill Tours – Step inside one of the historic mills and see how they work

• Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm – learn about the fresh cheeses and visit the goats

• Scenic photo ops – Pose for some magical photos

Whether you love history, food, photography, or just discovering unique places, Zaanse Schans is a day trip for everyone. It’s easy, affordable, and absolutely unforgettable.

So if you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, take a break from the canals and cobblestones for a day, or even just an afternoon, — and let yourself be whisked away to the windmill city that smells like chocolate.