Zaanse Schans logistics
 

Next logistics question: we plan to venture out to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. It looks like the train from Amsterdam Central is quickest (20 mins or so) but leaves you with a 10-15 minute walk. The bus (91?) takes a little longer but drops you closer. Is it obvious when/where to get off? That's always my biggest concern with buses.

What option have people taken that have gone via public transportation from Amsterdam? Any recommendations?

Thanks!

I leave for Amsterdam on Wednesday (!!!) and would like info about this as well

The train lets you off at Koog-Zaandijk station. It's an easy walk from there. My 75-year-old in-laws did it in about 10 minutes.

Russ is correct and as I recall there are signs. The walk is through a residential area and is totally flat and pleasant.

I'm waiting for somebody to chime in about how the place is "fake" and contrived but pay no attention. The working windmill(s) is worth the trip alone in my opinion.

Well I'll say it, it might be nice if you had children but I thought it was pretty hokey. We did take a short boat trip around the area, it was a tad more interesting. IMO look for another way to spend the day.

I was there two weeks ago and saw a local bus turning around at the head of the driveway into the visitor center. Unfortunately the N515 beyond Zaanse Schans over the river was closed for construction, so no idea of the actual bus route. (We drove.)

I wouldn't say "fake," because it obviously isn't. A bit contrived, maybe. We chose not to pay the (rather high) admission and parking charges, so just had a look around the gift shop, took a couple of pictures from the parking area and visitor center, and bugged out. Plus the odor from the chocolate factories in Zaanstad nearly killed us ;).

We had spent most of that day in Edam and Volendam, which we found wonderful and meh respectively. I wouldn't return to Zaanse Schans personally.

Edam: http://gardyloo.us/20120312_11s.jpg and http://gardyloo.us/20120312_49s.jpg

Zaanse Schans: http://gardyloo.us/20120312_148s.jpg and http://gardyloo.us/20120312_137s.jpg

Sounds like the train if we go. We'll try to keep up with the 75 year olds. ;)

We are okay with contrived but we will probably save this for the last day to see if we still want to go or do something else.

Thanks.

I enjoyed it and the walk from station to the place. One of my favorite pictures from that day was of a heron in one of the irrigation ditches. I also enjoyed the information from each stop I made. As I recall the windmills were of different types.