Picture of Zaanse Schans
Caption: Historic windmills and distinctive green wooden houses, that’s what you’ll find at the Zaanse Schans! Most buildings were relocated here from the wider region north of Amsterdam for preservation. In its 18th and 19th century, the Zaan region was an important industrial area dotted by hundreds of windmills producing linseed oil, paint, snuff, mustard, paper and other products. Many of the Zaanse Schans' characteristic village houses are now museums, gift shops or workshops, but there are also still people living there. The Zaanse Schans gives you a glimpse into life here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Zaanse Schans A typical old Dutch village
Video of Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
Caption: The Wooden Shoe Workshop ‘De Zaanse Schans’ is a museum and wooden shoe making demonstration. It is situated in a former 1780 warehouse and has one of the largest collections of wooden shoes in the Netherlands. Free clog making demonstrations take place at regular intervals throughout the day, but you can also buy the coolest clogs here in all different colours!
Video of Verfmolen De Kat
Caption: The picturesque village is best known for its iconic windmills. The windmills are called Het Jonge Schaap ("The Young Sheep"), De Zoeker ("The Seeker"), De Kat ("The Cat"), De Gekroonde Poelenburg ("The Crowned Poelenburg") and De Huisman ("The Houseman"). From the Zaanse Schans, you’ll have really nice views on these windmills.
Video of Zaanse Huisjes
Caption: One thing you can’t miss at the Zaanse Schans is the beautiful homes you spot here. The houses have a rich diversity of colours, from various shades of green to beige and light blue. These houses often have both a beautiful front and rear (status symbols). Most of them are built on the dike along the river Zaan.
Video of Bakery Museum "The Gecroonde Duyvekater '
Caption: This original bakery has been around since 1658 and it’s still in use today. You can buy traditional Dutch baked goods here, as well as old school, Dutch candy. The waffles are also really worth a try!
Video of Museumwinkel Albert Heijn
Caption: The Albert Heijn Museum Shop is a reconstruction of the first ever Albert Heijn store from Oostzaan dating back to the late 19th century. Today Albert Heijn is the biggest supermarket in The Netherlands. In this small museum, you can see the original shop, and stock that was around at the time. It’s really interesting to see how supermarkets have evolved from that time.
Video of Cheese Farm "Catharina Hoeve"
Caption: At Zaanse Schans, cheese making is an old Dutch guild, just like woodworking, wooden shoe making, pewter casting and distilling liqueur. The Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm is a replica of an old farm from Oostzaan. You can attend a cheese-making demonstration here, where the staff will inform you on Henri Willig cheese: from Gouda to goat and herb cheeses. Even more fun: they do so in traditional Dutch costumes!
