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Zaans welcome
Come and marvel at what the Zaanstreek has to offer.
The Zaan Region
Located just north of Amsterdam, the Zaanstreek is a picturesque region in North Holland known for its historic windmills, charming towns, and delicious local specialties like cheese, chocolate, and mustard. Explore the famous Zaanse Schans windmills in Zaandam or take a boat tour on the river Zaan in Wormerveer. Learn about the region's industrial heritage at the Zaans Museum and sample the local delicacies. With something for everyone, the Zaanstreek is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or cultural excursion. Experience the unique beauty and charm of this Dutch region for yourself!
Explore the Zaanstreek
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Hiking
Hiking
Views of protected villages, vistas, heritage, water and greenery: you will discover more of the Zaanstreek on foot.
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Bikes
Bikes
Plenty of greenery and water, picturesque village centres and impressive heritage: it’s beautiful cycling in the Zaanstreek.
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Boats
Boats
Industrial buildings and quaint wooden houses on the banks of the Zaan river. Discover the Zaanstreek from the water.
Zaans stories
The Zaanstreek is known for its rich history. The region is home to the oldest industrial area in Europe, was the ‘Larder of the Netherlands’ and is a source of inspiration for painters.
Let some of the best stories about the Zaanstreek inspire you!
To the stories
Accessibility
By boat, train or car: the Zaanstreek is closer than you think!
We've summed up the different ways to visit the area for you.
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Inntel hotel
Inntel hotel
Images of this stack of Zaan cottages are shared across the world by tourists and architecture enthusiasts.
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Czar Peter House
Czar Peter House
Visti the house of Czar Peter. The building is one of the oldest houses of the Netherlands and the house of the Russian Czar Peter
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Monet Atelier
Monet Atelier
Visit our atelier and see Zaandam through the eyes of the world famous French painter Claude Monet.
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Windmills
Windmills
The creaking, toiling wood and all moving parts in the belly of a windmill make up an imposing spectacle.
Safe to the windmills
Zaanse Schans is a public area where people live and work, but where you also imagine yourself in a Zaans village from 1850.
That combination means it can be crowded at Zaanse Schans at times. Are you on your way there? Then keep each other in mind.
From Zaandijk Station - Zaanse Schans you will find the walking route clearly marked with signs and icons on the pavement. Stay on the pavement and be considerate of cyclists, on the route and on Zaanse Schans itself.
If you follow the accompanying signs, you will get there automatically. Together, this is how we keep Zaanse Schans safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Please observe the following rules of conduct along the way;
- Walk on the pavement
- Look carefully when crossing
- Mind the cyclists
This applies both on the walking route, and on the Zaanse Schans itself.
Explore more
Want to explore more than the Zaanse Schans? Buy an Amsterdam & Region Travel ticket online or at the VVV Zaanstore next to the Zaandam train station. With two and three day Amsterdam & Region Travel Tickets, it’s easier than ever to see what lies beyond our windmills.
Visit the industrial heritage in Wormerveer, our amazing stacked houses hotel in Zaandam Citycentre or take the train or bus to Amsterdam.
More about the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket