Zaanse-Shans - a living history of the Netherlands
Description:
Windmills, wooden shoes and tasting Dutch cheeses
Dutch flavor - from clomps to Gouda cheese
Once in Zaanse Schans, the first thing we do is look into a grocery store of the 19th century: from here the famous retail chain Albert Heine originates. In the wood shoe workshop, you will learn why some Dutch people still wear clomps and can even buy a pair of shoes.
Then head to the local cheese factory: get ready to taste more than 30 types of cheese, taste local mustard and discover the secrets of the Dutch favorite Gouda cheese. And along the way, you will be able to explore the outside and inside of authentic houses and barns that seem frozen in time.
A walk among the windmills
After getting acquainted with the local crafts, you will walk through the picturesque fields, where goats and sheep peacefully graze and the most beautiful windmills rise, each of which preserves its history and has a special purpose.
You will see mills that saw logs by wind, grind raw materials for spices and paints, produce mustard and oil, pump water from polders and canals. After feeding the swans and ducks, we will climb the observation tower to view Zaanse Schans from a bird’s eye view, and then you can visit one of the mills and view it from the inside!
The charm of cozy Zaandajk
After the ferry or on foot we will cross the river Zaan and go to the town of Zaandaik, where you can watch the local life, admire the beautiful cottages and, if you want, look at the brewery "Hoop" or a cozy cafe.
Who will do the tour?
Anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the history of Holland and its extraordinary life.
Organizational details
The tour begins at the central railway station of Amsterdam (or elsewhere by arrangement).
Do not forget the camera, good mood and proper clothes for the weather.
What comes in
- cheese tasting,
- memorable photographs.
What's not in
Separately paid
- Transport costs – 7.60 EUR for a round trip ticket (Amsterdam Centraal – Station Zaanse Schans)
- visit to one of the mills – 4.50 EUR,
- Drinks and food (optional).
Useful information
I also recommend visiting the famous Peter House Museum in Zaandam, where the Russian Tsar stayed during his stay in Holland and studied shipbuilding.
Notable places on the route