Leave the rat race behind and visit Zaandam where you can not only admire traditional architecture but also enjoy beautiful nature. It's also the perfect base for a day trip to Amsterdam.
The area around Zaandam has been inhabited for centuries and is rich in cultural heritage. Through the centuries, the area developed its own identity with a typical architecture and traditional costumes. You can still see some of it today at Zaanse Schans, for example.
If you'd like to know what the area once looked like Zaanse Schans is a must. Loads of old windmills and houses were moved here from the rest of the region in the 1960s. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and get an idea of what the Netherlands once looked like. Another point of interest is Czaar Peterhuisje (Czar Peter House), one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands. The house is named after the Russian czar Peter the Great who stayed here in 1697.
Combine your visit to Zaandam with a day in Amsterdam! The city is just 10 minutes away by train. Visit Museumplein with all the famous museums, go shopping in Kalverstraat or just watch people from a sidewalk café. Zaandam is close to the coast so you could even spend a relaxing day in Zandvoort or Wijk aan Zee.
Zaandam is easy to explore on foot. Stroll through the streets, along the Zaan or go walking at Zaanse Schans. You can also hire a bicycle and cycle to the Schans. Motorists can park on the street for a fee or in one of the many parking garages.
Zaandam is near Amsterdam and can be reached by train and bus or car, of course. Follow signs to the city, park your car and take a seat at a sidewalk café or hire a bicycle and cycle to Zaanse Schans.
Zaandam's convenient location gives you easy access to beautiful countryside, traditional architecture and big cities such as Amsterdam.
