Zaanse Schans
Including professional photo shoot
Adventure
Windmills tour
Once, over 900 windmills dotted the landscape of the Zaanstreek, a testament to the region’s rich industrial heritage. While only a handful remain today, these windmills have been meticulously restored to their former glory. Among them is Windmill ‘De Huisman’, where fresh spices like nutmeg are ground daily, filling the air with rich, aromatic scents. Windmill ‘De Kat’, on the other hand, is dedicated to grinding pigments used in paint production. In fact, the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt used pigments ground here for masterpieces like ‘The Night Watch’.
Another notable windmill is ‘Het Jonge Schaap’, a sawmill that demonstrates the ingenuity of Dutch engineering. Did you know that the invention of the crankshaft in 1594 by Cornelis van Uitgeest revolutionized the industry? This breakthrough allowed windmills to convert wind power into vertical motion, enabling mills to perform tasks like stamping, peeling chalk, and even milling rice. These windmills offer a fascinating glimpse into the technological advancements of the Dutch Golden Age and remain iconic symbols of Dutch craftsmanship and innovation.
Wooden shoes
Dutch clogs
Dutch clogs, or ‘klompen’, are world-renowned and have been an essential part of Dutch culture for centuries. These sturdy wooden shoes were not only practical, keeping feet dry and warm in the wet, marshy landscapes of the Netherlands, but also offered excellent protection. In fact, one of the key benefits of clogs was their safety—if a heavy object fell on your foot, the durable wood would absorb the impact, preventing injury.
The fascinating history of these iconic shoes can be explored in depth at the ‘Klompenmuseum’ (Clog Museum), where you can learn about their evolution and craftsmanship. Clogs were originally hand-carved from wood and were tailored to suit the needs of farmers, fishermen, and laborers across the Netherlands. Interestingly, wooden shoes have historical significance beyond the Netherlands. In France, they are known as ‘sabots’, which inspired the term ‘sabotage’. During the Industrial Revolution, disgruntled workers would throw their clogs into the machinery to disrupt production—a form of protest that gave birth to the term ‘sabotage.
Today, Dutch clogs are still produced, often as souvenirs, but their legacy as a symbol of Dutch resilience, craftsmanship, and practicality endures. Visitors can even watch live demonstrations of clog-making at traditional workshops, where artisans continue this centuries-old craft.
Industrial Revolution
Inside the windmills
The entire construction of a traditional Dutch windmill is crafted from wood, including the intricate gears that power the machinery inside. Stepping inside a windmill is like feeling its heartbeat—when the wind catches the blades, the entire structure creaks and groans in a symphony of wooden mechanisms. It’s an extraordinary, immersive experience that connects you to centuries of Dutch engineering and innovation.
Zaandam played a pivotal role in the birth of the Industrial Revolution, with over 900 windmills operating at its peak. These windmills were the engines of progress, producing a wide array of essential products that fueled both local and global industries. During the Dutch Golden Age, when the Netherlands dominated global trade, Zaandam’s windmills supplied vital resources for the country’s ships that sailed across the world. Among these, ‘ship rusk’ (a durable, long-lasting bread) was a staple of the Zaanse food industry, keeping sailors fed on long voyages.
But the influence of Zaandam’s windmills didn’t stop there. Wind-powered mills were responsible for producing sailcloth, which evolved into linoleum—a product that revolutionized the flooring industry. Cocoa was introduced and processed in these mills, where it was finely rolled into cocoa butter, while other mills processed rice, paper, and even mustard. The Zaanse Schans became a thriving industrial hub, powered entirely by wind.
As you explore the Zaanse Schans today, you’ll have the chance to visit a traditional cheese factory, a mustard mill, and charming old-fashioned shops that evoke the early 20th century. Walking through this historic village, you can still feel the energy and ingenuity that defined the region. The air is filled with the hum of history and the spirit of innovation that continues to surround the Schans, making it a living reminder of the Netherlands’ industrial legacy.
