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Located not too far from the capital city of Amsterdam, the village of Zaanse Schans is almost the top choice for travelers seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as a chance to learn more about the colorful traditions and culture of the Netherlands.
The village that "carries" the wind of the Netherlands.
Due to its low-lying terrain, the Netherlands has faced the risk of flooding due to rising sea levels throughout its history. To combat flooding, the Dutch have built irrigation systems such as sea dikes and pumping stations. Among these, windmills play a crucial role in turning water to release it into rivers and the sea.
Zaanse Schans is a cultural complex encompassing numerous old windmills and museums that preserve traditional Dutch culture.
The village's name originates from Governor Diederil Sonoy during the reign of Guillaume d'Orange, who had it built to serve in the war against Spain. Later, between 1961 and 1974, many houses were renovated, including the windmills, to become tourist attractions for both domestic and international visitors.
The rural scenery of Zaanse Schans village has captivated many visitors. The village boasts trails lined with wildflowers, wooden bridges spanning the river, and glimpses of the distinctive green old houses of the local people. On the vast green meadows, herds of cows and sheep graze peacefully.
The fairytale beauty of the Netherlands in the windmill village of Zaanse Schans.
Nestled on the banks of the Zaan River, the village preserves ancient windmills that visitors can see from afar. Currently, the village has a total of 13 windmills, including 6 ancient ones located along the Zaan River. On average, each windmill completes a full rotation every 16 seconds, but in strong winds, it only takes 10 seconds.
The village scene is typical of what tourists imagine the Netherlands to be like, with windmills, dairy cows, and farms.
The windmills here are over 300 years old, built in the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, there are sawmills and oil refineries… Therefore, Zaanse Schans is also considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Netherlands, with its distinctive architecture characteristic of the "land of tulips".
The peaceful village seems straight out of a fairy tale, with its windmills, a symbol of this country.
In this windmill village, visitors can explore the inside of De Kat – the only still-operating pigment-producing windmill since the early 1900s, and a replica of the Het Jonge Schaap wood-cutting windmill built in 2005 (the original, dating from 1680, was destroyed in 1942).
Zaanse Schans also boasts a charming natural landscape typical of the Netherlands. The village features trails lined with wildflowers, canals, and colorful little bridges spanning the river. In the distance, herds of cows and sheep graze peacefully in the vast meadows. This visual delight can only be fully appreciated by walking or cycling.
The traditional green houses with white window frames, resembling a series of interconnected oases, are stunningly beautiful. Few people know that this paint color helps increase the resilience of the home over time.
Visit a wooden clog workshop in the ancient village of Zaanse Schans.
Visiting the village of Zaanse Schans, walking along the Zaan River, you'll find an area producing traditional Dutch wooden clogs. Impressive is the massive wooden clog displayed at the entrance, and the further you go into the exhibition area, the more you'll be captivated by the vibrant clogs with their elaborate carvings. This is perhaps the only place to see classic roller skate clogs from the 1970s.
Wooden clogs are the pride of the Netherlands.
Wooden clogs are considered one of the symbols of the Netherlands, often worn with traditional attire such as multi-layered skirts or wide-legged trousers. The Netherlands is a low-lying country with harsh winters and high humidity. In the past, farmers couldn't afford cloth shoes, so they came up with the idea of widening pieces of wood to create sturdy clogs with upturned toes resembling the bow of a boat.
Wooden shoes were invented in the Netherlands in the 1570s. Initially, they were handcrafted from wood of trees such as willow and ash, and were very popular.
Wooden shoes have a history of over 700 years and are part of traditional Dutch attire.
The wood chosen for making clogs is usually poplar, willow, or ash... Adding straw inside the clogs helps keep the feet soft and warm. In many Dutch farming families today, there are still racks for wooden clogs outside the door. Although the footwear industry in the Netherlands has developed, many farmers and fishermen still maintain the habit of wearing wooden clogs.
The small clog museum in the village of Zaanse Schans boasts a unique collection of wooden clogs in various styles and colors, displayed both outside and inside the museum. Here, craftsmen directly create the clogs for visitors to admire. The clogs are initially left unpainted, then painted, decorated, or carved with patterns to enhance their aesthetic value. Clogs with carved patterns are part of an ancient Dutch custom, often chosen by the groom as a gift for the bride.
Wooden shoes exemplify the ingenuity of the Dutch people, a characteristic that has given rise to many remarkable achievements in this country.
The village is free to enter, but some attractions within the village may incur fees, with a one-day package costing 23.5 euros, including: the inside of a windmill, the Zaanse Museum, a wooden shoe factory, a cheese factory, the Verkade biscuit and chocolate factory, a pewter foundry, etc. Please note that you should behave respectfully, maintain order, and refrain from taking photos or videos in areas marked with "no photography" or without permission from the locals or authorities.
Zaanse Schans seems like a miniature Netherlands. The village is a melting pot of national traditions, culture, and crafts. If you visit during the right season, you can even smell the aroma of cocoa wafting from the fields on the breeze. Many families make chocolate from pure cocoa, allowing visitors to try their hand at making their own drinks. Zaanse Schans is truly a delightful stop on a trip to the Netherlands.
