Zaanstad is synonym of Dutch industrial heritage. The most popular area is the Zaanse Schans which offers working mills, Zaanse Style houses and structures and pedestrian routes; a veritable Walhalla for visitors seeking Dutch cultural history. Especially worthwhile is the Panorama of mills along the Kalverringdijk, the various small museums and the Zaans museum. This includes a working production line taken from the old Verkade Factory. At the end of the 17th century, Tsar Peter the Great decided to personally learn about the society, trade and industry of Western-Europe. In 1697 the Tsar stayed in Zaandam to learn ship carpentry. The wooden house in which he stayed is still intact. This is also where a museum is located with an exposition on Tsar Peter the Great.
Below you will find just some of the wonderful attractions and activities Zaanstad has to offer.
In 1871, Claude Oscar Monet spent four months in Zaandam with his wife and child and made in that period up to 25 paintings. There is a walking-tour through Zaandam which takes you along the famous Blue House and the location where Monet created ‘ the Voorzaan and the Westerhem‘. On the second of 2 June 2015 this painting was purchased by the Zaans Museum and can be admired there in the fall of 2015!
No events planned
The Tsar Peter House is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands, and a monument within a monument. This now world-famous house is where Russian Tsar Peter the Great stayed in 1697. He came here to learn the art of shipbuilding.
General information
Krimp 23, Zaandam, Nederland
Accessability: The Tsar Peter House has limited access for the disabled. The stone shell around the house and the on-site presentation are reasonably accessible; the wooden house is not accessible to wheelchair users and wheeled walker users.
Distance from harbor
300m, 3 min
In the past two decades, Zaandam city centre has undergone a spectacular transformation. You can make a lovely stroll along the canal in the middle of the shopping street and visit a great variety of shops. The Zaanstore, opposite of the famous Inntel Hotel, offers you tourist information and typical products form the Zaan region.
General information
Stadhuisplein 96, Zaandam, Nederland
Distance from harbor
500m, 5 min
At the MonetAtelier in Zaandam city centre, you can see Zaandam through the eyes of world-famous French painter Claude Monet. In 1871, he was just in time to capture the city before it was transformed by the Industrial Revolution. The atelier hosts replicas of the 25 paintings Monet painted in Zaandam. Admission is free.
General information
Westzijde 14, Zaandam, Nederland
Accessability: Entrance for the disabled around the corner
Distance from harbor
400m, 5 min
Wednesday till Sunday 12:00 – 17:00 hr. During seasonal holidays the opening hours may differ.
Due to their typical Zaan architectural style, both the Inntel Hotel and the town hall in Zaandam city centre have become famous icons. The Inntel Hotel, designed to look as though it consists of 70 Zaan cottages stacked on top of each other, is world famous both with tourists and architecture enthusiasts.
General information
Provincialeweg 102, Zaandam, Nederland
Distance from harbor
1,4 km 17 min
Looking for a unique souvenir or do you simply love chocolate? Smells like chocolate (and it does!) is a cacao boutique inside a 17th century wooden house, in the heart of Holland’s cacao district. Stop by to enjoy their selection of Dutch craft chocolates and cacao delicacies and gifts, or take part in a mini chocolate workshop. Don’t leave before trying the best hot chocolate in town!
General information
Lagedijk 14, Zaandijk, Nederland
Distance from harbor
6km, 20 min
Want to discover more of Zaandam and the Zaanstreek? The best way to do that is from the water. You can board the Zaan Ferry for a perfect view of the industrial heritage, nature and terraces on the waterfront. Or sail with Windmill Cruises from the Zaanse Schans and learn the true story of Dutch heroes: the windmills in the Zaan region.
General information
Kalverringdijk 21a, Zaandam, Nederland
Distance from harbor
7 km, 20 min
7 km, 20 min
1 hour by ferry.
Across the water from the Zaanse Schans, you will find the protected village of Gortershoek with its beautiful merchant houses dating back to the 17th and 18th century. One of these merchant houses – currently a museum – was the home of the successful Zaan business family Breet, which supplied the paper upon which the US Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
General information
Lagedijk 64-68, Zaandijk, Nederland
Accessability: Wheelchair accessible.
Distance from harbor
7 km, 20 min
7 km, 20 min
The Zaans Museum introduces you to a world-famous part of the Netherlands: its windmills, industries, green wooden houses, and other Dutch icons such as Albert Heijn, Honig, and Verkade. Just a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam, the Zaan region developed into Western Europe’s first industrial area. This journey will take you from the very first windmills to the newest factories.
General information
Schansend 7, Zaandam, Nederland
Accessability: The Zaans Museum is completely accessible for wheelchair users.
Distance from harbor
8,5 km, 14 min
General information
Schiphol Boulevard, Schiphol, Nederland
Distance from harbor
25 km, 20-40 min
25 km, 25 min
17 min by train from Amsterdam central station
General information
Stationsweg 166a, Lisse, Nederland
Accessability: Our park offers excellent access for (electric) wheelchairs and has plenty of disabled toilet facilities.
Distance from harbor
50 km, 45 min
Coach Parking Coaches can be parked for free in the carpark adjacent to the main entrance.