The best city hikes and walks in Polder Westzaan

Inntel Hotel - facade like stacked wooden buildings

Check in advance whether any ferries are closed. At ‘t Schouw (Landsmeer-Ilpendam) this was the case, meaning a considerable detour. As a result, we arrived much later at our destination Holysloot. But that is certainly recommended! What a great experience that was.

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Based on the painting "The Voorzaan and the Westerhem III" by Claude Monet. Near the entrance to the MonetAtelier, a colorful panel work stands here, an ode to the Voorzaan and the Westerhem. Monet likely painted this scene from the jetty of Hotel De Beurs, where he stayed in 1871. Back then, the water still lapped against the Zuiddijk, and windmills and ships dominated the view. The creation of this mural was a story in itself. Because spraying directly onto the bridge wall wasn't possible, individual panels were chosen. After months of preparation (affectionately known as "Operation Beatrix Bridge"), BC-ESOBE, Angel Alvarez, and local artist Peter Meijn painted the panels in Krommenie. They were then transported to their location via stairs and rafts. The result is a vibrant work with a rainbow twist: a statement for inclusivity in Zaandam.

It's no wonder the windmills of Zaanse Schans are a must-see for anyone visiting the Netherlands, almost always at the top of the to-do list. Along with the windmills of Kindedijk, they are the only place where you can admire these mighty giants from bygone eras up close and in such variety. Unfortunately, this also has its downsides. Mass tourism has long since taken hold. The result? Overcrowded parking lots, high entrance fees, masses of people, crushes, and often long queues at the entrances to the various craft workshops and windmills. A harsh judgment? Perhaps. Especially since we, too, are part of the problem that has found its way here. Zaanse Schans is a mix of kitsch, commercialism, genuine craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and so on. But if you're interested in windmills and prefer a more relaxed experience, you're better off visiting Kinderdijk. It's overrun with tourists. 🏠 ... 🏠 🏠 We recommend that everyone... 1. Book your admission ticket for the windmill museums in advance online. This will save you from long queues. 2. Be sure to check the opening hours/days of the individual windmills online. They are not always all open and operating at the same time. 3. Choose your visit day carefully. Weekends are a nightmare. If the weather is nice, the trip will be a disaster. During the week, or in less than ideal weather, it's not nearly as crowded. 4. As is typical for such destinations, parking is scarce. It quickly becomes a chaotic mess of arriving cars searching for a parking spot. 5. Bringing your own food in a backpack is a good idea. Everything has its price, and there are no food stalls further along the windmill trail. Having enough to drink is invaluable. 6. At the end of the day, when everyone wants to go home, there's a long queue for the toilets near the entrance. Everyone has to go one last time before heading home! The barcode on the entry ticket has to be scanned before the barrier lets you into the restroom. Unfortunately, the system doesn't work perfectly, which can be frustrating, especially for parents with children. So it's best to plan your bathroom break a little earlier rather than right before closing time. By the way, as far as we know, there's only this one restroom facility near the entrance!

Even from the bridge, you have a fantastic view of the windmills. Even more wonderful is the delicious smell of chocolate in the air during your visit.

Beautiful houses around Zaandam train station.

A beautiful pedestrian zone with many great houses and beautiful architecture.