Zaans Welcome

zaans welcome

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activities with kids

Climbing, swimming and more!

map of the zaan region

The highlights of the area

shopping

Shopping in the Zaan region

Discover what the Zaan region has to offer

EXPLORE THE ZAAN REGION EASILY BY TRAIN

ZAANDAM KOGERVELD ZAANDIJK ZAANSE SCHANS

KOOG AAN DE ZAAN ZAANDAM

voorwoord

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elcome to the Zaan region, where history and nature converge in a landscape filled with iconic windmills, charming wooden houses, and the serene waters of the Zaan River. Located in the heart of North Holland, this region is a captivating destination for those who are longing for a journey through time and want to get a taste of authentic Dutch life.

In the Zaan region, the past is ever-present.

Here, you will discover the storied industrial heritage that once powered the Netherlands, with historic windmills like those at the Zaanse Schans representing itself as proud symbols of innovation. These windmills, along with the quaint villages that line the river, offer a glimpse into a bygone era, all set against a backdrop of lush, green landscapes.

The Zaan region is more than just history, though.

It is a place where you can indulge in the local flavours at cozy restaurants, explore charming shops and boutiques, or lose yourself in the beauty of the countryside on a leisurely walk or bike ride through the polder landscape. Whether you are here to immerse yourself in the past or simply to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the Zaan region promises a rich and rewarding experience.

This magazine is your guide to make the most of your time here, filled with inspiration and tips for exploring everything that the Zaan region has to offer. For personal advice during your stay, visit the Zaanstore in Zaandam, the local tourist information. And don’t forget to visit zaans.nl for all the information you need to plan your trip.

Enjoy your stay in the Zaan region, where history, culture, and nature come together in perfect harmony.

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table of contents culture Zaandam City Center Culture in the Zaan region

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For more museums and culture: www.zaans.nl/en/to-see-to-do/art-culture

wood & craft

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Zaanse mills

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Wood

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Zaans green

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to do Regional history

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To do with kids

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The Zaanse wetlands

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Strolls and stories

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The Hembrug site

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info

For more tips with kids: www.zaans.nl/en/to-see-to-do/kids

Map

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Plan your trip: www.zaans.nl/en Boat and bicycle rental: kajak.nl twiskehaven.nl joopharmans.nl enjoybikes.nl zaandamcitybikes.nl Fietspakhuis Zaandam

enjoy: beauty and taste Shopping Local products

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THE CITY CENTER OF ZAANDAM Zaandam’s city center is truly a mustsee destination, where modern architecture seamlessly blends with rich historical heritage, showcasing the city’s industrial past and cultural significance.

The transformation of Zaandam’s city center, known as the ‘Inverdan’ project, has turned a once-dreary entrance into a lively and inviting hub. Guided by urban planner Sjoerd Soeters, the municipality of Zaanstad undertook this ambitious project, which, despite initial skepticism over its cost of over 800 million euros, has had an enormous positive impact. Even during the economic crisis of 2010, the project was completed, transforming the area in just ten years.

Today, the renovated station area and shopping street ‘De Gedempte Gracht’ welcome visitors with open arms. Where the center was once unremarkable, the stunning town hall and the internationally renowned Inntel Hotel now serve as vibrant gateways. This carefully planned area, with its blend of historical charm and modern convenience, has become a bustling center of activity.

One of the most striking features is the iconic Inntel Hotel, its façade designed to resemble a stack of traditional Zaan region houses, painted in vibrant green with crisp white trims. This building alone captures the essence of Zaandam’s unique identity, merging the old with the new in a way that is both visually stunning and historically respectful.

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A major highlight of the renovation is the improved flow in the shopping area. The focus has shifted from the east side along the Zaan to a direct connection between the main road, the station, and the city center. This has created a shopping area that is bookended by key attractions, with the Inntel Hotel drawing tourists daily who can’t resist snapping photos and selfies.

This influx of visitors has also brought new life to the shopping district.

culture

The ‘Gedempte Gracht,’ with its charming brick wall along the waterfront, has been transformed into a delightful recreational spot. The grassy areas on the sunny side, along with the inviting wall, offer a cozy place to relax, turning the canal into a vibrant social space. Shopping is just one of the many reasons to visit; the area’s cafés, restaurants, and a six-screen cinema also play key roles in the lively atmosphere of the center.

Experience how tradition and modernization come together in the heart of Zaanstad!

The Facades of the Town Hall The town hall in Zaandam is designed as a series of large Zaan houses, each showcasing the typical façade architecture that is characteristic of the region. These wooden façades are painted in various shades of green, accented with white trims, windows, and decorative curls. The design also incorporates elements from different architectural periods, inspired by internationally renowned architects such as Rossi, Venturi, Piano, Pei, and Natalini, offering a unique interpretation of world-famous styles.

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great love for regional history Where can you experience the most beautiful heritage?

There is a lot of history in the Zaan region. Many books about local history can be found in the bookstores of Zaandam. The residents of the Zaan region, known as ‘De Zaankanters’, are immensely proud of their area.

This enthusiasm goes hand in hand with the preservation of their own heritage. There is much beauty to see and experience!

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to do

Throughout the Zaan region, there are over a hundred monumental buildings. These range from windmills, warehouses, workers’ houses, and merchants’ houses to old factories. Particularly special are the tea houses that wealthy merchants built in their gardens along the river. These were used to entertain their guests.

You can see most of these houses along the Zaan, opposite the Zaanse Schans.

Zaanse Schans In the 60s, the idea emerged to relocate windmills and typical Zaan houses and warehouses to one location. This led to the creation of the Zaanse Schans, a typical Zaan neighborhood as it would have been around 1850, featuring original centuries-old green houses, brick merchant houses, warehouses, and windmills. In this open-air museum, you can wander around freely. People from

all over the world are astonished by this typical Dutch scene, set alongside a watery polder by the Zaan River. Visitors can explore windmills, a clog workshop, a cheese factory, and various museums. It’s also a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee, a pancake at Restaurant De Kraai, or delicious meals at Restaurant De Walvis.

For more information, visit zaans.nl/discover/ zaanse-schans

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Series of warehouses Wormer One of the most beautiful examples of a whole series of connected industrial heritage is the detailed row of warehouses in Wormer. Rice was mainly stored here. These beautiful buildings have now been transformed into apartments and office spaces. You can eat and drink at restaurant ‘Batavia 1894’ and sit on the terrace on the Zaan.

Near the row of warehouses on the right is Lassie’s food factory. And on the left the warehouses ‘Faith’, ‘Hope’ and ‘Love’, which have been rebuilt into their original appearance.

Chocolate factory Verkade During the redevelopment of the beautiful, former Verkade chocolate factory (from 1886), the construction workers smelled chocolate as they drilled into the walls. That’s how strong the smell had penetrated the building.

Rusks and cookies and even tea lights were also produced here. The rusk tower still bears the rider from the Verkade logo and in the evening you can see the yellow Verkade letters light up on the roof. You can purchase delicious delicacies from the merchants of the Verskade and sit on its terrace.

Heritage Associations It is thanks to the many historical associations that so much knowledge is available and heritage is preserved. The two most important ones are the organization ‘Zaans Erfgoed’ and the ‘Vereniging De Zaanse Molen’. Almost all the villages and the city that together form the Zaan region have their own historical association. And that’s not all. There are even foundations that care for centuries-old Zaan warehouses, steamboats, type casting, the Albert Heijn archive, and more.

Verkade factory, Zaandam

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Series of warehouses, Wormer

Theehuis aan de Lagedijk, Zaandijk

Honig Breethuis

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things to do with kids Looking for fun activities you can do with children in the Zaan region? Here are some of the best options.

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doen

Climbing The Zaan region offers two great locations for climbing. Indoors, you can visit Baz Bouldergym, located in an old factory hall in Zaandam. It features a good, affordable restaurant and a beautiful terrace by the Zaan. If you prefer climbing outdoors, you can head to Klimpark Twiske, located in the recreational area ‘Twiske’. Here you can enter three levels of courses among the trees. For more information, visit www.bazbouldergym.nl and www.klimparktwiske.nl

Hemlab Children aged 7 to 13 can visit the science laboratory Hemlab. On Saturday afternoons from 3 to 5 PM, they can learn through playful experiments along a ‘trial route’, complete with safety goggles and lab coats. For more information, visit www.hemlab.nl

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Zaans Natuur en Milieu Centrum (ZNMC) This is a great spot in Zaandam. It features an urban farm with goats, cows, chickens, and peacocks, as well as a beautiful, brand-new nature playground. As a highlight, a visit to the nature museum is a must. Here, you can discover and learn about various aspects of nature in a playful way, see all sorts of mounted animals, fossils, and even real tarantulas! For more information, visit znmc.nl

Boats Fancy going on a boat with the kids? You can rent boats and canoes at various locations.

For example, you can rent a canoe in Wormer at ‘Canoe Center Arjan Bloem’ or head to ‘Twiske Harbour’ and rent a boat there! For more information, visit kajak.nl and twiskehaven.nl

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Indoor playground Take the kids to Darteldome. In this indoor playground, children can climb, slide, and jump. There are also trampolines and go-karts. With its 2,100 m², it is considered one of the larger ones in Europe.

Swimming In the Zaan region, there are many places to go swimming. Indoor, you can visit Swimming pools ‘Zaangolf’ in Koog aan de Zaan or ‘De Slag’ in Zaandam. Outdoors, you can swim at ‘Het Zwet’ in Wormer and ‘De Crommenije’ in Krommenie. On nice days, you can also head to the beaches at the recreation areas ‘Het Twiske’ and ‘De Jagersplas’.

Streetjump Wormerveer Jump up at Street Jump Wormerveer! This fun indoor trampoline park is suitable for all ages.

The trampoline and inflatable park, located at the ‘Industrieweg 45’ in Wormerveer, is a popular attraction among children and teenagers in the Zaan region. Freerunning is also available there. For more information, visit streetjumpwormerveer.nl

Arcade Halls There are three arcade halls in the Zaan region. ‘Epix Arcade’, a unique VR Experience Center arcade in Zaandam, all in ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia. For board game enthusiasts, there is a selection of board games available, and you can relax with a drink in the VR Café. For more information, visit epixarcade.nl Or head to ‘Sir Winston Fun & Games’, an arcade full of exciting games and fun skillbased challenges. Not only can you enjoy the latest games, but also classic arcade games.

For more details, visit sirwinstonfungames.nl Last but not least, you can visit ‘Stickx Arcade’, which features carnival machines, pinball machines, racing games, shooting games, air hockey, and often retro-themed games like Mario or Pac-Man. For more information, visit stickxarcade.com

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culture in the zaan region

Looking for an evening out or a daytime excursion? The options are very diverse. Be sure to check the Zaan programming on Zaans.nl, as there is always something happening! Here’s a selection of what’s on offer.

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culture

Zaans Museum Discover themes and objects that are characteristic of the Zaan region. The museum pays significant attention to the Zaan region as the oldest industrial area in Western Europe. Many food products, including cocoa, rice, and oil, have been produced here for centuries. The Zaans Museum’s collection includes historical, modern, and contemporary work created by artists inspired by the Zaan region. There’s even a genuine Zaan painting by the world-famous French Impressionist Claude Monet.

More information on www.zaansmuseum.nl

Monet in Zaandam In 1871, Claude Monet created 25 paintings and 9 drawings in Zaandam in just four months. The Monet in Zaandam Foundation highlights this special stay of one of the world’s most famous painters. They offer walks, lectures, events, a brochure, products, and a studio where exactly painted reproductions of all the artworks are displayed. More information on www.monetinzaandam.nl

Fluxus, Podium The Flux, de Groote Weiver FluXus is the center for the arts in Zaanstad, offering courses in visual arts, dance, media, music, and theater. The programming at music venue ‘The Flux’ features performances by both internationally known and talented local Zaan artists.

For a more alternative program, visit ‘De Groote Weiver’ in Krommenie.

More information on poppodiumdeflux.nl and degrooteweiver.nl

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Zaantheater A few years ago, the ‘Zaantheater’ has won the award for the best theater in the Netherlands. Artists are eager to perform here, which reflects in its extensive programming. More information on www.zaantheater.nl

Film house and Cinema ‘Filmtheater De Fabriek’ in Zaandam has three screens featuring a film-house programming. With one of the best terraces in the region, you can enjoy the sun here during the summer. The reasonably priced café-restaurant has a nice atmosphere. For mainstream movies go to Pathé Zaandam, with six large screens . More information de-fabriek.nl and pathe.nl Motorblok Motorblok is a social-cultural platform and a creative space where (theater)makers can experiment and bring their dream productions to life. It’s a place to meet over coffee by the river, read, view exhibited art, see a try-out, get inspired by creators, or participate in activities. More information on www.hetmotorblok.nl Bullekerk The impressive church, Bullekerk, has been a community center since the 17th century. Since 2019, it has served as a cultural center, hosting performances, exhibitions, and events.

More information on www.bullekerk.nl

Hembrugmuseum See the article about the Hembrug grounds on page 32.

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More Museums Czaar Peterhuisje Czaar Peterhuisje (1632) is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands and is named after the Russian Tsar Peter the Great. He stayed in the house for eight days while staying incognito to study shipbuilding. The shipyards were located opposite his lodging. Many famous figures visited the house in the centuries that followed, from Napoleon to Gorbachev.

More information on zaansmuseum.nl/czaar-peterhuisje Honig Breethuis Jacob Honig Jansz. Jr. (1816-1870), a former paper manufacturer and notable figure, compiled a collection of books, images, paintings, and artifacts on Zaan history. In a beautiful merchant’s house in Zaandijk, you can see rotating high-quality exhibitions from the collection. More information on www.honigbreethuis.nl Street art There are several places with street art in Zaandam. For example, there is a mural under the ‘Anton de Kom bridge’ in Zaandam, dedicated to Keti Koti. Street artists have also made various impressions of the paintings that Claude Monet made in Zaandam.

A walking guide along the murals in Zaandam is available at the Zaanstore and the Monet Atelier.

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explore the zaanse wetlands The Zaan region is not only home to the oldest industrial area in the Netherlands, where hundreds of windmills once operated. You also find an enormous area of green here. Wet peat meadows that are just above or even below the sea level. Meadows with long ditches, willows and cows. The ‘Zaanse wetlands’ are a paradise for meadow birds and nature lovers.

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‘het landschap van 10 eeuwen to doterug’

Plenty of options in the Zaan region. The Guisveld, the Westzijderveld, the Reef, the Oostzanerveld, the Kalverpolder and in Wormerland the Wormer and Jisperveld. Each polder is unique and has its own history.

Unique flora en fauna Hardly anywhere else will you find as many birds as in the ‘Zaanse wetlands’.

Lapwings, godwits, buzzards and harriers are regularly seen and dozens of meadow birds have their breeding grounds here. The variety of plants is also astonishing. The landscape has traditionally been

managed by farmers who, just like in the past, bring cows to the many islands to graze, taking into account the breeding season of the birds.

Beautiful walking and cycling The Zaanse polders are beautiful areas to wander through. The ‘Veenweide Route’ and ‘Wormer Cycle Route’, for example, both lead you through extensive peat meadow areas full of ditches, moist grasslands and characteristic villages. ‘Staatsbosbeheer’ has several online walking tours in this region.

Such as the walk on the’

Frans Marspad’ from Wormerveer to Zaandijk through the ‘Guisveld’. Or enjoy a short walk through the ‘Kalverpolder’ on the ‘Schanszichtpad’, where you can experience an Old Dutch landscape with meadows and mills. And the walk on the ‘Riettopad’ in Guisveld, which shows the landscape of ten centuries ago.

Would you like to rent a bicycle and explore the region by bike? There are several bicycle rental companies, such as ‘Zaandam city bikes’ and ‘Enjoybikes Zaanse Schans’. Various cycling routes can be found at www.zaans.nl

walk on water If you want to experience the wetlands in a special way, join one of the organized tours. Join a boat trip on a quest for godwits and lapwings in the Guisveld. More information: • Nederlandfietsland.nl/knooppuntroutes/veenweide-en-wormer-fietsroute • Staatsbosbeheer.nl/natuurgebieden/zaanstreek/routes • Staatsbosbeheer.nl/activiteiten/zaanstreek • Poelboerderij.nl

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strolls and stories Wherever you are in the Zaan region, almost everything breathes history. Everywhere you will find traces of the industrial and rich past. We selected two walks that lead you past beautiful places and special stories. The ‘Zaandam City Walk’ and the ‘Oud Zaandijk’ walk are full of details and interesting facts.

Oud Zaandijk Walk Would you like to get a taste of the authentic Zaan region? Go for a walk through Oud Zaandijk using the walking route guide.

The guide takes you over the (Lage)dijk along the Zaan, through the village of Gortershoek and the Zaanse Schans. All kinds of details and facts will bring the old village to life. In approximately two hours (6.5 km) you will learn more about Zaan’s history and their (paper) industry. Available at the Zaanstore on Stadhuisplein. www.zaanstore.nl

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City walk Zaandam The city walk through the center of Zaandam takes you into the rich history full of industry. The dignitaries and artists who found inspiration there.

The heritage of timber construction and architectural styles. After about two hours (6.5 km) you will know a lot more about Zaandam! Available at the Zaanstore on Stadhuisplein. www.zaanstore.nl

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the unique world of the unconventional zaanse millers Once upon a time, as many as 600 windmills were operating in the Zaan region at the same time. They sawed wood, ground everything from dyes to oilseeds and even produced very high-quality paper. There are now 18 windmills in the Zaan region, seven of which are on and around the Zaanse Schans.

A visit to a Zaanse mill, a wooden factory, is a very special experience. Through the mill door you literally step back into time. Do this especially when the wind is blowing, because then you will hear the toil of the mill mechanism and smell the production smells. Such as the oily smell of linseed oil or the unique, sweet smell of freshly sawn cherry wood. Paint mill ‘De Kat’ on the Zaanse Schans has a collection of dyes that are in demand worldwide. And at the sawmills they drag enormous oak trunks out of the river mud, which have been “watering” there for years.

Golden opportunity seized During the Golden Age, the Zaan region benefited optimally from Amsterdam’s commercial drive. The Zaankanters built enormous amounts of industrial mills.

At its peak there were as many as 600 at the same time. That must have been an incredible sight! The creativity with which the Zaankanters made one industrial mill

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invention after another is very special. Like age-old wooden pistons that pump water up into a paper mill. Or hammering pestles that pound up and down and soften fibers of hemp plants, for rope production.

Inventor Corneliszoon van Uitgeest It all started in 1594 because Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest invented the sawmill. He managed to convert the horizontal force of the blades into a vertical movement of saw blades via a crankshaft.

This meant a huge leap forward in wood cutting speed. Until then, this was done by hand. Because of the mills, there was suddenly much more sawn wood available to build ships and warehouses. As a result, the VOC trade continued to grow.

Saved from destruction Thanks to the Zaanse Molen Association (1925), all kinds of different types of mills have been saved from destruction. Such as the ancient flour mill ‘De Dood’ in Zaandijk and the oil mill ‘De Ooievaar’ next to the Duyvis nut factory. But new mills have also been built in recent years, sometimes using old wooden parts. Including the ‘Jonge Schaap’ on the Zaanse Schans and the ‘De Pauw’ hemp mill in Nauerna. There are plans to rebuild an old Zaan neighborhood on the De Hemmes peninsula, next to the Zaanse Schans, including several mills.

wood & craft

Zaan culture Windmills are part of the Zaan culture.

For example, local political party ROSA had made its own T-shirt when Obama became president of the United States.

It contained a variant of his campaign slogan “Yes We Can!”, namely: Yes, Wieken! And Zaankanters from Wormerveer were called ‘gladoren’ (smooth ears), because in the noise of the oil mills they held their hand to the ear in order to hear each other.

Disappeared A mill must live. Without wind, no production. So when the steam engine appeared and a factory could produce 24 hours a day, the mills gradually disappeared from the Zaan region. A number of the modern factories are still located in places where mills once stood. And luckily there are still eighteen of them working hard when the wind blows.

Mill Museum The Mill Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the mills. Discover craft techniques and admire authentic tools in a beautiful historic setting. More information on zaanschemolen.nl/molenmuseum

did you know The American Declaration of Independence (the origin of the United States) from 1776 was printed on paper from a Zaanse mill.

Mill De Koker, Wormer

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wood from the zaanstreek Wood has traditionally been a very suitable, light building material for the marshy Zaan soil. And also was widely available in the Zaan region. And many different companies and professions are still associated with this ideal building material. From timber wholesalers, pallet companies, frame makers and mill builders to interior carpenters, construction companies and furniture makers. Here you can read where you can find beautiful examples of timber constructions.

There are many special wooden buildings spread across the Zaan region.

Many are hundreds of years old and usually painted green, with white trims, window frames and details.

Some buildings are newly built, but entirely in historic style. What is a must see? It goes without saying that the Zaanse Schans is a great place to go, also because of the wooden windmills! Opposite the Zaanse Schans you will find the many historic, partly wooden buildings on the Lagedijk in Zaandijk. And, also nearby, the hamlet of Haaldersbroek. Don’t miss the enchantingly beautiful village of Jisp, where time seems to stand still. This also applies to large parts of Westzaan. Finally, we recommend the many monuments with green facades in the ‘Noorderhoofdstraat’ in Krommenie.

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wood & craft

For those who like Historical wooden constructions can also be found in modern Zaanse buildings. Such as the canopy in front of the entrance to Zaandam station.

And not far from there, in the beautiful construction of the Bicycle Warehouse in Vinkenstraat. Both are designs by the Zaanse architectural firm Nunc.

The center of Zaandam is bursting with many modern Zaanse wooden buildings.

‘Makelaars’ on the roof Everyone in The Netherlands knows the word ‘Makelaar’ (meaning: real estate agent). This is also the name of a decorated wooden joint on top of facades.

And that is as Zaans as it gets! These ‘Makelaars’ can be found in all kinds of beautifully decorated variations. There is even a holiday home in Oost-Knollendam that has a ‘makelaar’ on both the front and back facade: the faces of the man and woman who lived there.

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Zaanbocht, Wormerveer Warehouses, Wormer Lassie factory, Wormer De Adelaar, Wormerveer Mill museum Oil mill De Os Wood saw mill Het Jonge Schaap

8. Zaans Museum 9. Oil mill De Zoeker 10. Restaurant de Kraai 11. Wood saw mill De

Gekroonde Poelenburg

12. Restaurant De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis

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Verkade factory, Zaandam Bullekerk Town hall Zaandam Zaantheater Restaurant De Fabriek Oostzijdekerk, Zaandam Blue house Monet, Zaandam Czaar Peterhuisje, Zaandam Inntel Hotel, Zaandam Museum of Humanity ArtZaanstad Bij Bind Lab 44

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HOOP brewery, Zaandijk

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Verrassing aan de Zaan

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HEMBRUG TERREIN

AMSTERDAM

Visit zaans.nl for a complete map of the region

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zaans green: a colorful past Everyone immediately can picture an image when the hear the term ‘Zaans green’: a cute, dark green wooden house.

But… if you cycle or walk through the Zaan region, you will discover countless shades of green. In fact, there are all other kinds of typical Zaanse colors.

This question also arose during the development of the new center of Zaandam (page 6). Rob van Maanen delved into color history and he subsequently wrote the book ‘Zaans Groen 1959 - 2019’. He developed a color range for the Zaanse timber construction.

‘Houses in all colors’ The color wheel starts in the 16th century with the brown tones of the charcoal tar and shows the first green tones in the 17th century. It was only from the mid-19th century that factory paints with strong pigments led to a period of multi-color. “There are houses here in all colors…,” the French painter Monet wrote from Zaandam to a French painter friend in 1871.

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Color revolution When all the bright green areas became dark in the 1980s, resistance arose in the Zaan region. The Zaanse Schans is gradually showing various shades of green again. In the rest of the Zaan region, a real color revolution even emerged with historical colors such as copper green, mustard yellow, umber brown and Berlin blue.

“color incidents turned the Zaan region into a color guide…”

“Color incidents turned the Zaan region into a color guide from which the Netherlands can still learn a lot,” says Van Maanen in his book. The bright green tones from the 19th century were given a contemporary character in the new Zaan city center and from then on have been known as ‘Zaans Groen’(Zaans Green).

wood & craft

monet-blue At least as famous as the Zaanse green is the Monet blue of the Zaanse house that the French painter Claude Monet painted in Zaandam at the end of the 19th century. At first it was assumed that Monet had invented the color, but research showed that the house was really blue at the time. The house is still there and part of the facade has now regained its original blue color. Go and take a look at ‘Hogendijk 78’ in Zaandam.

CHARCOAL TAR

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BERLIN BLUE

1700 - 1800

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the industrial hembrug site: mysterious and raw!

From 1895 onwards, the HEM Bridge formed the highly secured heart of the Defense Line of Amsterdam, the defense line around our capital. No fewer than 10,000 employees here provide weapons and ammunition for, among others, the Dutch army. The weapons provide room for creativity on this mysterious terrain with bunkers, special paths and beautiful buildings.

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to do

Lab-44

Museum of Humanity Although the name suggests otherwise, the Museum of Humanity does not see itself as a museum but as a movement.

A movement that believes in the beauty and value of every person. And the portraits and stories in this special building photograph this from all directions. Address: Ketelhuis 10, more information on museumofhumanity.nl

Lab-44 You can cycle or walk here enjoy delicious food and drinks.

Inside the former laboratory of the ammunition factory or outside on the lovely terrace.

A wonderful place for consumers and creators of food. For example, the ‘Ministry of Spicy Business’ makes its Zaanse chili sauces here. Address: Middenweg 44, more information on lab-44.nl

Museum of Humanity

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BIND

BIND This is the living room of the Hembrug site. Fancy a slow coffee or an inspiring event (music, theater, poetry and stories)? You are welcome in this old transformer house or somewhere outside in the grass or in a hammock. Address: Middenweg 107, more information on bijbind.nl

Dirk Brand

Hembrug Museum

ArtZaanstad A well known and important gallery in the field of contemporary visual art throughout the Netherlands. Not only a center where people can lend art in Zaandam, but also an active gallery for artists. In addition to art, you will find an extensive collection of design items in the art gift shop. Address: Grote Hulzen 11, more information on artzaanstad.nl

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Hembrug Museum Don’t be shy and peek inside the Hembrug Museum, situated in two informative buildings.

Using objects, photos, films and stories you will discover everything about the history of the site and ammunition production. Address: Kanonnenloods 14, more information on zaansmuseum.nl/ hembrug-museum

ArtZaanstad

ZAMU (under development) A new gigantic museum is currently being established. Factory buildings are being transformed into ZAMU, a massive museum with an exhibition space of 35,000 square meters. The museum, named ZAMU (the Zaanstad Amsterdam Museum), will feature exhibitions from only fifteen artists, all of whom are big names, with some already deceased, each given their own hall.

Special events The Hembrug site is a perfect place for special festivals and events.

Check the agenda on Zaans.nl for these events and more on zaans.nl/agenda

Hembrug Happening

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enjoy: beauty & taste

shopping in de zaan region You can really enjoy shopping in the Zaan region. You will find it all: from larger chains to small boutiques. All kinds of specialty shops can be found throughout the region.

City center of Zaandam You can go shopping on and around the Gedempte Gracht – the main shopping street of the Zaan region. Cloths, household items, gifts or jewelry, there is something for everyone. Need a break? Around the corner you will find ‘The Dam’, a great square full of bars and restaurants and nice terraces.

Zaanbocht Wormerveer The Zaanbocht is also great for shopping with fantastic cafés and restaurants. You will find hip boutiques, trendy shops and small-scale merchants. There is plenty to find: fashion, gift shops and design. Have a walk around and enjoy a nice cup of coffee on the terrace. The beautiful view over the Zaan with its historic warehouses on the other side is unique!

Zuiderhoofdstraat Krommenie Restaurants, cloth stores, sports supplies, small boutiques and much more. This authentic village street is great for shopping.

The best bookstore in the Zaan region can also be found in Krommenie: named Stumpel.

Specialty stores There is still a lot of nice places missing by highlighting a few here. Here is an impression of the great diversity. On the

Zaanse Schans you can go to Zaans Ket for handmade soaps. In Koog aan de Zaan, Le Cockelon offers an extensive range of wines, French cheeses, sausages and other delicacies. On the Westzijde in Zaandam you should definitely not miss the cozy gift shop of Zaansch Faam. At Dekker Watersport in Zaandam you can find everything you need in and on the water.

Home improvement boulevard Zaandam With more than fifty stores you can always find something for your home or garden. At Loods 5 you can wander endlessly among the most beautiful furniture. From tables, cupboards and rugs to lamps, candles and all kinds of trinkets. And that is just one of the many possibilities.

Cafés and restaurants in the Zaan region There are countless cafés, terraces and restaurants in the Zaan region where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.

For the current range of cafes and restaurants, visit zaans.nl

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typical products from the zaan region Go to the Zaanstore for a wide range of Zaanse products.

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zaanse mosterd

verkade koekjes

euforij chocolade

zaanse mayonaise

lassie rijst

hoop bier

enjoy: beauty & taste

colophon Zaans Welkom is a publication of Stichting Marketing Zaanstreek Westzijde 178h, 1506 EK ZAANDAM Publication date October 2024 Text and editorial Bas Husslage, Tekstbureau Woordenschat Jeanet Verweij, Marketing Zaanstreek Barry Menger, Counter Collective, Nienke Aussems, Larissa Terlaak Design Counter Collective Photography Floor van der Vlist, Mike Bink, PPHP, Niels Kuijt, Klimpark Twiske, Natuur en Milieu Centrum, De Bieb, Fluxus, Dartel en Trampoline Dome, Bart Homburg, Dirk Brand, Vereniging De Zaansche Molen, Piet Boon, Forbo, Parteon, Jeanet Verweij, Cassander Eeftink Schattekerk, Nick Chesnaye, Jeroen Verrecht, Erik Rietman, Zaanstore.

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tip For more information and the latest updates, visit the website zaans.nl and stay informed about everything Zaanstreek has to offer!

For personal travel advice and/or nice local products and souvenirs, you can visit the Zaanstore: Address: Stadhuisplein 96 in Zaandam, +3175 615 0406, Zaanstore.nl