Zaanstad
Introduction
Located in the province of North Holland, you will find Zaanstad situated northwest of Amsterdam. As part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area, this municipality offers a gateway to the region's history and character.
You can explore the main city of Zaandam, which serves as the heart of the municipality within its surrounding conurbation.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by noting that much of the town center is currently a construction site as part of an extensive reconstruction project. While you can find some nice pubs and live music venues, the area near the station is undergoing significant changes. You will find the atmosphere improves once you walk away from the shopping esplanade toward the waterfront of the river Zaan, where streets like Zuiddijk and Prins Hendrikkade offer a more scenic setting.
Plan your itinerary around the surrounding landscape to experience flat meadows and historic windmills. As part of the oldest industrial area in the world, the region features many old buildings that showcase its wind-powered history. You can use the town as a starting point for cycling trips through the area, and you can find local maps and advice at the tourist information center located near the railway station.
Getting there
You can reach Zaandam by train from several locations. If you arrive at Schiphol Airport, take a direct train toward Hoorn, which stops in Zaandam twice every hour. Alternatively, you can catch any train bound for Amsterdam Centraal and transfer at Amsterdam Sloterdijk to continue your journey. From Amsterdam Central Station, the trip is just two stops away via Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
If your plans include visiting the Zaanse Schans open air museum, you can take a Sprinter train toward Uitgeest and disembark at Koog-Zaandijk railway station, followed by a short walk. You may also choose to travel by bus, with specific lines running from Amsterdam Central station directly to the museum. For those traveling by car, follow the A8 from the northern Amsterdam ring-road toward Zaanstad/Zaandam.
Getting around
You can navigate the area using local buses operated by Connexxion.
Where to stay
You can stay in a striking building near the Zaandam railway station that features an unusual architectural design. The structure resembles several traditional Zaan houses stacked together, creating an impressive sight as you exit the station.
The hotel offers numerous rooms and provides free WiFi for your stay.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors by enjoying Italian pizza baked in a wood oven and prepared with fresh ingredients. For those seeking a local atmosphere, you can visit a small pub situated in the former workplace of a blacksmith near the old harbor to experience beer-tasting.
What to see and do
Explore the area surrounding the river Zaan by bike, on foot, by car, or via a boat trip. You will encounter a striking mix of old-style industry, traditional wooden houses, and windmills set against open green pastures. This landscape offers a unique atmosphere where different historical epochs seem to collide within a small area.
Visit the Tsar Peter House, one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands, which served as a working-class home before it became a place where the Russian Tsar stayed to learn shipwright skills. You can also find the site of the Blue House, which was painted by Claude Monet during his stay in the area.
Three days in Zaanstad
Day one, you can begin your journey by traveling from Amsterdam Centraal to explore the nearby area. You can visit Zaanse Schans to see the traditional scenery and experience the local atmosphere of the region.
Day two, you can travel toward Zaandam or head toward Hoorn. Alternatively, you can spend your time exploring the unique character of the surrounding neighborhoods while taking in the sights.
Day three, you can visit the Tsar Peter House to see the Blue House and learn about the Russian Tsar. You can also enjoy the local surroundings as you conclude your stay in North Holland.