6 hours in Old Holland: traditional artisans

Explore the polder landscapes on two wheels

From 10:00 to 11:00

One of the best ways to explore the spectacular countryside of Old Holland is with a bike rental. There are various rental shops in the region, including at the entrance to Zaanse Schans. Or, you can set out from Amsterdam along the Industrial Heritage Cycleseeing Route until it brings you through Zaandam and into the Zaanse Schans.

Duration: 1 hour

Get a lifetime’s dose of windmills

From 11:00 to 13:00

Zaanse Schans offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the Netherlands' industrial past with its traditional houses, warehouses and workshops. Walk around the old village and peek inside the Catharina Hoeve cheese farm to get an idea of how cheese is made, try on traditional wooden clogs, and peek into the windmills as part of The Windmill Museum.

Duration: 2 hours

Feast on traditional Dutch pancakes

From 13:00 to 14:00

What could be better than feasting on traditional Dutch pancakes in the heart of the beautiful Zaanse Schans? De Kraai is a rustic restaurant with a cosy interior and sunny terrace that is perfect for enjoying lunch, coffee and cake, and of course, the famous 29-centimetre pancakes loaded with tasty toppings. Have a read of our guide to restaurants and bars in the Old Holland area for more tips on where to refuel.

Duration: 1 hour

Visit industrial monuments along the River Zaan

From 14:00 to 15:00

The River Zaan was one of the oldest industrial areas in Europe, and wind and water played an essential role in its success. Whether you walk, cycle or take a boat cruise here, you’ll pass historical merchants’ houses and former factories. The 11-kilometre waterfront connects some 75 vintage industrial buildings, including windmills at the Zaanse Schans. Across the water, you’ll find the village of Grotershoek with its beautifully preserved 17th-century merchant houses. Pop into the Honig Breethuis Museum for an exhibition on the history of Zaanse paper, original hand-painted wallpaper from the 18th century, beautiful porcelain and much more.

Duration: 1 hour

Learn about the local lifestyle at the Zaans Museum

From 15:00 to 16:00

The Zaans Museum is well worth checking out and tells the story of daily life in the Zaan region over the centuries. You’ll also find the Verkade Experience - a chocolate-and-biscuit factory from the early 20th century, where the original machines are still churning away.

Duration: 1 hour

Don’t fancy leaving the area so soon? Check out these 12 and 24-hour guides, which will take you further into the industrial heritage, quaint fishing villages and polder landscapes of Old Holland.