6 hours in Old Holland: traditional artisans

12 hours in Old Holland: polder landscapes and heritage

24 hours in Old Holland: fishing villages and old time charm

Itineraries

Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience

The Zaans Museum tells the story of daily life in the Zaan region over the centuries. The Zaan was one of the oldest industrial areas in Europe, and wind and water played an essential role in its success. The museum is located in Zaanse Schans in a modern building with an industrial atmosphere.

https://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/plan-your-visit/accessibility/

Zaanse Schans Kalverringdijk

Zaanse Schans molenpanorama vanaf Zaan

Zaanse Schans arbeidershuizen

Zaans Museum

Zaans Museum Verkade Paviljoen

Molenmuseum Zaansche Molen

Museum Zaanse Tijd

Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into the main heyday of the Zaan region before the Industrial Revolution. The original aim of the construction of the Zaanse Schans was to preserve the traditional timber construction of the Zaan region, which is reflected in the beautiful historic village. The presence of the mills along the banks of the Zaan provides an iconic image of old Holland as it once was. Those who look around Zaanse Schans see history.

https://zaansmuseum.nl/en/tsar-peter-house/

Czar Peter House

The Czar Peter House is a humble dwelling that famously housed Peter the Great during his first eight days in the Netherlands. In the 17th century, the area around what is now known as Zaandam was a renowned shipbuilding district, and Peter had visited the region to learn about Dutch techniques. Fittingly, the old wooden house in which he slept was constructed from repurposed ship materials.

Jisperveld

De Poelboerderij

With its winding channels, unique vegetation, and exquisite bird-watching opportunities, the best way to experience the natural beauty of Old Holland is undoubtedly with a guided nature cruise.

The Edam Cheese Weigh House

De Kaaswaag Edam (Edam Cheese Weighhouse) invites you to explore the cheesemaking traditions of Edam, the cheese capital of the Netherlands located north of Amsterdam. The beautiful region keeps historic traditions alive and allows visitors to taste the celebrated product.

Het Twiske

Het Twiske recreational area lies to the north of Amsterdam between Zaanstad and Purmerend. It’s the ideal place for a day out on your bicycle, as Amsterdam’s bike paths connect directly to the paths in Het Twiske.

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam - Zaandam

The hotel with the world famous facade! The Inntel Hotel Zaandam is well worth a visit. Due to its ideal location, next to Zaandam station, you are in the heart of Amsterdam within 12 minutes.

Windmills at the Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that’s fun for all ages. Open year round, Zaans Schans is a free outdoor park with a collection of historical windmills. While the Zaanse Schans can be visited any time of year, the majority of the windmills are open to visitors from April to October. Besides windmills, you can also visit the souvenir shops, see clogs being made or visit a cheese farm near the Zaanse Schans.

In het Volendams Museum kunt u ngenieten van verschillende tafereeltjes die de rijke geschiedenis en cultuur van Volendam weerspiegelen. U kunt scënes verwachten die het dagelijks leven, klederdracht,ambachtenen tradities van dit dorp laten zien.

De muziekexpositie in het Volendams Museum neemt u mee op een reis door de rijke geschiedenis van Volendam. U kunt hier alles ontdekken over bekende Volendamse bands en artiesten, zoals The Cats, Jan Smit en nick en Simon en nog talloze anderen.

In het Volendams Museum is een bijzondere collectie van sigarenbandjes te bewonderen .Een collectie van 11.5 miljoen

Volendams Museum

The Volendams Museum is a museum located in the village of Volendam, known for its traditional costumes and fishing culture. The Museum focuses on preserving and exhibiting the rich history and traditions of Volendam. Visitors can take a look at the old fishermen houses, where they can experience what life used to be like. Furthermore, there is of course the famous cigar band house. There are fun treasure hunts and a craft corner for children

Museum Zaanse Tijd (Zaan Time Museum)

Timekeeping is at the heart of science and technology, and this museum pays homage to it with its unique focus on the craft of the clockmaker. Travel back in time and marvel at animated clocks depicting themes that are typical of the historical Zaan region, such as spinning windmills or whaling scenes. The museum proudly presents the rich Dutch heritage of beautiful and intricate timekeepers stemming from the Dutch Golden Age.

Museum of Humanity

Museum of Humanity wants to show that every person is a masterpiece. The industrial museum shows compelling portraits and stories of people from all over the world.

Honig Breethuis

The Honig Breethuis is located Gortershoek, a charming neighbourhood just across the river from the Zaanse Schans. The house was built around 1710 by Cornelis Jacobsz for a wealthy merchant and his family. The beautiful period interior gives an excellent impression of the life in the Zaan area hundreds of years ago. In addition to being a museum, the Honig Breethuis also hosts concerts, lectures and other special events.

Volendam-Marken Express

Nothing is more fun than a boat trip. Get on board at Rederij Volendam-Marken Express and sail from Volendam to Marken.

The Purmerends Museum

The Purmerends Museum was created in 1942 and since 1955 it has been housed in the former town hall on the Kaasmarkt. This characteristic building was restored and adapted to a new museum in 1987. The Purmerends Museum has a varied collection relating to the town and the region. In addition to items for everyday use the collection comprises old prints, illustrations, maps and paintings, implements (including those used in the dairy industry), horse-leighs and pottery.

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Read our editorial guides about Old Holland

Things to do in Old Holland

Art and culture in Old Holland

Restaurants and bars in Old Holland

Family and kids in Old Holland

Explore Old Holland with our interactive map

Routes and accommodation

Industrial Heritage Cycleseeing Route: windmills and shipyards

Waterland Cycleseeing Route: Dutch villages and countryside

Where to stay in Old Holland

Getting to Old Holland

Upcoming events in Old Holland

Old Holland

Discover Old Holland

Read the official I amsterdam Area Guide

Area Guide

With its windmills, green landscapes, arts and crafts, and industrial heritage, discovering Old Holland feels like taking a step back in time.

Old Holland | I amsterdam

Old Holland | Traditional artisans and picturesque villages

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