Tour of Zaandam, Zaanse Schans and Spaarndam

From your starting point you can cycle smoothly along the water of the Zaan. Zaandam is not built up like most cities. It originally consists of two parallel dikes on either side of the Zaan: East side and West side. Paths were constructed at right angles to this, into the field, where the many mills that this area once had were located. Be sure to visit De Zaanse Schans/Visitor Center Peace! Between cycle junctions 68 and 73 you will find the De Schoolmeester paper mill, the last paper mill in the world that grinds using wind power. It was built in 1692 and is still used to make paper every day using traditional methods. Via Spaarndam and the leafy greenery of Spaarnwoude / Houtrak you cycle to ParkCafé - Westgaarde Memorial Park. The ferry then takes you across the IJ to Zaandam.