Enjoy the area around Wormerveer

Waterways, two forts and the Zaanse Schans as a finale: if you want to experience the many faces of Dutch polder history, this route is the right choice!

You cycle through the open landscape in the area around Wormerveer and Zaandam. It is wonderful to cycle here along the course of the Zaan and through the strictly divided polders and rugged peat meadow areas. Along the many waterways, there are sometimes lush reed strips on the banks. You will pass through Westzaan, a ribbon village that, together with Oostzaan, is the oldest village in the Zaan region. Part of this picturesque village enjoys a protected village view. West and East Knollendam once formed one entity: Knollendam. When the dam in the Zaan was cleared in 1632, the current division arose. Remarkably enough, this division also affected religious life: in West Knollendam the church community was mainly Mennonite, in East Knollendam it was Reformed.

In addition to monumental buildings, you will also see several historic mills and forts from the Defence Line of Amsterdam in this area. Near Krommenie you will pass De Woudaap, a polder mill dating from 1651. The Fort at Krommeniedijk dates from 1897, although at that time it consisted only of earthen walls. The bomb-proof buildings were built in 1903. Further on you will pass Fort aan den Ham. This fort was built in 1903 to be able to control the newly constructed railway line between Amsterdam and Alkmaar. The fort was only manned by Dutch soldiers during the First World War. At the Zaanse Schans you will see De Bleeke Dood, also called De Dood. This corn mill, built in 1656, is the oldest wooden tower mill in the Netherlands that is still standing.

Of course, you can see much more at the Zaanse Schans. You drive through an impressive historical industrial landscape. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, this was the industrial area in Europe: nowhere else was there so much industry in such a small area. In and around the Zaanse Schans, the original streetscape has been largely preserved, it is a world-famous attraction. In the nineteenth century, the mills were replaced by large factories, warehouses and offices. You can still visit the old buildings of traditional Dutch companies such as Albert Heijn, Verkade and Bruijnzeel.

The route starts and ends at De Koffiezaak in Wormerveer, where you have a beautiful view of the water of the Zaan and the historic industrial buildings of Wormer. In this cozy espresso bar you can drink the most delicious artisanal espresso, coffee and tea. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can have something tasty with it. All drinks are made from fully sustainably grown products. You can also buy various organic coffee and espresso blends and tea varieties there.