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

You drive through the open landscape in the vicinity of Wormerveer and Zaandam. It is wonderful to cycle here along the course of the Zaan and through the tightly divided polders and capricious 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 town enjoys a protected village view. West and East Knollendam once formed one whole: Knollendam. When the dam in the Zaan was cleared in 1632, the current dichotomy arose. Remarkably enough, this dichotomy also had an effect on religious life: in West Knollendam the church congregation became mainly Anabaptist, in East Knollendam Reformed.

In addition to monumental buildings, you can also see some historic windmills and forts from the Defense Line of Amsterdam in this area. Near Krommenie you will pass De Woudaap, a polder mill dating from 1651. The Fort near Krommeniedijk dates back to 1897, although at that time it only consisted of earthen walls. The bombproof buildings were built in 1903. Further on you will pass Fort aan den Ham. This fort was built in 1903 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 can see De Bleeke Dood, also known as De Dood. This flour mill, built in 1656, is the oldest surviving wooden tower mill in the Netherlands.

Of course you can see much more at the Zaanse Schans. You drive here through an impressive historic 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 largely been preserved, it is a world-famous landmark. In the nineteenth century, the mills were replaced by large factories, warehouses and offices. You can still visit the old buildings of typical 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 appetite, you take 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.