Enjoy the Zaan region

The Zaanstreek is a region known worldwide for its industrial past. Yet this area also has another side: that of a varied and surprisingly quiet polder landscape. With this route you will discover both beautiful faces of the Zaan region.

Zaankade
The route starts in Assendelft, in the longest Dorpsstraat in the Netherlands. You cycle through the old Westzanerpolder to the picturesque old ribbon village of Westzaan, which enjoys a protected village view. A little later you drive along the quay of the Zaan. Around 1720, the Zaan region had its industrial peak: at that time approximately 600 windmills were in operation at the same time. In and around the Zaanse Schans, this original streetscape has largely been preserved, it is a world-famous landmark.

Defense of Amsterdam
To the right of the path you see the Wormer and Jisperveld, a wide low moor area. You cycle to West and East Knollendam, which once formed one whole. The dichotomy arose when the dam in the Zaan was cleared in 1632. In Krommeniedijk you will see a beautiful village church from 1755. A little later you will cycle past two forts: Fort bij Krommeniedijk and Fort aan den Ham.