The area around the Zaan river, one of the world's first industrial regions dating back hundreds of years, is just a 45 minute bus ride from Amsterdam and is breathtakingly beautiful. There were once over 1000 operating windmills here, and it's also home to most of the other things you might associate with Holland: cheese, wooden shoes, sheep, canals......I can't wait to get back to this region again sometime and explore by bike or by boat, until then I'll just look at my photos and sigh, and be grateful for the fact that I even had the chance to visit in the first place!
A fun collection nailed to the side of the wooden shoe store in Zaanse Schans.
The Zaan river and the outdoor windmill museum at Zaanse Schans.
Majestic windmills, restored and in use today!
Whoever thought of making these shaped rooves was just brilliant!
From this windmill you can take a little jetty across the Zaan river ( for 1 euro) to the lovely little town of Zaandijk, with many beautifully restored homes, and a nice little walk.
Looking across to Zaandijk.
Homes in Zaandijk.
More.
A last glimpse at a beautiful little canal in Zaanse Schans. Truly picturesque.
Arriving back in Amsterdam as the sun was setting. Wow. Historic architecture beautifully cared for (even though many of the buildings look they are only standing by virtue of being sandwiched between others) and water, lots of water. Love it.
