Zaanse Schans, The Netherlands (2021)
We have always wanted to visit Zaanse Schans in the province of Noord-Holland. Never got around to it as we always found it to be way too touristic with way too many people in a relatively small area. But in 2021 with the Covid pandemic causing tourists not allowed into the country anymore it is the perfect time to go. We were definitely not disappointed. Great weather, very quiet and plenty of possibilities for a relaxed walk in between the historic windmills.
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Below are all the photos related to this travel experience including the relevant link to the shop.
Arrived at Zaanse Schans
Arrived at the Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the historic windmills here. Blue skies and no tourists!
Lots of water asks for many bridges
Lots of water asks for many bridges at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. They absolutely look pretty but I am glad to not live here and having to rely on these bridges for all shopping and other deliveries.
Walking towards the windmills
This is the dyke to walk towards the windmills at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. It was truly nice to be able to enjoy this area without the thousands of tourists that usually gather here.
Row of windmills
Lovely row of windmills with Specerijmolen 'De Huisman' in the front at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. There are a few more but this shows the most important ones.
The green mill
The green mill (Specerijmolen 'De Huisman') at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands is one of the first ones you'll encounter when walking along the dyke. Nice view here at the other windmills a little further away.
Windmill 'De Gekroonde Poelenburg'
Windmill 'De Gekroonde Poelenburg' makes for one of the nicest views at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. We looked at this one while enjoying a take-away coffee.
Fully operational Paint mill
The fully operational Paint mill (Verfmolen 'De Kat') at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands is normally used as a restaurant. Because of Covid it was closed but they found a way to sell some snacks and coffee through a small window.
The green bike
Not everything at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands looks shiny and new. Couldn't help noticing this green bike in between all the junk. Not sure if it was still in use.
Working at the sawmill
Working at the sawmill (Houtzaagmolen 'Het Jonge Schaap') at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. It was nice to see that some of the windmills here are still in use.
Great weather for a windmill walk
We were lucky with the weather and it turned out to be a great day for a windmill walk at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. Rested for a while on this bench to admire the windmills around us.
Active sawmill
Not all windmills at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands are restored just to admire them. Some of them are actually in use like this active sawmill, houtzaagmolen 'Het Jonge Schaap'.
Cute bridges
So many cute bridges to be seen on a walk through Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. This one was not curved like the many others we've seen.
Cycling the windmills
Many people visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands by walking along the dyke. But they can just as easily be reached by bicycle. Many do so as part of a longer cycling trip in the area.
White drawbridge
Given the amout of small waterways in Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands, bridges are necessary to cross them. Some of those are drawbridges like this small white one.
A small flock of sheep
It is not just cute houses, windmills and bridges in Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. Quite a lot of sheep live here too. Here a lovely small flock of sheep.
Door without a wall
We had absolutely no idea what the point of this was, but it sure was funny to see this door without a wall while strolling through Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands.
All bridges here are curved
Coming towards the end of our pleasant walk in Zaanse Schans, The Netherlands. It was absolutely fantastic to walk though this area with the green houses, historic windmills and many bridges. Almost all bridges here are curved to make sure boats can pass underneath.