The Zaanstreek-Waterland region combines a characteristic polder landscape with a rich industrial and cultural heritage. Cycling and walking routes take you along the River Zaan, past the Zaanse Schans and through the vast reclaimed lands of Waterland. Here, wooden houses, windmills and old industrial sites alternate with open peat meadows and water-rich polders. The proximity to Amsterdam makes the region easily accessible by public transport, whilst the landscape retains a distinct identity of its own. This makes Zaanstreek-Waterland an attractive region in which to experience history, the landscape and active recreation.
Regio Zaanstreek waterland
Routes in the Zaanstreek-Waterland region
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Busch en Dam en Krommenie
While canoeing, various parts of the Amsterdam Defence Line are still visible here.
- Start location
- Krommenie
- Distance
- 5.0 km
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Ode aan het schilderachtige Laag Hollandse Landschap
Start in Zaandam and cycle 92 km through North Holland in the footsteps of Monet, Signac, and Toorop. Picturesque villages, windmills, polders, and museums await you!
- Start location
- Zaandam
- Distance
- 92.0 km
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Fietsen onder de zeespiegel
Cycling through the vast polders of Laag Holland, you pass below sea level to Volendam, Monnickendam, and the island of Marken. This route takes you to the historic city center of Monnickendam, the Paard van Marken, and past the Volendam harbor!
- Start location
- Volendam
- Distance
- 35.0 km
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Oosterveld
Explore the enchanting waterways of the Zaan, which take you towards the beautiful Twiske and the Oostzanerveld.
- Start location
- Zaandam
- Distance
- 26.0 km
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Busch en Dam & Krommenieroute
This purple-marked route is a line from Busch en Dam to Krommenie. A beautiful connection with nice stops at special spots along the way.
- Start location
- Krommenie
- Distance
- 5.0 km
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Noordkustroute
Enjoy the view over an impressive 17th-century mill park in Schermerhorn: three series of lower, middle, and upper mills that were used to pump the water from the Schermerpolder into the ring canal.
- Start location
- Schermerhorn
- Distance
- 3.4 km
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Galerieroute
Cycle past five unique galleries and studios in Zaandam — from street art to Monet replicas — and discover the creative side of the Zaan region.
- Start location
- Zaandam
- Distance
- 10.0 km
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Zaans erfgoed
The Zaanse Schans was officially opened in 1972 as a timber construction reserve and has since grown into a top tourist attraction.
- Start location
- Zaandam
- Distance
- 6.1 km
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Industrieel erfgoed
The route runs along the water of the Zaan as much as possible. Where factories once stood, residential complexes have now risen that resemble their predecessors in form and volume.
- Start location
- Zaandam
- Distance
- 5.3 km
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Noord-Hollandpad - Etappe 10 Schermerhorn - Akersloot
This stage also offers plenty of variety. Here you walk through the Land of Leeghwater. As the Dutch, we are proud of the technical knowledge with which we do battle with the water. The polders of De Beemster and De Schermer, drained during the Golden Age, are fine examples of this. Along the way, therefore, you will encounter many straight roads, ditches, canals, and typical Dutch skies. Additionally, it is a stage passing through many village centers with cozy places to eat and drink.
- Start location
- Schermerhorn
- Distance
- 15.0 km
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Noord-Hollandpad - Etappe 12 Krommenie - Halfweg
This long stage—25 km is no small feat—is one of extremes. Here, you encounter not only grassy dikes, shell paths, and narrow dike roads, but you also walk through the prehistoric Oer-IJ, past remnants of the Amsterdam Defence Line and the North Sea Canal. And if that isn't enough, this stage takes you right into the heart of the Randstad, with planes flying to and from Schiphol overhead.
- Start location
- Krommenie
- Distance
- 25.0 km
Weather Forecast for the Zaanstreek-Waterland region
Overcast, 18°C
Wind speed: 10 knots / 18.5 km/h
Wind direction: NW
The weather in Zaanstreek-Waterland
Zaanstreek-Waterland is the place where the industrial heritage of the Zaan and the tranquil expanse of the peat meadows come together beneath an endless, ever-changing sky. Here, the weather is a master painter, constantly adding a fresh layer of lustre to Waterland’s iconic green wooden houses and mirror-like canals. Whether the sun sets the sails of the Zaanse Schans in motion or a soft mist hangs over the reed beds of the Gouwzee: this region is nostalgic, expansive and inextricably linked to the Dutch elements.