The Zaanse Schans was officially opened in 1972 as a timber construction reserve and has since grown into a top tourist attraction.
You walk from the hustle and bustle to tranquility: first past the many wooden houses and windmills along the Zaan and Kalver ring dike, then over the Engewormerdijk (watch out for cars!) and along the water of the Ringvaart. The many houseboats in the Braaksloot and certainly the hamlet of Haaldersbroek exude the atmosphere of yesteryear. Mass tourism is not yet a feature here. This neighborhood may possibly have been inhabited since the 13th century. The oldest surviving cottage, number 11, dates from 1661. Note: The Haaldersbroekerdwarsstraat is perhaps even more beautiful, although it will be a round trip. The roadside ditch, which every Zaan path originally had, has not yet been filled in here. At the Zaanse Schans, take a look at the Zaans Museum or the compact Zaanse Tijd Clock Museum. Or visit a windmill and discover how wood is sawn, how chalk and spices are ground, and how oil is pressed.
