The Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum which shows visitors how life in ‘de Zaan’ was some 150 years ago. This complex does not only feature many authentic houses with lovely facades, a historical shipyard and clog-making demonstrations, the windmills in particular attract thousands of visitors each year.

De Zaan is probably the world’s first industrial estate ever. Approximately 250 years ago, some 800 windmills were cramped into this relatively small area, performing a wide range of industrial duties.

At the Zaanse Schans you can see the following windmills:

De Gekroonde Poelenburg
One of the five remaining paltrock windmills in Holland. Unfortunately, this mill is not open to the public.

De Kat
This mineral mill is open to the public, 7 days a week. It produces a range of raw materials for the coloring and paint industry.

De Zoeker and De Bonte Hen
These two oil mills are both in working order. Both mills are open to the public at certain times.

De Huisman
This small mustard mill is still in use and, unfortunately, not open to the public.

Just outside the Zaanse Schans you will find a number of windmills with lovely names, such as De Bleeke Dood (The Bleak Death), De Ooievaar (The Stork) and De Held Jozua (The Hero Joshua).

The nearby Schoolmeester (Teacher) is the last remaining paper windmill in the world. For many centuries, paper from De Zaan was well-known and loved for its quality throughout the world. Did you know that the American Declaration of Independence was written on paper from De Zaan?