Visit the most famous windmill village in the Netherlands, Zaanse Schans

Not only can you admire these unique architectural works, you also have the opportunity to explore traditional production processes such as making cheese, baking bread or making wooden shoes. Imagine yourself standing in the middle of a field of brilliant tulips, watching the windmills slowly turning, sipping a cup of hot coffee, you will definitely feel strangely peaceful. Let's explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands with Vietravel to see what's special!

1. A few words about the windmill village Zaanse Schans

Peaceful countryside scene of Zaanse Schans windmill village (Photo source: Collected)

The peaceful countryside scenery of the windmill village of Zaanse Schans seems to have come out of a fairy tale, captivating anyone who visits. Wildflower-lined paths wind through lush green meadows, where cows and sheep graze leisurely, creating a gentle natural scene that touches the heart. On the quietly flowing rivers, small wooden bridges connect the characteristic green old houses, as if telling the simple stories of the local people.

The most prominent highlight is the ancient windmills, the eternal symbol of Zaanse Schans, standing tall along the banks of the Zaan River. The village currently has a total of 13 windmills, of which 6 are over 300 years old and still operate rhythmically, on average turning once every 16 seconds, but when the wind is strong, it only takes 10 seconds to complete a rotation. Witnessing each rhythmic movement of these windmills, visitors not only feel the strong vitality of tradition but also feel like they are lost in an ancient era, where Zaanse Schans is a symbol of harmony between humans and nature.

2. Experiences at the windmill village of Zaanse Schans

2.1. Visit the wooden clog factory

Traditional wooden clog production area – an indispensable symbol of Dutch culture (Photo source: Collected)

When arriving at the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, a journey along the banks of the Zaan River will take visitors to the traditional wooden clog production area – an indispensable symbol of Dutch culture. The wooden clogs, rustic yet attractive, associated with the image of traditional costumes with multi-layered skirts or wide-legged pants, tell the story of a country below sea level, where cold winters and high humidity make the flimsy cloth shoes unable to protect the feet of workers.

In the past, from willow, poplar or ash logs, artisans skillfully carved deep to create sturdy clogs with high upturned toes like the bow of a boat, lined with soft straw to keep warm and comfortable. Until now, although the modern footwear industry has developed rapidly, the image of wooden clogs still exists in the lives of people, especially farmers and fishermen. Visit Zaanse Schans, witness with your own eyes how wooden clogs are handcrafted, you will feel the spirit of persistent labor and love for tradition of this land, where time seems to stand still amidst the rustic and ancient beauty.

2.2. Enjoy cheese at De Catherina Hoeve

Zaanse Schans also attracts visitors with the rich aroma of cheese (Photo source: Collected)

In addition to the towering windmills and traditional wooden clogs, the windmill village of Zaanse Schans also attracts visitors with the rich aroma emanating from the De Catherina Hoeve Cheese Factory. This is a perfect replica of a Dutch cheese farm, giving the feeling of stepping into a country fairy tale.

The Netherlands has long been on the world map for its dairy products, especially cheese. While many European countries favor soft cheeses, this country stands out for its hard or semi-hard cheeses, sometimes mixed with unique herbs or spices, creating an unmistakable flavor.

At De Catherina Hoeve, visitors can not only listen to the story of how hundreds of cheeses are made, but also immerse themselves in the warm atmosphere of the shop, which sells chocolates, waffles, sheepskins and countless exquisite souvenirs. This is your chance to discover another side of Zaanse Schans – a place that not only preserves the soul of the countryside but also spreads the quintessence of Dutch cuisine .

2.3. Explore the Zaanse Schans time museum

Zaanse Schans Time Museum (Photo source: Collected)

The Zaanse Schans Time Museum is a unique destination in the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, where visitors can explore the history of time through antique clocks and related stories. The museum displays an impressive collection of clocks from the 16th to the 20th century, including pendulum clocks, wall clocks, and water clocks – all of which demonstrate the artistry and craftsmanship of the Netherlands.

In addition to admiring the precious clocks, visitors can also learn about how people measured and managed time throughout history. Interesting stories about the role of time in daily life, from regulating the rhythm of work to its influence on trade and transportation, will make you appreciate the value of every moment.

Not only stopping at the tranquility of the museum, Zaanse Time Museum also regularly organizes interactive activities such as instructions on how to operate a mechanical clock or learn about the mechanism of a water clock. This is an ideal stop for those who love the harmony between history, art and the magic of time.

The windmills towering high, the small winding roads leading to the ancient houses, along with the melodious sound of wooden clogs clicking underfoot, all seem to be engraved in the memory of a traditional village, where time passes slowly and peacefully. The windmill village of Zaanse Schans is not only a tourist destination, but also a place where we can feel the soul of the Netherlands through every breeze, every simple but extremely profound rhythm of life.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/ngoi-lang-coi-xay-gio-zaanse-schans-v16003.aspx