he beautiful rural village of Oostzaan lies to the east of the river Zaan, just north of Amsterdam. Along with Westzaan, it is the oldest village in the Zaan region and still has a few typical Zaan-style wooden houses. You will also find an old sawmill here, De Windjager, in the familiar bright-green colour that is so prevalent in this area. The people of Oostzaan are renowned as traders. Grocer Albert Heijn (nineteenth century) was one such trader, who came from an Oostzaan family. Today, branches of Albert Heijn can be found all over the world.
The entire Zaan region, to which Oostzaan belongs, is also known for its lively trade. No other region in Europe existed (in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries) where so many companies were based. Once, over six hundred windmills turned their sails in the Zaan region. From weavers and starch factories and sailmakers to sawmills, shipyards and cattle breeders: you could literally find everything on the Zaan. Nearby open-air museum De Zaanse Schans brings part of that history to life: here you can stroll between the windmills, wooden houses and workshops. Walk past the warehouse where clogs are made or enjoy the aroma of fresh bread at the bakery museum. Also not to be missed: the cheese dairy and the tin works.