Westzaan remains a unique village, with all those Zaan-style facades along the dike. A hundred and fifty windmills once stood here. And with Oostzaan this is the oldest village in the Zaan region. Listed building 't Reghthuys and also the Great Church dating from 1740 are reminders of the golden age of Westzaan. As you walk through this village you will automatically go back in time. But the best way to explore Westzaan and the water-rich surrounding Dutch landscape is still from the water. A well-known canoe route runs from Westzaan, Guisveld, De Reef, and beside windmills and reeds of course.
You will find many more windmills at the Zaanse Schans located nearby. Once devised to save endangered Zaandam buildings from oblivion, this old neighbourhood in the Kalverpolder has since grown into a major attraction. People travel from across the globe to see this unique piece of the Netherlands - with its windmills, wooden houses and workshops - with their own eyes. It is here that Holland in the 18th and 19th centuries are brought back to life. 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, tin works and the various windmills of course!