Zaandijk, Wormer, Landsmeer

Did you know that the Zaanstreek is the oldest industrial area in the world? Between 1575 and 1975, this area, with more than a thousand mills, formed a true industrial park. At its peak, during the Golden Age, there were no fewer than six hundred mills along the Zaan River. They produced everything from wood and paper to spices and various types of oils, exporting these products worldwide. Without the Zaanse windmills, the Netherlands would probably never have become such a major power!

The windmills in the Zaanstreek were powered by wind. This was the work of local resident Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest, who invented the crankshaft in 1594. This innovation made it possible to convert the horizontal wind direction on the mill blades into a vertical sawing motion. This allowed wood to be sawed faster, straighter, and cheaper than ever before. Many mills along the Zaan focused on this craft. Thanks to all that wood, shipbuilding grew rapidly, which helped the Netherlands strengthen its position as a global power during the Golden Age. The location next to Amsterdam was ideal: products from the Zaanstreek easily made their way to the capital and also to the world market.

The Jonge Schaap at the Zaanse Schans is one of the mills that were invaluable to the development of the Netherlands. This sawmill was originally built in 1680 and played a key role in Dutch shipbuilding. In 1942, the original mill was demolished, and in 2005, it was rebuilt based on old blueprints. Today, visitors can see for themselves how wooden planks and beams are sawed using wind power. The mill is also a popular location for parties, weddings, and dinners.

There are more mills in the Zaanstreek area that have contributed to the development of the Netherlands in their own way. For example, in the countryside of Wormer, there is still the Koker mill (also known as the Zwarte Hengst), where the ship's biscuit was made that was eaten on ships of the VOC and WIC. Ship's biscuit was compact, long-lasting, and thanks to its high calorie content, fairly nutritious. This biscuit was a reliable source of energy during the numerous sea excursions that were so crucial for the colonial expansion of the Netherlands.

But the role of polder mills, such as the Twiskemolen, in Dutch history should not be forgotten. Although this mill was originally located in Barsingerhorn, its function remains the same: draining the surrounding polder. The land gained through such drainage not only increased the production of various important raw materials for trade, but also provided extra space for the growing cities. This allowed for the emergence of a new urban elite, which further boosted the development of the Netherlands.

Hop on your bike and discover the charm of North Holland’s nature and its majestic historical windmills. Relax in the green polders and a water-rich recreational park, and end with a quintessential Dutch panorama filled with industrial windmills at the Zaanse Schans.


This Premium cycle route has been compiled by our editor: Dewi Hoijtink.