Holland has one of the best European countrysides, away from the hustle and bustle of it’s most sought-after, capital – city of Amsterdam. You will surely find yourself slowly soaking it up all when you drive through these roads with some spectacular view on each side – lush green pasturelands breathing in fresh air, cows, and sheep grazing about  their way, windmills working through the day and a plentiful of canals almost everywhere. There are many Dutch cities & towns where you can either choose to stay or make a day trip to, while staying at Amsterdam – Den Hague, Rotterdam, Geithoorn, Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden, Delft, Gouda, Maastricht – as its particularly exciting and an enriching experience to take a road trip.

One such great escape from the city of Amsterdam (where we never felt we could stay for more than few hours, but had to stay for few nights) is Zaanse Schans- The windmill village – It has a collection of well-preserved historic windmills and houses and Geithoorn – Water village, north of Holland.

Zaans Schans is a living piece of Dutch history- In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was home to around 600 active windmills. However today, among its wooden barns, houses and museums, just 10 windmills are still in operation, grinding oil, spices, and colorings. A day out here is certainly fun and educational.

As quoted by one of the websites–

“You shouldn’t only read about the heritage of the Zaan district, you have to experience it! This is what architect Jaap Schipper must have been thinking when he came up with the plan for the Zaanse Schans in 1946. Starting from 1961, several buildings were transported to the area by road and water. The Zaanse Schans, with its windmills, museums, nature, and culture has become a popular attraction where you can experience up close the industrial history of the Netherlands.”

This post is a collection  of all our memories captured during our day trip to Zaanse Schans.

After we entered the village, we were immediately zapped by the view of the lake and the windmills through these two trees. Just love the way people relax and soak sun.

 

There was so much green everywhere.

 

De Kat is the only remaining working windmill in the world which makes paint.

 

It was a pure delight to watch the birds marching their way.

 

Soaking some sun! We actually say a few ducks and their ducklings crossing over a tiny road. But unfortunately couldnt shoot it.

 

It was a treat to watch these colorful beauties from a distance.

 

This place is quite touristy, yet hushed and subdued.

 

Some antiquities of the past

 

 

Birds of a feather flock together.

 

 

Being in nature is healing. Isnt it ?

Lose yourself to this tranquil beauty only to find yourself back.

 

Working harder, to keep the history alive.

 

Zaanse Schans is so much worth one visit only because of these windmills

 

An everlasting love affair between the wind and the windmills. Surreal isnt it ?

 

The famous large yellow wooden shoe – A photography landmark

When in Holland, do not miss to go to this place – Now you know why i say this?

What are some of your favorite countrysides in Europe? 

Please leave a comment about what you feel about the above post. Would love to hear back from you.

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