Zaanse Schans Windmills Photo Gallery

Created in 1960, this open-air museum showcases Zaan timber houses and windmills set during the industrial revolution in the mid-19th century. Wood was the preferred construction material at time as there was plenty of it and stone structures would sink into the soft earth.

From Amsterdam, trains take less than 20 minutes to Koog-Zaandijk, now Zaanse Schans station. The museum is another 15 minute walk from there across the bridge.

Built in 1646 but burned down in 1782, the Windmill de Kat was used to grind chalk and raw materials for paint.