The Zaan region is a peatland area with typical wooden houses and industrial monuments. On the shore of the river Zaan, you can still find 17th century windmills and 19th century factories.
At the Zaanse Schans you can go back to the Netherlands of the 18th and 19th century and visit the wooden windmills, barns, houses and museums, built in the typically Dutch wooden architectural style. Here, they also demonstrate traditional handicrafts and you can hop on a circular cruise. The Zaanse Schans is opened daily.