Zaanse Schans is probably the most photographed hotspot in the Zaanstreek and should certainly not be missed during a visit to Zaandam. Do you also want to discover the more hidden places instead of only taking pictures at tourist locations? Then this overview with the most beautiful photo locations of Zaandam will certainly provide you with many new ideas and inspiration.
Zaan houses and mills
Zaanse Schans
This photo location of Zaandam has become world famous for its coloured mills and houses on the water. In the shops and museums you can see with your own eyes how Dutch products are made in the traditional way. For example, visit a cheese factory, tin foundry, the mill museum or weaver’s house to discover it for yourself. Excited for more museums? Then the Verkade Special with access to the Zaans Museum and Verkade pavilion is super fun to add to your stay in Zaandam.
Voloured houses in Zaan style, Lagedijk Zaandijk
If you want to park your car out of the hustle and bustle and still within walking distance of the Zaanse Schans, Lagedijk in Zaandijk is highly recommended. In this street you will find a wide variety of beautifully coloured houses for which the region is so famous. The ideal place to take some photos in Zaanse style while you walk via the Juliana bridge to the Zaanse Schans.
Lookout tower Zaanse Schans, Kalverpolderpad Zaandam
Did you know that the Zaanse Schans is located in the Kalverpolder, a protected peat meadow landscape on the Zaan? This unique location makes the viewing tower on the edge of the historic Zaanse Schans the perfect place to take beautiful pictures of the mills on the water.
Historic Zaandam
Tsar Peter House
The world-famous oldest wooden house in the Netherlands, was the residence of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great. The unique hotel suite of Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam is based on this historic building. Check out the different room types for an overnight stay like royaltys.
The Blue House and Monet studio
Long, long ago, in 1871, the French painter Claude Monet spent several months in Zaandam. During a walk through the city you can pass the Monet studio and blue house. This was a great source of inspiration for the architects of Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. Can you discover the blue house on the outside of the hotel?
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
A search on Instagram with #Zaandam will show many pictures of Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. This hotel is probably the most popular photo location of Zaandam. When you arrive by train to explore the area, this building can’t be missed. The hotel façade consists of seventy Zaan houses in different shades of Zaans green and one of the houses has a different colour as a reference to Monet’s famous painting. Stay at this unique location in the centre of Zaandam and discover the different room themes.
City Hall Zaandam
To explore the most beautiful places of Zaandam, the City Walk of 6.5 km, available at the tourist office, is highly recommended. The route takes you past the town hall that is not just a building of the municipality. The colourful design in Zaan style is a very popular place for taking photos. How great would it be to get married here? There is a good chance that there’s a wedding at city hall is going on when you visit.
Hidden spots in Zaandam
Hembrug terrain – museum of Humanity
In the past, the Hembrug terrain was used to supply the army with weapons and ammunition from the factory. Nowadays, you find creative concepts and companies. You can discover more about the history of the area in the Hembrug museum. For lovers of photography, museum of humanity is highly recommended. Here you will find the permanent exhibition by Ruben Timman in which people are all portrayed from the same point of view with neutral facial expression, which gives a unique glimpse into the soul of these people. Curious about other attractions in Zaandam and the region, read Gundiscover’s blog.
Image: @gundiscover
Nature reserve Het Twiske
In this area just below Zaandam there is plenty to do for nature lovers and children. Get to see the meadows and forests via the many hiking and cycling trails or discover the area from the water. In the summer it is also wonderful to picnic and swim by the water, so the children will enjoy themselves for hours.
Start planning your visit to this city and it’s region to not miss out on the most beautiful photo locations of Zaandam.
You’ll be surprised.