The Kalverringdijk windmills, inside and out

The Kalverringdijk dyke, on the bank of the river Zaan, lines up the windmills that made the Zaanse Schans famous. They are not a stage set: the Zaan region was the first industrial zone in western Europe and had hundreds of windmills that ground spices, pressed oil, sawed timber or made paint. The ones you see here were brought from other villages from 1961 and several are still producing.

Which windmill to go inside

• De Kat, of 1664, the only paint mill still working in the world: it grinds pigments for artists and restorers. The miller shows you how it is done and you can climb to the gallery.
• De Zoeker, an oil mill: the pressing stones make the floor tremble.
• Het Jonge Schaap, a rebuilt hexagonal sawmill, wheelchair accessible.
• De Huisman, above a spice warehouse where you can taste and buy.

With the Zaanse Schans Ticket (€29.50 adults, €20 ages 4 to 17) you enter two windmills of your choice from those open that day and all the museums on the site. Each windmill also sells its own single ticket. Strolling along the dyke and photographing them from outside is free.

Tips

Climb to the gallery of De Kat if you do not mind heights: the view over the Zaan and the other windmills is the best photo on the site. The inside stairs are almost vertical; with small children, one adult in front and another behind. If there is little wind, some windmill may be standing still.