Zaandam: An Industrial Dutch Town in the West Coast of the Country
Found within the North Holland province, Zaandam, Netherlands is a city serving as the primary town of the Zaanstad municipality. It was previously known as Saenredam and thrived in the milling industry. Through the years, it ventured into lumber production and was one of the biggest in the country by the last half of the 20th century. Fly into Zaandam from the Schiphol Airport (AMS), located less than 30 minutes away, and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), found around an hour from the city center.
Best Time to Visit
Zaandam hosts a handful of festivals and events every year, starting with the Snowbass Festival in January. Because of the temperatures during this month, most tourists prefer to visit the town in the summer season. However, most of Zaandam, Netherlands hotels are already fully booked by the beginning of May.
What to Do & Area Attractions
While in Zaandam, you will be rewarded with plenty of things to do and sights to see. Start your city tour with a trip around the Van Gogh Museum and Willet-Holthuysen Museum before heading off to the Kalvertoren Shopping Center for some souvenir shopping. There is always a crowd at these locations, so plan your trips accordingly. In terms of accommodations, Zaandam hosts several top-rated hotels, including the Best Western Zaan Inn and the 4-star Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. Both sit less than a mile from the city center, so everything is almost within reach.