Zaanse Schans, The Netherlands (2021)

Arrived at the Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the historic windmills here. Blue skies and no tourists!

Lots of water asks for many bridges at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. They absolutely look pretty but I am glad to not live here and having to rely on these bridges for all shopping and other deliveries.

This is the dyke to walk towards the windmills at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. It was truly nice to be able to enjoy this area without the thousands of tourists that usually gather here.

Lovely row of windmills with Specerijmolen 'De Huisman' in the front at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. There are a few more but this shows the most important ones.

The green mill (Specerijmolen 'De Huisman') at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands is one of the first ones you'll encounter when walking along the dyke. Nice view here at the other windmills a little further away.

Windmill 'De Gekroonde Poelenburg' makes for one of the nicest views at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. We looked at this one while enjoying a take-away coffee.

The fully operational Paint mill (Verfmolen 'De Kat') at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands is normally used as a restaurant. Because of Covid it was closed but they found a way to sell some snacks and coffee through a small window.

Not everything at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands looks shiny and new. Couldn't help noticing this green bike in between all the junk. Not sure if it was still in use.

Working at the sawmill (Houtzaagmolen 'Het Jonge Schaap') at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. It was nice to see that some of the windmills here are still in use.

We were lucky with the weather and it turned out to be a great day for a windmill walk at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. Rested for a while on this bench to admire the windmills around us.

Not all windmills at Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands are restored just to admire them. Some of them are actually in use like this active sawmill, houtzaagmolen 'Het Jonge Schaap'.

So many cute bridges to be seen on a walk through Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. This one was not curved like the many others we've seen.

Many people visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands by walking along the dyke. But they can just as easily be reached by bicycle. Many do so as part of a longer cycling trip in the area.

Given the amout of small waterways in Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands, bridges are necessary to cross them. Some of those are drawbridges like this small white one.

It is not just cute houses, windmills and bridges in Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands. Quite a lot of sheep live here too. Here a lovely small flock of sheep.

We had absolutely no idea what the point of this was, but it sure was funny to see this door without a wall while strolling through Zaanse Schans in The Netherlands.

Coming towards the end of our pleasant walk in Zaanse Schans, The Netherlands. It was absolutely fantastic to walk though this area with the green houses, historic windmills and many bridges. Almost all bridges here are curved to make sure boats can pass underneath.