Assendelft: De Paauw Mill, Architecture and Nature

When planning a stay in Assendelft, there are several themes to choose from: industrial history, architecture, walking routes, cheese experiences and nature observation. If you are looking for a hotel, you can decide which of these interests will shape your trip. The places and activities below range from a distinctive industrial structure to a seasonal wildlife-watching opportunity.

Industrial History and Architecture

De Paauw Mill is the only functioning hemp-beating mill in the world. It is located at Nauerna 43b, 1566 PD Assendelft. Zaandam train station is given as a public transport reference point; from there, the drive to the mill takes ten minutes. This address and the explicitly named reference point can help you plan how to find your way there for a visit.

Sint Odulphus Church is a three-aisled cruciform basilica with a massive, freestanding tower in the Neo-Romanesque style. “Three-aisled” describes the division of the church interior into three naves; “cruciform basilica” names the building type. The Luchtoorlogsmuseum Icarus et Mars is housed in a powder magazine built in 1895 on the Zeedijk in Assendelft, which is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. Fort Zuidwijkermeer was completed in 1903 as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. Together, these details offer different insights into architecture and the history of defence.

Cheese Experiences at Fort Zuidwijkermeer

Since September 2019, rooms in Fort Zuidwijkermeer have been used as ageing rooms for artisan cheeses. Under the name Kaasfort Kef Amsterdam, events, cheese courses and cheese tastings are organised there. The ageing rooms describe how the space is used; courses, tastings and events are the activities that may be of interest to visitors. If a course or tasting is to be a highlight of your stay, check the details for your preferred date in advance.

Walking Routes and Historic Buildings

The Assendelftroute is a 20-kilometre walking route that passes through part of the ribbon village of Assendelft. Take the full route length into account when planning, and check the trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

The Monumentenroute Assendelft starts at Krommenie-Assendelft station and continues to the Assendelver Veenpolder. In Assendelft, it passes historic longhouse-style stolp farms, historic wooden houses and other listed buildings. Access to individual buildings may be restricted. Check both the route conditions and access to the station before your trip, as either may change.

The two routes offer different points of reference to help you choose: for the Assendelftroute, the distance and its course through part of the ribbon village are specified. The Monumentenroute is characterised by its starting point at the station, its destination in the Veenpolder and the historic buildings along the way.

Wetland and Winter Wildlife Watching

The Buitenhuizerbraak wetland was formed after a dike breach. Plants found there include yellow loosestrife (moeraswederik) and marsh helleborine (rietorchis), as well as the animals Noordse woelmuis and waterspitsmuis. In winter, there is a good chance of seeing a small white-fronted goose (kleine rietgans) there; a sighting is not guaranteed. If this possible birdwatching opportunity is important to you, plan your nature visit for winter.

Things for Children to Do

De Bonte Belevenis is a pony park and children’s farm with a tea house in Assendelft. The site includes a natural play area with a gnome trail, where children can climb and play in a natural setting. This offers a different focus from the routes and buildings: here, the emphasis is on animals, play and the tea house. If a visit is important to your plans, check the latest information about the facilities in advance, as the range of features may change.

Discover more destinations: Koog Aan De Zaan, Wormerveer, Westzaan, Zaanstad, Zaandijk, Zaandam

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