Pioneer in industrialization
The history of Koog aan de Zaan dates back to the fifteenth century, when the village was founded on what was previously land outside the dikes ("koog" or "koegh") on the river. Throughout the seventeenth century, the region became highly industrialized, with windmills providing the power to "mechanically" saw or grate wood for shipbuilding, among other uses. It is not for nothing that the Zaan region was one of the most important areas in the Netherlands in the nineteenth century for the emergence of modern factories, powered by the successors to windmills: steam engines.
Millions of visitors historical windmills De Zaanse Schans
Both industrial revolutions have left their mark on the area and on Koog aan de Zaan. Many of the windmills have been preserved and can now be admired at De Zaanse Schans. This unique area houses not only numerous historic windmills, but also old warehouses, workshops, museums, restaurants, and craft shops. It attracts between two and three million (!) visitors annually, many from abroad. And the nineteenth-century industry is still palpable in the many factories, warehouses, and sheds along the banks of the Zaan.
Koog aan de Zaan: two neighborhoods, two train stations
Koog aan de Zaan consists of two districts: Oud-Koog and the newer Westerkoog. The N203 and the Den Helder-Amsterdam railway line lie between the two districts. The village owes its two train stations to this railway line. Oud-Koog – the name says it all – is the old part of the village, with monumental Zaan houses, the Mill Museum, and the beautiful Kogerkerk. And with various shops, including those on Zuideinde and Raadhuisstraat. Westerkoog is of more recent origin. It has a complete shopping center, a health center (with a general practitioner, physiotherapist, and pharmacy), a community center, a gym, two primary schools, and a daycare center.
Near nature and peat meadow areas, Zaandam and Amsterdam not far away
In the vicinity of Koog aan de Zaan, you can enjoy vast nature and peat meadow areas, perfect for walking, cycling, and boating. Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque village centers with characteristic Zaan architecture. If you're looking for more urban entertainment, Zaandam offers shopping, dining, theater, and cinema. Amsterdam is also an option. The capital is easily accessible from Koog aan de Zaan: by train and – in twenty minutes – by car. Furthermore, you can quickly reach the highway from the village towards Amsterdam. You can get there in 20 minutes and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a big city. With two train stations, you can also reach the capital by train in no time.
New construction in Koog aan de Zaan
New construction is taking place in various locations in Koog aan de Zaan. On this page, you will find an overview of the offerings that have been registered with us. You can also read the latest news. An overview of new construction offerings in the region (Metropolitan Region Amsterdam) can be found at supply page on this website.
