Zaandam Off The Beaten Path

The province of Noord Holland (North Holland) often is a typical polder landscape with great views and many narrow canals, magnificent farmhouses and every now and again a mill. You can go to places like Nieuwe Niedorp, Kolhorn, Winkel, Barsingerhorn and Haringhuizen.
The oldest Dutch inn can be found in Nieuwe Niedorp, it is called 'De Roode Eenhoorn' (The red unicorn), from around 1530.
Night markets are held on some Fridaynights in the months June, July and August.
The third Saturday and Sunday in September enlightened flower mosaics in Nieuwe Niedorp. On the fourth Sunday in September a flowershow on wheels can be seen in Winkel.
In the little village of Barsingerhorn you can find 't Raedthuys' (the Townhall), anno 1622, an unique baitingplace where you can drink something on the terrace or in the original weddingroom. On the attic, between the characteristic rafters you find an interestic exhibition of typical Dutch items and antic toys. Worth a visit, I'd say.
Perfume has been known for ages. 'Per fumum' is Latin for by/from smoke: in the remotest ages the priest burned resins and wood to propitiate the gods. Nowadays perfumes are an established part of society and they give the user a certain appeal. Perfume can be mysterious, is extremely personal and it assures luxury. The bottles as well the packagings are unique and more well formed.
The Dutch musuem of Perfume Bottles is situated in a historical building, erected in 1599 in the centre of the friendly village of Winkel. In earlier days this characteristic building served as weigh house and town hall. After drastic alterations and a renovation, it is now the home of a beautiful and wide collection of over some 7000 perfume bottles and a large range of miniatures. One can even choose ones own favorite.
Adress: Bosstraat 2, 1731 SE, tel. 0224-541578/0224-541210

Tourist Information Center municipal Niedorp:
Nieuwe Niedorp, shop Julius, Dorpsstraat 103.