Assendelft offers an unusual technical superlative and a hiking option with a clearly stated distance: De Paauw is the only working hemp beater in the world, while the Assendelft Route is 20 kilometres long. There are also distinctive buildings, a fort with organised cheese activities and the Buitenhuizerbraak wetland. This makes it easy to shape your trip around your interests in culture, exercise or nature.
Technical Heritage and Buildings
The De Paauw windmill is unique worldwide as a hemp beater and is still operational. This makes it a special point of interest for anyone interested in examples of historic technology. It is located at Nauerna 43b, 1566 PD Assendelft. Zaandam railway station is the public transport reference point; the drive from there to the mill takes ten minutes.
The Sint Odulphuskerk is a three-aisled cross basilica with a massive, side-standing tower in the Neo-Romanesque style. “Three-aisled” describes its division into three naves, while “cross basilica” refers to the cross shape of its floor plan. Together, these terms give a concrete idea of the building’s form without relying on just one feature.
The Luchtoorlogsmuseum Icarus et Mars is housed in a powder magazine on the Zeedijk in Assendelft. The magazine was built in 1895 and is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. The year refers to the building, not the museum’s founding. This links the study of aerial warfare history with a building that formed part of this defensive line.
Fort Zuidwijkermeer and Cheese
Fort Zuidwijkermeer was completed in 1903 as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. Since September 2019, some of its rooms have been used to mature artisan cheeses. Events, cheese courses and cheese tastings are also organised at the fort under the name Kaasfort Kef Amsterdam. The maturation rooms and events are different aspects of its use. If you plan to take a course or attend a tasting, check the current schedule.
Routes and Architectural Heritage
The Assendelft Route is a 20-kilometre walking route through part of the ribbon village of Assendelft. The Assendelft Monuments Route starts at Krommenie-Assendelft railway station and continues to the Assendelver Veenpolder. In Assendelft, it passes historic longhouse-style stolp farmhouses, historic wooden houses and other monumental buildings.
The routes offer different points of reference when choosing a tour: the Assendelft Route’s length is stated, while the Monuments Route is defined by its starting point, destination area and the buildings along the way. Check current route conditions and access to the railway station in advance, as both may change.
Buitenhuizerbraak and Activities for Children
The Buitenhuizerbraak wetland formed after a dike breach. Marsh loosestrife and early marsh orchids, as well as the northern vole and Eurasian water shrew, are found there. In winter, there is a good chance of spotting lesser white-fronted geese, though a sighting is not guaranteed. Nature enthusiasts will find both a story of how the landscape was formed and a seasonal opportunity for wildlife watching.
De Bonte Belevenis is a pony park and children’s farm with a tea house. The site includes a natural play meadow and a gnome trail where children can climb and play in a natural setting. The range of activities and facilities may change, so check what is currently available before visiting.
Planning Hotels in Assendelft
If you’re looking for a hotel in Assendelft, it’s best to start by deciding on your travel dates and the main focus of your stay. Winter birdwatching is seasonal, while cheese courses and tastings depend on the current schedule. Check hotel availability for your dates.
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