De Waakzaamheid, Historic inn in Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands
De Waakzaamheid is a historic inn located along the dike by the Zaan River in Zaanstad, recognized as the oldest wooden hospitality building in the Netherlands. Today it operates as a restaurant serving Nepalese and Indian cuisine while retaining its protected monument status.
The building was constructed in 1626 and originally bore the name De Jonge Prins before becoming known as De Waakzaamheid. During World War II, the owners Hendrik and Louise Ero supported the Dutch resistance movement with the Stijkel group until they were arrested and later died in 1942.
The inn hosted jazz performances in the 1950s and later became known for house music nights that drew crowds from the wider region. These musical chapters remain part of how locals remember the place.
The inn sits directly on the dike and is easily accessible from Zaanstad's center, with parking available nearby. It is helpful to check opening times before visiting, as the restaurant may be closed on certain days.
The name De Waakzaamheid translates to watchfulness, a fitting tribute given the owners' wartime courage and vigilance. Inside, the building retains its original Zaanse Smuiger fireplace, a distinctive feature of traditional regional timber architecture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
