NLD: Kooijman Wooden Shoe Workshop

Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, the Netherlands
Daily: 8.00am - 5.00pm (winter) or 6.00pm (summer)

The preservation of the well-known Dutch craft of wooden clog-making was initiated by Jaap and Ineke Kooijman on 1 April 1974. One such workshop-cum-museum was thus set up in Zaanse Schans, an area of Dutch industrial heritage, to introduce the art to locals and foreigners alike.

Entrance is free of charge, but before that, there are a few spots outside the building where you may want to take photos of yourself, either alone or with your travel companions.

I saw lots of couples queueing to get their photos taken there.

It's said that the oldest wooden clog that has ever been found in the country dates back to the middle of the 13th century. Unfortunately, many of those so-called historic clogs are rare as they ended up as firewood when no longer used. Well, let's take a look at the museum's collection.

Did you know that the first picture book featuring Miffy was published in 1955?

What about wearing clogs on your wedding day?

Word blending: clog + objects = clogjects!

Here are two most interesting things that I saw during my visit.

I suppose that diamond clog designed by Jan Roedema is the world's most expensive?

From log to clog - learn about the process of wooden clog-making by watching the demonstration. The machines there are over 80 years old.

Clogs in all sorts of designs and shapes are available at the shop, together with other souvenirs.

I have one of those ceramic windmills at home from ages ago.

The typical boy-kisses-girl image was inspired by a photo of Jan and Grietje back in 1920.

I believe that, as stated in their website, "one thing is certain: the clog is and will remain a national symbol of the Netherlands."