Het Czaar Peterhuisje

The Czar Peter House in Zaandam is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands and a place full of history. In 1697, the Russian tsar Peter the Great stayed here during his study trip to learn shipbuilding in the Netherlands.

The humble carpenter’s house has been fully preserved and tells the remarkable story of a monarch who chose to live incognito among Dutch craftsmen. A protective stone structure now surrounds the house, and the museum displays original items, documents and portraits.

Though small in size, the Czar Peter House is powerful in atmosphere. It brings history to life and reveals the special connection between the Netherlands and Russia. The location is central in Zaandam and easy to combine with other attractions in the Zaan region.

A visit to the Czar Peter House is a journey back in time — to the moment when a tsar traded his crown for craftsmanship.