Discover one of the most charming places in the Netherlands with this guide to visit Volendam.
If you spend a few days in Amsterdam, take the time to breathe a bowl of fresh air in Volendam. Discharge is guaranteed and you will not regret it. Located about 20 minutes from the capital, Volendam is a former fishing village that has kept all its charm. It is a perfect getaway to discover a piece of Dutch countryside, ancient traditions and also delicious cheeses.
While waiting to jump on the train at the central station to go, you can find some ideas to visit Volendam in this article.
Volendam in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yasonya
Volendam is a small village that was built in the 14th century on the shores of Lake Marker once connected to the IJsselmeer, the largest lake in the country. Traditionally, it was a fishing village specializing in eel fishing. It was from the 19th century that the village gained a reputation and many artists came to visit Volendam. Their paintings turn around the world and attract many curious people who want to see their own eyes.
Since then, the reputation of the village has not faded. Visiting Volendam is part of the top of the escapades to be made during a stay Amsterdam . The village is small, not its charm. By chance, his traditional fishermen's houses are preserved. The same goes for his little port. The celebrity of the place also holds in the traditional local costume with sabots. We also tend to believe that this set is representative of Holland while it is typical of Volendam. If you like it, you can bring it back to the whole family thanks to the many shops. Although it is no longer the main economic activity of the village, some eel fishermen continue their activity.
If you're a musician, maybe you know the Palingsound too. It is a Dutch pop style whose name means “sound of eel”. A museum is dedicated to Volendam. Surprisingly, you can also learn more, in this museum, about smoking eel, local specialty. You can even taste if the envy tells you. To continue your gastronomic adventures, don't miss the cheese factory and its iconic yellow millings.
Finally, you can also extend your excursion by a Marken exploration with its houses built on butts or the well-known town of Edam.
1. Volendam on foot
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Natalia Paklina
The interesting area to visit in Volendam is relatively small. So walking is the most used way. It is also the ideal way to sneak into the alleys and to go along the canals. This is especially true for the Doolhof district which is the oldest. It consists of small houses of wood painted in green that form a mini-labyrinth.
With the small bridges that crowd the canals, it is a postcard landscape. The dike, dijk in Dutch, is also perfect for a walk. It is lined with terraces and offers a nice view on the heart of Volendam.
2. Volendam by bike
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In the Netherlands, the bike is king! The country is relatively flat and many trails are arranged. There is no reason to deprive yourself of it, without waiting for a rock and go to discover the landscapes of Volendam but also the surroundings. You can stop where you like and go shopping. Many routes allow you to discover the most famous spots, namely Edam, Volendam, Monnickendam and Marken.
The latter village is located in the Waterland region, shaped by many canals. It is famous for its typical houses erected on buttes to protect them from the rising waters. We access it by ferry from Volendam.
Finally, the last advantage to visit Volendam by bike is that you can shop at the cheese market without worrying about the transport for the rest of the day. Unless they are tasted in the wake...
Practical information
There is a possibility to sign up for a day trip by bike with a guide from Amsterdam. In this case, you should know that you will travel at least 60 kilometres per bike. It is better to be in shape so, even if the road is flat.
A bail 25 to 30€ is requested at the time of rental. All safety equipment is provided as well as a map to choose your route. Careful, if you want to take the ferry, you have to buy your tickets yourself.
3. Volendam electric scooter
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mostovyi Sergii Igorevich
You like the two wheels but a little less the pedaling all day? It’s okay because you can visit Volendam in an electric scooter. You can thus experience pleasant sensations in a magnificent setting with a reduced impact on the environment.
On the excursion program, there is Volendam’s visit obviously before taking the direction of Katwoude known for the cheeseries and some mills. The walk continues in the old village of Monnickendam and then to Marken.
Finally, the return is made by ferry from the Marken peninsula to your departure point. A priori, you should have some nice pictures to share.
Practical information
The trip lasts 3 hours and the price is about 40 € . The ferry ticket is included. The driver's license is mandatory to be able to rent an electric scooter and deposit of 50 € You'll be asked.
Large bags are also prohibited.
4. Volendam in virtual reality
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TierneyMJ
Do you want to see what the village looked like in the early 20th century? It is possible thanks to the historic museum that offers you to visit Volendam in 1916. With a virtual reality helmet, you can believe in an old fishermen’s house and then in the old streets.
You follow the protagonist through the village to discover how its inhabitants lived there and worked before embarking on a traditional boat. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the famous costume, omnipresent in all the shops.
Practical information
The experience lasts 25 minutes and costs 8,75 € per person. The museum is open from 10am to 6pm in high season and from 11am to 5pm in low season.
People with reduced mobility can also access the experience.
5. Volendam by boat
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It’s been more than 80 years since the Marken Express ferry has been on the shuttle to Marken’s peninsula. In other words, it is a real institution that is also perfect for visiting Volendam and admiring its coastline. On board, audioguides provide information on the old quarter of Zuiderzee, traditional fishing houses and local traditions.
The crossing to Marken allows you to enjoy the most beautiful views of the coast and to easily discover this famous region.
Practical information
Departures take place every 30 to 45 minutes and the ticket is at 8,25 € . You can take your bike with a small extra cost.
The first and last ferry schedules may vary, you can check them on the Marken Express website.
6. Volendam in canoe
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Goldilock Project
Tourist guides often speak of the charm of the old village of Volendam but few of the surrounding countryside. It is worth a look! Indeed, the region is known as Waterland because of its meadows bathed in canals and marshes.
It is therefore the perfect playground for a canoe trip to discover these green landscapes but also canals with houses built on mounds. You can, at your choice, rent canoe on site or take part in a trip from Amsterdam.
Practical information
From Amsterdam, have a 5-hour tour with a water guide in the Waterland. A bus takes you to the starting point, idem for the return. Life jackets and picnics are included in the price. Prices are around 65 € .
The activity is only practiced in spring and summer and even in good weather, a suitable outfit must be provided.
For simple rentals, you must go to Edam and count 10 € time for 2 people.
Here, you know everything then don’t forget to send us a photo in traditional costumes in memory of your getaway!
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