Misscityhopper

After exploring Edam, you continue on to Volendam. It is a lively fishing village, only 3 kilometres away from Edam and a must-see destination due to its rich maritime heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its colorful boat-lined harbor, historic wooden buildings, delicious seafood, and distinct local culture, Volendam has been a lively community since the 14th century. Historically isolated from the mainland, Volendam has maintained many traditional customs and ways of life, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can easily reach Volendam by bike or bus.

Start your visit with a stroll through Volendam’s iconic harbor. Local fishermen still use some of the traditional Dutch fishing boats, known as botters, that line the harbour. In the past, Volendam’s fishing industry flourished on the Zuiderzee, a large inland sea, until extensive land reclamation projects transformed it into the IJsselmeer. Today, the harbour is the heart of the town’s tourist activity, with plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafés to explore.

As you wander along the waterfront, you’ll see many of the traditional wooden houses for which Volendam is famous. These houses, often painted in bright colours like green, red, and blue, with their steep gabled roofs, are a symbol of the town’s cultural and architectural heritage. Many of the homes and buildings here date back to the 17th century, reflecting Volendam’s rich history.

Volendam is renowned for its strong connection to Dutch cultural traditions, particularly its traditional costumes. Some locals still wear these colourful dresses, aprons, and distinctive white caps during festivals and special occasions. For visitors, many shops in Volendam offer the opportunity to dress in traditional Dutch attire and take photographs—a fun and memorable way to experience local culture.

Another way to learn about Volendam’s history is to visit the Volendam Museum, which showcases the village’s maritime past, traditional life, and folk art. The museum features exhibits on Volendam’s fishing industry, as well as an impressive collection of traditional costumes, artworks, and local artifacts. It’s an excellent place to learn about how this fishing village developed over the centuries and the challenges it faced, particularly during the transformation of the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer.

As a fishing village, Volendam is known for its fresh fish, and no visit would be complete without sampling some local delicacies. Head to one of the harborside restaurants or stalls to try kibbeling (fried fish nuggets), haring (Dutch-style raw herring), or a traditional smoked eel sandwich. Many of the local restaurants offer a variety of seafood dishes made with fish caught right from the IJsselmeer. If seafood isn’t your preference, there are plenty of other Dutch specialities to choose from, including pancakes (pannenkoeken) and cheese-based dishes.

As the day comes to an end, take some time to enjoy the peaceful evening in Volendam, perhaps with a walk along the waterfront as the sun sets over the IJsselmeer. The calm waters and the sight of the fishing boats bobbing in the harbour create a picturesque and tranquil scene, a perfect way to conclude your day trip. If you’re heading back to Amsterdam, it’s an effortless bus ride to return to the city. Reflecting on your journey, you’ll realise how much you’ve experienced in just one day—two beautiful towns with rich histories, diverse cultural experiences, and stunning scenery.