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Volendam, Nederland - Things to Do in Volendam

Volendam

Volendam, Nederland - Complete Travel Guide

Volendam is a picturesque fishing village in North Holland, Netherlands, renowned for its traditional Dutch charm and impressive waterfront location on the shores of the IJsselmeer. This former fishing community has transformed into one of the Netherlands' most beloved tourist destinations while maintaining its authentic character, complete with colorful wooden houses, traditional costumes, and a bustling harbor filled with historic boats. The village offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Dutch maritime culture, with its narrow streets lined with cheese shops, fish markets, and art galleries. Famous for its connection to Dutch folk culture and as a popular day trip from Amsterdam, Volendam provides an enchanting escape into the Netherlands' maritime heritage. The village is particularly known for its traditional dress, wooden shoes, and the opportunity to dress up in authentic Dutch costumes for memorable photos. With its scenic harbor, historic buildings, and proximity to other charming destinations like Edam and Marken, Volendam serves as an ideal base for exploring the traditional Dutch countryside and experiencing the country's rich cultural traditions.

Top Volendam

the Historic Harbor and Waterfront

Stroll along Volendam's iconic harbor, lined with traditional wooden boats and offering spectacular views across the IJsselmeer. The waterfront promenade features historic buildings, fish stalls, and numerous cafes where you can sample fresh seafood while watching boats come and go. This is the heart of Volendam where you can truly feel the village's maritime heritage and capture impressive photos of the colorful facades.

Booking Tip: The harbor is free to explore and best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Consider purchasing fresh herring or smoked eel from the fish stalls (€3-8) for an real feel.

Traditional Dutch Costume Photo Experience

Dress up in authentic traditional Dutch clothing at one of several costume rental shops throughout the village. This quintessential Volendam experience allows you to wear historic regional costumes complete with wooden shoes and traditional headwear for memorable photos. Many shops offer professional photography services and various costume options representing different periods and social classes.

Booking Tip: Costume rentals typically cost €10-15 per person with photo packages ranging from €20-40. Visit during weekday mornings for shorter wait times and better service. Look for shops that include multiple costume changes and digital photo copies.

the Volendam Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Volendam at this charming local museum housed in a traditional building. The museum showcases the village's fishing heritage, traditional costumes, local art, and maritime artifacts that tell the story of this unique community. Special exhibits often feature work by local artists and historical photographs of village life throughout the centuries.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around €5-7 for adults with discounts for children and seniors. The museum is typically open Tuesday-Sunday with extended hours during summer. Purchase tickets at the door and allow 1-2 hours for your visit.

Take a Boat Trip to Marken Island

start a scenic boat journey across the IJsselmeer to the historic island village of Marken, known for its green wooden houses and traditional fishing culture. The ferry ride offers beautiful views of the Dutch countryside and provides access to another perfectly preserved traditional village. Marken features a lighthouse, traditional houses on stilts, and its own unique cultural heritage distinct from Volendam.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost approximately €8-12 for adults with departures every 30-45 minutes during peak season. Book return tickets and check weather conditions as services may be limited during storms. Allow 3-4 hours total including travel time and exploration.

Local Cheese Shops and Food Markets

Sample and purchase traditional Dutch cheeses at Volendam's authentic cheese shops, many of which have been family-run for generations. These establishments offer tastings of various aged cheeses, local specialties, and traditional Dutch treats. Many shops also demonstrate traditional cheese-making techniques and offer vacuum-sealed packages perfect for taking home as souvenirs.

Booking Tip: Most cheese tastings are free with purchases starting around €5-10 per piece. Visit multiple shops to compare flavors and prices, and ask about shipping options for larger purchases. Morning visits often provide the freshest selections and more personal attention from shopkeepers.

Getting There

Volendam is easily accessible from Amsterdam by public transportation, with regular buses (Bus 110 or 316) departing from Amsterdam Central Station and taking approximately 30-40 minutes. The journey costs around €4-6 each way using an OV-chipkaart or contactless payment. For those driving, Volendam is about 20 kilometers north of Amsterdam via the A10 and N247, with several parking areas available in the village center (€2-4 per hour). Many visitors also arrive as part of organized day tours from Amsterdam that include transportation and often combine Volendam with visits to nearby attractions like Edam, Marken, or the Zaanse Schans.

Getting Around

Volendam is a compact village that is best explored on foot, with most attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance of each other. The main harbor area and historic center can be covered in a leisurely 10-15 minute walk from end to end. Bicycles can be rented from local shops for around €10-15 per day if you want to explore the surrounding countryside or cycle to nearby villages. The village has well-marked pedestrian areas and cycling paths, making it safe and pleasant for visitors of all ages. For trips to Marken, regular ferry services operate from the harbor, while local buses connect to other regional destinations.

Where to Stay

Volendam Village Center
Harbor District
Edam (5km away)
Monnickendam (8km away)
Purmerend (15km away)
Amsterdam North (25km away)

Food & Dining

Volendam's culinary scene centers around fresh seafood and traditional Dutch cuisine, with numerous restaurants along the harbor serving specialties like smoked eel, herring, and fresh fish dishes. The village is famous for its fish stalls and seafood restaurants where you can enjoy meals with impressive water views. Traditional Dutch pancake houses offer both sweet and savory options, while local cafes serve coffee and traditional pastries. Many establishments feature outdoor terraces perfect for enjoying meals while watching harbor activity. Don't miss trying the local smoked fish specialties and traditional Dutch cheese platters, which are available at various price points from casual fish stands (€5-10) to upscale waterfront restaurants (€25-40 per person).

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Volendam is during late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is mild, outdoor terraces are open, and ferry services to Marken operate regularly. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, though they also bring the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists and better photo opportunities. Winter visits can be charming with a quieter atmosphere and potential for snow-covered scenes, though some attractions may have reduced hours and ferry services to Marken may be limited. Weekdays generally offer a more real feel with fewer tour groups compared to busy weekends.

Insider Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship day-trippers and capture the best harbor lighting for photos
Try the local smoked eel (gerookte paling) from harbor fish stalls - it's a Volendam specialty that's surprisingly delicious even for non-fish lovers
Combine your visit with nearby Edam for cheese tasting and Marken for a complete traditional Dutch village experience, easily done in one day using local transportation

Activities in Volendam