Travel Destinations

Tourist Guide for the Village of Volendam, Netherlands

All you need to know for visiting Volendam

Visit Volendam: Points of interest

Nestled in the northwestern embrace of Amsterdam, Volendam is a picturesque town that exudes an old-world charm. A trip to Volendam can seamlessly complement any Amsterdam itinerary, giving travelers a refreshing glimpse into the quieter, rustic life just outside the buzzing Dutch capital.

The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the nearby city of Edam. Originally, Volendam functioned as Edam’s port. However, in a twist of architectural ingenuity during the 14th century, the Edam locals constructed their own canal connecting directly to the Zuiderzee, diminishing their reliance on Volendam as a port. Intriguingly, the very origin of Volendam is rooted in the dam built for this purpose; it gradually transformed into this quaint fishing village. Over the centuries, Volendam has nurtured its distinct cultural tapestry, with its unique traditions and customs setting it apart.

On my recent journey to the Netherlands, I was drawn to Volendam’s allure and decided to delve deeper into its narrative. I meandered through its narrow, cobbled streets, absorbing the tales they whispered. This essay chronicles my immersive journey through Volendam, highlighting the must-see attractions and lesser-known gems of the town. For fellow travelers eager to embark on a similar adventure, I’ve also included practical tips, ranging from solo-travel pointers to suggestions for group tours departing from Amsterdam. Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or just a wanderer seeking a serene escape, Volendam beckons with open arms.


Traditional Costumes in Volendam

Volendam, a quaint fishing village nestled along the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands, is not just renowned for its scenic beauty and historic buildings; it also boasts a rich heritage of traditional costumes that offer a window into the village’s past and cultural evolution.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

1. Women’s Costume:
The women’s traditional costume is distinct and elaborately detailed. It typically consists of:

  • High Bonnet: Women wear a high, winged bonnet, known as the ‘hul’. This iconic white lace cap can be spotted from a distance and signifies one’s marital status. A married woman’s bonnet has a rounded back, while that of a single woman has a pointed one.
  • Bodice & Skirt: Beneath the intricate lace and embroidered bodice lies a brightly colored blouse. This is paired with a long, striped skirt, usually in green or red.
  • Apron: A decorative apron, often adorned with embroidery, is worn over the skirt. The finer and more detailed the embroidery, the more ‘special’ the occasion.
  • Kraplap: Over the shoulders, women wear a stiffened, rectangular piece of cloth called the ‘kraplap’, often richly decorated.
  • Accessories: Traditional Volendam jewelry, especially coral necklaces and silver brooches, often complements the attire.

2. Men’s Costume:
While less ornate than the women’s attire, the men’s traditional costume is equally distinctive.

  • Breeches: Men wear black breeches that reach just below the knee. These are typically paired with dark stockings.
  • Shirts and Waistcoats: A blue or black shirt is worn, often paired with a waistcoat, which may be richly decorated depending on the occasion.
  • Hats: One of the defining features of the men’s costume is the flat, black felt hat.
  • Neckerchief: A brightly colored neckerchief, often red or blue, is tied around the neck.
  • Wooden Shoes: Like many traditional Dutch costumes, wooden clogs or ‘klompen’ are an integral part of the outfit.
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

The traditional Volendam costume is not just an ensemble; it’s a narrative of the village’s history, its relationship with the sea, and its cultural nuances. Although daily wear of these costumes has dwindled over the years, they are still worn with pride on special occasions, festivals, and events. Tourists visiting Volendam often relish the opportunity to dress in these traditional outfits and have their photographs taken as a memorable keepsake of their visit.

Volendam is the perfect spot for that authentic experience. Stroll along the port, and you’ll find studios eager to capture you in the iconic Volendam ‘klederdracht’. For women, this includes a distinctively pleated hat and the ever-familiar clogs, while men get to sport the broad-legged breeches.

Should you prefer not to dress up, the port also features statues showcasing locals in their historic attire, offering ample photo opportunities.

Although rooted in its fishing heritage, Volendam’s claim to fame today is undeniably its traditional attire. The outfit not only exemplifies the essence of Volendam but often becomes a symbol for the Netherlands as a whole. There are varied versions of this attire tailored for different occasions – be it weekdays, Sundays, or special events. A number of businesses in Volendam offer tourists the chance to immerse themselves in this tradition by dressing up and posing for a picture.

Beyond its sartorial appeal, Volendam captivates with its quintessentially Dutch landscape. Meander through the village to discover charming alleyways, picturesque houses, and quaint canals. Of particular note is St. Vincent’s Church. And if you head north on Haven Street, a delightful little beach awaits, flanked by an array of souvenir shops for those keepsake mementos.


Tips for Tourists Visiting Volendam

  1. Dress Accordingly: Volendam’s coastal location means it can be a tad windy and chilly, even in summer. Bring a light jacket or scarf. In winter, bundle up!
  2. Photograph in Traditional Attire: Embrace the local culture and get a photo in traditional Volendam ‘klederdracht’. It’s a fun activity and provides a unique souvenir.
  3. Taste the Local Cuisine: Don’t leave without trying fresh fish from the stalls, especially the herring, eel, or the locally famous ‘paling’ (smoked eel).
  4. Explore on Foot: Volendam is best experienced by walking. Meander through its streets, alleys, and along the waterfront to soak in its charm.
  5. Visit the Cheese Factory: Learn about the Dutch cheese-making process, sample different varieties, and maybe take some home.
  6. Museum Visit: Drop by the Volendam Museum to delve into the town’s history, art, and traditions.
  7. Ferry to Marken: Take a short ferry trip to the nearby island of Marken. It offers a beautiful contrast to Volendam and showcases more of traditional Dutch culture.
  8. Shop Local: Beyond the typical touristy souvenirs, look for unique local crafts, especially items related to fishing and maritime traditions.
  9. Be Mindful of Cyclists: Just like the rest of the Netherlands, there are many cyclists in Volendam. Always check cycle paths before crossing and avoid walking on them.
  10. Stay Overnight: While many visit Volendam on a day trip, consider staying overnight. The town has a different charm in the evening, away from the daily tourist hustle.
  11. Live Music: Spend an evening at a local pub. Volendam is known for producing some famous Dutch pop stars, and live music is a staple in many establishments.
  12. Learn Basic Dutch Phrases: While most locals speak English, they appreciate it when tourists make an effort. Simple phrases like “Dank je” (thank you) can go a long way.
  13. Respect Local Traditions: While Volendam is a tourist hotspot, it’s also home to locals who cherish their traditions. Always be respectful, especially when taking photographs.
  14. Check Festivals and Events: Before your visit, see if there are any local festivals or events happening. They provide a richer understanding of Volendam’s culture.
  15. Travel Off-Peak: If possible, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and early autumn). You’ll avoid the heaviest crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure a memorable and authentic Volendam experience!


Museums to visit in Volendam

Go to the Volendam Museum after leaving the harbour. You will learn about the dress, history, and culture of the region between 1850 and 1950 in rooms adorned with period furniture. There are a few tiny museums in Volendam that can be visited:

Visit the Experience Volendam Museum

This museum chronicles the history of Volendam from the turn of the twentieth century forward. Specifically, a virtual tour using a headset.

Volendam’s traditional clothes are also on display at this museum. Admission tickets cost around 18 euros each.

You can also check out the website of this Experience Volendam, but it is in the Dutch language.

The Volendam Museum

This Volendam Museum (site in Dutch) is a themed museum that lets you learn about Volendam’s history and mythology. It includes paintings as well as recreated pieces and scenes of life using historical materials and clothing. Adults pay 4 euros, while children pay 2 euros.


The Port of Volendam

As the lifeblood of this charming Dutch town, the port of Volendam stands as a testament to the village’s maritime heritage. Nestled against the shimmering expanse of the IJsselmeer, this bustling harbor area is a tableau of classic fishing boats bobbing alongside modern yachts. The aroma of fresh fish wafts from the stalls, drawing locals and visitors alike to partake in the catch of the day. As you stroll along the dike, the scene is dotted with traditional wooden houses, quaint eateries, and musicians serenading passersby with melodies of the sea. The port doesn’t just represent Volendam’s history; it embodies the town’s vibrant spirit, bridging its storied past with its dynamic present.

Volendam is a fishing and recreational harbour town on the banks of Lake Markermeer. The harbour of Volendam, which is brimming with historic sailing ships, is the most vibrant element of the ancient fishing community.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

Relax on a café terrace in the afternoon sun, then visit the vendors selling salted herring, smoked eel, and croquettes. You’ll feel like you’re hundreds of kilometres away from Amsterdam when you see the traditional triangular-shaped structures of Volendam Harbor and the flagpole forest.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

Walking through Volendam’s port is unavoidable. A few eateries and souvenir shops are available. However, there is also the Van Den Hogen hotel restaurant (which offers a great view of the lake), as well as the “Experience Volendam” museum and tiny stores where you may take photos in traditional Dutch attire.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

You can also take a ferry from the marina to Marken, which is located on the other side of the lake.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

The Volendam Marken Express is the name of this ferry, and the round trip costs around fifteen euros. This website contains information about the departure times as well as the ability to purchase tickets. Given the sometimes-heavy crowds, purchasing your ticket in advance to prevent having to wait for the next departure makes sense.


The Volendam Mill

This windmill, known as “De Kathammer,” is located on the Achterdichting Road, just outside of Volendam. I bring it up because, aside from the mill’s intrinsic interest, it is frequently used as a “iconic” Dutch cliché!

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
Volendam Mill

Let me explain: immediately adjacent to the enormous “Strandweg” car park, there is a view of a little pedestrian bridge. This allows visitors to explore the fields surrounding the mill, as well as several classic Dutch homes in the area.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

The lovely homes have pointed roofs and colourful facades (usually blue, green, orange, in sober and dark tones). These homes have a tiny water canal in front of them where you can view the reflections of the houses in the water.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

This mill can be visited as well, although only during particular times of the year and for groups (by reservation). To summarise, it is preferable to visit a windmill in Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk. However, if you want to take a good photo of your trip to Volendam, I recommend taking the small detour.

Getting to Volendam

Volendam is often regarded as a must-see attraction for visitors to the Netherlands, or at the very least to Amsterdam. Volendam is a convenient destination due to its proximity to Amsterdam.

At general, when going on a day trip to see Volendam, the trips include a stop in Marken. But it’s also influenced by Zaanse Schans, a well-known windmill town not far from Amsterdam.


Car Parking in Volendam

If you go to Volendam by yourself, it is quite easy to park you car. There are two “main” car parks:

  • One is located about a hundred meters from the start of the tourist part of Volendam. Next to the marina from where the ferry to Marken departs, and the Volendam Experience Museum. However, this car park has few spaces. It is found on Google Maps as “Parkeerplaats Volendam.”
  • The other one is a large car park to the west, about 1 km from the marina I just mentioned. Its advantage is that it is significantly bigger, free, and that it is right next to the photo spot with the mill I mentioned above. It is located along the Strandweg.


I had parked in the second lot, and it is recommended that you do the same. There is generally enough parking (I went in the middle of the summer and there was enough), and it is also free.


Cheese Factory in Volendam

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

Volendam’s Cheese Factory is one of the best places to get high-quality cheese. Before you buy, you can sample a variety of cheeses at this factory. The pricing at this factory should be less expensive than those in Amsterdam’s capital city.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

You can also attend a free talk and demonstration delivered by a manufacturing expert at this location. He or she will take you on a tour of the facility to show you how they create their cheese and explain the many steps of the process.

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

You will be given free wine and cheese tastings at the conclusion of the session. Their employees are extremely pleasant and helpful. In the video below, you can see a sample tour and demonstration:


Visit the Nearby Village of Marken

If you have time, take the ferry to Marken, a little fishing community. Boats were the only method to get to the settlement, which was cut off from the mainland after a storm in the 13th century. The community is now connected to Waterland, a town south of Volendam, by a dike.

Marken has preserved its culture and traditional architecture for far longer than other European cities due to its isolation. Locals created one-of-a-kind costumes and stilt houses to withstand the frequent floods. Take a stroll down the shore to the 1839 lighthouse. Stop at one of the eateries near the ferry station if you’re hungry. Try the smoked eel, a local specialty.

Visit the Port of Volendam and Marken if you want to immerse yourself in culinary and cultural traditions that you won’t find anywhere else.

Photo Tour of Volendam

Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands
Tourism in village of Volendam, Netherlands
A photo from the Tourist Town of Volendam, Netherlands

Video Tour of Volendam

Video Walking Tour of Volendam, Netherlands

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