Volendam is a beautiful fisherman’s town just outside of Amsterdam. Discover ‘Old Holland’ for a day trip full of memories. You can reach the town by bus within 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central.

About Volendam

Volendam is located in the province North Holland within 25 kilometers of Amsterdam. It is a popular destination for foreign visitors, but definitely also for Dutch citizens. My maternal family used to visit Volendam once a year when I was younger.

The meaning of Volendam can be sperated between two words ‘Volen’ and ‘Dam’. This area was water instead of land centuries ago. The area with the harbor was closed down and named ‘full’ or ‘closed’. ‘Vol’ is Dutch for ‘Full’ and ‘Dam’ is Dutch for ‘Dyke’.

Nowadays Volendam is well-known for two things in the Netherlands:

• Fish
• Music

It is amazing to see how many musician had a big influence on the Dutch music industry.

A brief history about Volendam

Volendam, a charming fishing village in the Netherlands, is steeped in history and cultural heritage. Located on the western shore of the Markermeer, it originated in the 14th century when a nearby harbor in Edam silted up. Locals created a new port and settlement, which became Volendam.

Over the centuries, it grew as a vibrant fishing community, known for its distinctive wooden houses, boats, and residents often dressed in traditional Dutch attire. Its picturesque setting and rich traditions have made Volendam a magnet for artists and tourists alike, preserving its legacy as a symbol of Dutch maritime culture.

The reason why Volendam is such a popular destination

Volendam, a picturesque fishing village in the Netherlands, is a popular tourist destination known for its charming harbor, traditional Dutch culture, and vibrant history. Visitors are drawn to its unique wooden houses, colorful boats, and the opportunity to experience authentic Dutch life through its iconic costumes and traditional music.

Did you know this town only has about 23.000 inhabitants?

The town is famous for its smoked eel and other seafood delicacies, which are enjoyed in its waterfront restaurants. Tourists often explore its quaint streets, visit the Volendam Museum for insights into local history, and enjoy a photo opportunity in traditional Dutch attire. Additionally, its proximity to Amsterdam makes it an easy and appealing day trip for travelers seeking a mix of cultural heritage and scenic beauty.

Getting to Volendam

How to reach Volendam by car or by public transportation
Volendam, a charming fishing village in the Netherlands, is easily accessible by both car and public transportation. By car, it is just a 25-minute drive from Amsterdam, primarily via the A10 and N247 highways. There is ample parking available near the village, especially in designated parking areas at the outskirts to maintain the town’s pedestrian-friendly charm. Please keep in mind that a parking fee may apply

For those opting for public transportation, buses from Amsterdam’s central station provide a direct and convenient route. Lines like Bus 316 (operated by EBS) frequently connect Amsterdam and Volendam, taking approximately 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased through OV-chipkaart or mobile apps, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Best routes and tips for first-time visitors
Volendam, a picturesque fishing village in the Netherlands, offers a delightful experience for first-time visitors. Start your visit at Haven, the bustling harbor area, where charming houses, souvenir shops, and seafood stands create a vibrant atmosphere. From there, explore the Doolhof, a maze-like network of narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses that showcase Volendam’s unique architecture.

Don’t miss the Volendams Museum, which provides insights into the town’s history, traditional costumes, and fishing heritage. For panoramic views, consider a ferry ride to Marken, a nearby island known for its quaint charm. Make time to try local delicacies like smoked eel or fresh herring at one of the harbor’s eateries. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late afternoon, and consider renting a bike for a scenic ride along the IJsselmeer coastline. With its rich culture and idyllic scenery, Volendam offers an unforgettable journey into Dutch tradition.

The top things to do in Volendam

The town in the province of North Holland has a widespread of activities to do.

Visit the Harbor

Begin your day with a leisurely walk by the famous Volendam harbor. Watch colorful fishing boats and feel the sea breeze. The harbour has a combination between the scenary of ‘Old Holland’ and the seaside.

The lively and picturesque Volendam Harbor, a quintessential Dutch fishing harbor that encapsulates the essence of maritime life and culture. Here, you’ll find an array of activities that offer a glimpse into the maritime heritage of this charming Dutch fishing village.

Try the authentic Dutch Cuisine

Volendam is famous for their fish in the Netherlands. Most fish shops in this country usually have a name of a town at the front of their store. This is mostly ‘Volendam’ or ‘Urk’. Don’t forget on trying herring with pickles and onions.

At a typical Dutch fish store, you’ll find a variety of popular seafood dishes that are deeply rooted in Dutch culinary tradition. One of the most iconic is haring (herring), usually served raw with onions and pickles, which locals often eat by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite. Kibbeling, another favorite, consists of battered and fried pieces of white fish, typically cod, served with a garlic or tartar sauce.

Lekkerbekje is similar to kibbeling but made from larger fillets and often compared to fish and chips. Garnalen (Dutch shrimp) and paling (smoked eel) are also widely enjoyed, with the eel being a delicacy due to its rich, smoky flavor. These dishes are usually accompanied by bread or fries, making a visit to a Dutch fish store a delicious way to experience the country’s love of fresh, high-quality seafood.

Dress in traditionale old Volendammer costumes

Feel like a true local by trying on traditional Volendammer costumes. Capture this fun moment in a photo to remember your trip. It is popular for companies to try this activity and also for small groups.

These traditional outfits, particularly worn during special occasions and by older generations, have deep historical roots and are a source of local pride, reflecting the region’s history and identity.

The costumes also attract tourists, who visit Volendam to experience the living history of Dutch culture, often posing for photographs in rented traditional attire.

Take a boat tour and sail across the Markermeer

Hop on a boat and sail on the scenic Markermeer. Being on a boat brings a certain sense of relaxation You’ll get a unique view of Volendam from the water, making for some great photos!

Taking a boat tour from Volendam over the Markermeer is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Dutch waterways while immersing yourself in the rich maritime heritage of the region. As you set sail from the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, you’ll enjoy stunning views of traditional Dutch landscapes, including quaint villages, green pastures, and iconic windmills that line the shores.

The Markermeer’s calm waters are ideal for a relaxing cruise, and the journey offers the unique opportunity to visit nearby historic towns like Marken and Monnickendam, where you can explore local culture, wooden houses, and traditional crafts. The boat tour also provides a peaceful escape, allowing you to take in the fresh air and wide-open views, making it a perfect way to enjoy both the scenic beauty and cultural charm of the Netherlands.

Famous people in relation to Volendam

The members of the Cats
This Dutch rockband are original from Volendam. Their song ‘Be my day’ reached the US charts in the year 1974.

Jan Smit
Born and raised in Volendam and well-known for his music in the Netherlands and Germany. He was one of the presenters of the Eurovision Song Contents in Rotterdam in 2021. In addition, he was chairman of the local football club ‘FC Volendam’

Joey Veerman
Raised in Volendam and Dutch international football player

Micky van de Ven
Made his debut in Dutch football at FC Volendam

Mühren, Molenaar and Jonk
Three former internationally known football players from Volendam

Trivia about Volendam

• The town is part of the municipality Edam-Volendam
• Music from Volendam is called ‘Palingsound’ (Paling refers to eel in English)
• People from Volendam have its own language next to the Dutch language
• The local football club also has orange clubcolors just like the national squad. Hence the nickname: ‘the other orange’
• Someone from outside of Volendam is called a ‘Jas’ (jacket) and someone with one parent from Volendam a ‘bodywarmer’.

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