Volendam can be the ideal place for you if you want to explore Holland. Since at least the 14th Century, this little fishing community on the North Sea has existed and has mostly stayed unchanged. What’s the best thing about going? Everything seems to have been taken directly from a fairy tale.
1. Cheese Factory Volendam
The Cheese Factory Volendam can be enjoyed by people who do not particularly enjoy cheese. This entertaining and engaging museum is housed in a former dairy factory converted into a time-traveling attraction.
The museum provides tours of the former factory and explains how cheeses from the Netherlands, including Edam, Gouda, and Leyden, are created.
The tour lasts for around 45 minutes, but if you have more time, you may take further self-guided tours of the various rooms with historical exhibits that showcase daily life in Holland throughout the ages.
2. Volendam Museum
The former municipal hall is now home to the Volendam Museum. An extensive collection of old artifacts, pictures, and maps detailing Volendam’s early past are on display.
While they are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the museum is open on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Also open to visitors is the rebuilt 1673 windmill De Haer.
3. Visit Het Doolhof – The oldest section of the city center
A doolhof is a garden that resembles a labyrinth with dead-end paths. Some date back to the Middle Ages and have been renovated over time in the Netherlands. There are two doolhofs in Volendam, one of which is called Brothers of Love and the other Het Doolhof (The Dwarf Garden).
Nicolaas Tulp, a wealthy businessman, had it constructed between 1650 and 1660 for him to utilize as a retreat from his hectic life at home with his family on Sundays when he would withdraw here alone to engage in meditation or prayer.
These days, it is accessible every day during day, so you can learn more about this historical site for yourself!
4. In Volendam, eat eel
Eel is the best restaurant in Volendam if you’re seeking for a place to eat. A typical Dutch cuisine is eels, and Volendam is well-known for them. In the Netherlands, there are many places to eat and shops where you can buy them, but we suggest you try one at the Eel Museum.
Since it has been operating since 1993, this museum is a great option if you want a traditional experience with a regional flair. They are not only excellent sources of protein but also delicious!
5. At Volendam Harbour Head, take a tour of a historic ship
There are a lot of fun things to do in Volendam, but seeing Volendam Harbour is one of the greatest. This is a place to go if you want an experience unlike any other. You can go on a canal trip around Volendam or join a ship tour.
If you select the first option, you can pick from a wide variety of boats, including small sailing vessels and huge vessels that can accommodate up to 200 people.
And if none of those appeal to you? You could always take a boat trip to Marken or Zaanse Schans, though (which are both nearby).
6. Go to Zaanse Schans for the day
The majority of travelers combine their trips to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken. But if you come to Volendam, think about staying longer to get away from the big metropolis. You will be in the middle of many wonderful towns, like Zaanse Schans, from this point.
It’s understandable why Zaanse Schans is a popular day excursion from Amsterdam. Zaanse Schans, just a 40-minute rail journey away, is regarded as a European Route of Industrial Heritage site. There are other windmills in the neighborhood that have been transformed into tourist-friendly museums or stores.
7. Experience Volendam
You should spend some time exploring Experience Volendam if you want to combine modern technology with heritage. This virtual reality tour takes tourists back to 1916 for 30 minutes!
You’ll gain a first-person, all-encompassing perspective of how life was back then. You’ll discover more about the past of this community, and you’ll even “meet” a fisherman who takes you sailing on his boat!
It may just take 30 minutes to an hour to thoroughly experience all of these little, simple-to-wander-through museums. Yet, they contribute to illustrating what makes Volendam special and endearing.
8. Photograph the De Kathammer Windmill
“De Kathammer,” the neighborhood mill, is near Achterdichting Road. You are always free to stroll past, snap a photo, or join a small group bike tour of the town to see more in less time, albeit these activities are only permitted at specific periods of the year and only with reservations.
As Renoir and Picasso did in the early 20th century, photographers and artists can find inspiration all over this lovely town.
9. De Dijk of Volendam
The oldest section of Volendam is De Dijk, a well-liked tourist destination. The region is renowned for having many stores and eateries. The dike, or De Dijk, is the focal point of this town’s tourist district.
Any fan of architecture will enjoy the numerous charming ancient buildings, cafes, and restaurants in this neighborhood. De Dijk is always open since it serves as the dyke. De Dijk is a fantastic area to explore, and you may visit it whenever you like throughout your trip.
De Dijk is an excellent site to start your vacation to Volendam if you have an interest in history or architecture. There are numerous old structures in this area, including the Martinus Church, which was constructed in 1120, and the “Boot” home, which was constructed in 1646.
10. Snap a picture while wearing a Volendam-specific outfit
Take advantage of the chance to dress in traditional Dutch attire if you really want to experience that old-world atmosphere!
Since fishing is no longer the area’s main industry, Volendam has become a key supplier of traditional Dutch apparel. Places like Fotograaf Volendam transport you back in time for staged images with numerous backdrops, giving you the keepsake of a lifetime.
