Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Volendam Still Matters
North of Amsterdam, sitting along the calm waters of the IJsselmeer, lie two of the Netherlands’ most atmospheric villages:
Volendam, the vibrant fishing community famous for its harbour, traditional costumes and musical heritage.
Edam, the postcard-perfect canal town synonymous with world-famous Edam cheese.
Together, they form a single municipality, Edam-Volendam, yet each offers a distinct character.
Volendam is lively, colourful and culturally expressive; Edam is refined, historic and quietly romantic.
For travellers seeking an escape from Amsterdam’s crowds while exploring authentic Dutch heritage, these two destinations deliver one of the country’s most rewarding day trips.
This guide gives you everything you need: accurate transport details, the true cycling distances, updated market hours, historical insights, top sights, hidden corners, and year-round planning advice.
Getting to Volendam & Edam from Amsterdam
By Bus – Easiest and Fastest
Buses from Amsterdam Centraal Station (IJ-side / Amsterdam Noord platforms) run frequently to:
- Volendam (Julianaweg or Zeestraat)
- Edam Bus Station
Travel time: 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and line.
By Car
Take the N247 north. Travel time is usually 25–30 minutes, longer during summer weekends or festival days.
Cycling from Amsterdam
Online sources vary wildly, citing everything from 20 km to nearly 50 km. The real answer depends on the route you take.
1. Direct Route (Amsterdam → Volendam)
- Typical cycling distance: 20–28 km one-way
- Time: 60–90 minutes (fit cyclist)
- Route via: Amsterdam Noord → Landsmeer → Edam-Volendam municipality
2. Scenic Polder Route via Waterland Villages
- Distance: 27–40 km one-way
- Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Highlights: Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, quiet Waterland meadows, lakes, and farm roads
3. Extended Marken Loop (Most Popular Tourist Route)
- Distance: 35–60+ km round-trip
- Time: 2.5–4 hours cycling, plus stops
- Route includes:
- Amsterdam Noord
- Monnickendam
- Marken (via the causeway)
- Ferry from Marken → Volendam
- Then Volendam → Edam → Amsterdam
Tip: Any route you choose is flat, safe, and scenic. The Netherlands is purpose-built for cycling, so even longer distances feel manageable.
Why Visit Volendam?
Volendam is not simply a tourist village; it’s a working community with deep roots in fishing, faith and music.
Key Volendam Entities & Authentic Draws
- Volendam Harbour (Haven van Volendam) – the beating heart of the village
- The Dike (De Dijk) – lined with cafés, stalls and photo spots
- Traditional Volendam Costume – iconic bonnet, skirt and embroidered apron
- Palingsound Music Culture – birthplace of Dutch pop legends like BZN and The Cats
- Marken Ferry Terminal – access point to the island village of Marken
- Volendam Brewery – small but renowned, famous for its Bokbier
- Smoked Eel (Paling) – the region’s signature delicacy
Volendam is lively without being chaotic, an ideal contrast to Amsterdam.
Top Things to Do in Volendam
1. Stroll the Historic Harbour
Watch fishing boats dock, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy casual seafood stalls. Even with modern tourism, this harbour still feels rooted in maritime tradition.
2. Visit the Volendams Museum
A compact yet deep museum showcasing:
- Traditional clothing
- Local art & sculpture
- Historic interiors
- The famous cigar-band house
- Old photographs and village life stories
3. Explore the Palingsound Museum
Learn about Volendam’s music scene:
- Bands and solo artists spanning decades
- Music memorabilia
- Video displays showing the evolution of “Palingsound”
4. Eat Volendam Specialties
Try:
- Smoked eel
- Herring
- Kibbeling (deep-fried white fish)
- Local craft beers
5. Ferry to Marken
A beautiful 30-minute boat ride across the IJsselmeer. Marken is a charming peninsula village with wooden houses, a lighthouse, and peaceful walking paths.
6. Photograph the Traditional Costume
Volendam has long been associated with its distinctive attire. Today, it’s mainly worn for events or photo studios, but remains one of the most recognisable Dutch cultural symbols.
Visit Edam – The Elegant Sister Village
Edam is a quieter, refined village, perfect for a late-afternoon stroll.
Top Edam Highlights
- Edam Cheese Market (seasonal, summer Wednesdays)
- Historic Town Center with canals and gabled houses
- Grote Kerk (St. Nicholas Church)
- Edam Museum (one of the oldest in the Netherlands)
If Volendam is lively, Edam is serene together; they offer the perfect balance.
Markets & Events
Volendam Weekly Market
- Location: Zeestraat, Volendam
- Day: Every Saturday
- Time: 11:00–17:00
Note: Hours may shift during festivals, but this timeframe is accurate for regular Saturdays.
What You’ll Find
- Fresh produce
- Fish stalls
- Eel and herring
- Bread and pastries
- Household goods
- Local crafts and souvenirs
Annual Events (Timeless & Recurring)
Volendam Fair (September)
A four-day annual celebration featuring rides, food, music and lively street activities.
Volendammer Weekend (June)
Locals revive old crafts, wear traditional costumes, smoke eel, hold barbecues, and host a large sailing race on the IJsselmeer.
Edam Cheese Market (Summer Wednesdays)
A re-enactment of historic cheese auctions in Edam’s central square. A true Old Holland experience.
Hidden Corners Most Tourists Miss
1. Back Alleys of the Oude Kom
The oldest part of Volendam, filled with narrow lanes and wooden houses.
2. Sunrise at Volendam Harbour
Quiet, peaceful and ideal for photography.
3. Cycle Route to Monnickendam
A gorgeous 8 km ride through Waterland nature reserves.
4. Marken Lighthouse (Het Paard van Marken)
Iconic and photogenic.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day (Perfect for First-Time Visitors)
- Bus to Volendam
- Harbour walk & snacks
- Visit Volendams Museum
- Lunch on De Dijk
- Quick walk to Zeestraat Market (Saturday)
- Return to Amsterdam
Full-Day (Volendam + Edam + Marken)
- Cycle or bus to Volendam
- Harbour + Palingsound Museum
- Ferry to Marken
- Explore Marken
- Return to Volendam → walk or bus to Edam
- Edam canals + cheese tasting
- Late dinner back in Volendam
- Return to Amsterdam
Travel Tips
- Windproof clothing: The IJsselmeer can be breezy even in summer.
- Start early: Beat the mid-day tour bus influx.
- Mind the dike winds: Great photos, but often gusty.
- Respect locals: Ask for permission before taking costume photos.
- Support small shops: Try artisan stalls and local cafés over souvenir-chain stores.
Final Thoughts: Why This Trip Never Gets Old
Volendam and Edam offer an experience that remains timeless, with wooden houses, working harbours, preserved traditions, friendly locals and preserved Dutch heritage.
Whether you’re cycling the Waterland countryside, sampling smoked eel by the water, wandering Edam’s medieval lanes, or catching the ferry to Marken, the journey feels both nostalgic and refreshingly authentic.
If Amsterdam offers energy, Volendam & Edam offer soul.
Explore Waterfront Districts-Java Island Near Amsterdam
If you enjoy discovering the Netherlands’ relationship with water, consider visiting Java Island in Amsterdam.
This modern neighbourhood reflects the country’s innovative approach to urban island design, offering a fascinating contrast to Volendam’s traditional fishing culture.