13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN EDAM
A comprehensive travel guide featuring the amazing things to do in Edam.
Edam is one of the oldest villages in the Netherlands and it is world famous due to its Edam cheese.
The village is located in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam and the beauty and charm of its historical center will leave you speechless.
As a local person living in Amsterdam for longer than 20 years I have visited Edam several times in different times of the year. It is one of my favorites places to go for a walk and relax when I want to get out of the crowds of the Amsterdam city center.
In this guide I am sharing all my tips of the best things to do in Edam to help you preparing your visit to this stunning village and I will also share some beautiful pictures of this picturesque and historical village.
ABOUT EDAM
Edam is a small village in the Amsterdam countryside with a population of around 7400 people. It used to be a town in Middle Age and it was founded around a dam crossing the river Ije in the proximity of the Zuiderzee. The dam was built around 1230 and as this was of economic importance to the town are inhabitants could charge a toll for the goods that had to be transferred to other vessels at the dam. Edam grew as a trade area and fishing and shipbuilding brought even more wealth.
The town was officially founded in 1357 when is received rights from Willem V King.
The cheese market was the primary resource of the economy of Edam in the 16th century and on 16th April 1526 Charles V gave Edam the right to have a market every week.
Edam is famous nowadays by its Edam cheese, that is delicious, one of my favorites cheese in the world and the cheese market is still a genuine Dutch cultural experience that many tourists really appreciate.
Cheese markets happen Wednesday mornings in July and August from 10:30 to 12:20 hours. However this might chance per year so please check the latest events information in the Edam tourist office website before planning your visit.
WHERE IS EDAM LOCATED
Edam is located 23 Km from Amsterdam in the Northwest of the Netherlands in the province of North Holland. It is located on the Western shore of the Markermeer lake, just North of Waterland.
Find here a pin with Edam location:
HOW TO GET TO EDAM
Edam is only around half an hour bus ride from Amsterdam Central Station and the ticket is 5 euros one way.
The 314 bus line departing from Amsterdam station has regular buses to Edam throughout the day.
Check the 9292 website for which bus is best for your time and if you are departing from other location, than Amsterdam. Don’t worry, that’s the English link.
I definitely suggest that you grab an OV chip card (a transportation card) that you refill as you go. You can buy them in the yellow machines in Central Station or ask for assistance at the tourist information point.
In the Summer and Springs months you can also go to Edam by bike, this is my favorite way to reach Edam as the way to the village is a scenic route of breathtaking beauty.
Find here the itinerary in case you want to get Edam by bike on your own:
There are also several tours than combine a visit to Edam to several other villages in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam and this is the option that I will recommend you if you are in short visit to Amsterdam as you will be able to visit 2 or 3 villages in one day.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN EDAM
WALK AROUND THE PICTURESQUE STREETS
Edam is the perfect place to do some walking wandering the streets around and admiring the beauty at every corner.
You can walk around on your own but if you are not on a guided tour package in Edam I would recommend you to book a tour with a local guide at the tourist office page.
Edam is really photogenic village so do not forget to come with you quality camera and lenses and take some sexy pictures of this stunning Dutch village.
EDAM MUSEUM
The Edam Museum, in the center of Edam , is a cultural gem where you can get to know Edam’s rich history.
The museum is located in an impressive historical building and has exhibits about the village cheese-making legacy, its past and traditions.
There is an extensive collection of artifacts and some interactive displays to help you delve into Edam’s evolution.
You can get a guide to compliment your museum tour and get to know about some intriguing and funny tales regarding the village’s past.
ZEESLUIS EDAM
The “Zeesluis Edam” is a sea lock without a sea. The lock was built in 1829 when Edam was still a coastal town of the Zuiderzee. The Zuiderzee become a fresh water lake, the Markermeer, after the construction of the Afsluitdijk that was built to avoid the high bloods affecting the area.
The lock is still widely used by recreational boating, and passing over the lock serves as an important link in hiking trails.
FORT EDAM
Fort Edam is an old Fort that was part of the Amsterdam defense line and it is a legacy of the country’s rich history.
Fort Edam is part of the Dutch defense lines UNESCO heritage site. Its strategic location was serving as a protection against invasions. It was built in the late 17th century and it is an example of the Dutch military architecture.
These days Fort Edam is a cultural heritage site where you can get to know the village’s history.
KWAKELBRUG
The Kwakelbrug is an old drawbridge located in Edam that dates back to the 18th century. I has the status of national monument it is among the oldest drawbridges in the country.
The bridge connects Kwakelsteeg with Doelenstraat. The bridge is not only a historical landmark in the village of Edam but it is located in a neighborhood of breathtaking beauty.
The bridge still serves today as a functional pathway and its beauty reflecting on the calm waters of the Edam canals is a gift for the senses.
The area is specially beautiful in the warm months as there are flowers everywhere around.
GROTE KERK
The Grote Kerk in Edam construction started in the 15th century. The church reached its current size in 1518 and it is a very famous landmark in Edam. Please check opening times before your trup to Edam if you would like to visit the church inside.
SPEELTOREN
This tower of the Onze Lieve Vrouwe or Kleine Kerk dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A church or chapel was already mentioned on this site in 1350. The church itself was demolished in 1882, the stone foundation was re-bricked in 2006-2007. The slender late Gothic tower carries a carillon from 1561, cast by Pieter van de Ghein from Mechelen. The original playing drum is still present. Later the chimes were expanded considerably, which is also the reason why some of the bells hang outside the open lantern. In 1972, a local resident discovered that the tower was in danger of falling, but fortunately the danger was averted in time. The tower is not accessible to the public.
SCHEEPSWERF GROOT
The Edam shipyard dates back to the oldest tax registers in Edam in 1462. It appears that there were several yards located in the area. And during the 15th and 16th centuries there were several yards set up in in this area.
Due to the increasing house construction in later times these yards disappeared, except for those in the bend of the river Ije.
It is the only place in Edam that has retained its original function throughout the centuries up to the present day. As the birthplace of Edam’s Shipbuilding (with 33 yards at that time), the cultural-historical value of this location is extraordinarily significant.”
CHEESE MUSEUM
The Cheese Museum in Edam, Netherlands is a must visit when visiting this iconic Dutch countryside village. A visit to this museum will be cultural immersion into centuries of cheese craftsmanship. The museum exhibits tools, artifacts and interactive displays where Edam story is narrated. Visitors explore the traditional cheese-making process and the town’s role on the Edam cheese legacy.
From the significance of dairy farming to the town deep-rooted connection to cheese production you learn all you need to know about the famous Edam cheese and its history.
GEMEENLANDSHUIS
Behind a monumental wooden fence on Schepenmakersdijk is “the Gemeenlandshuis” from 1785. It consists of three buildings from the 18th century grouped around a courtyard. The oldest meeting room of the Water Board of the Uitwaterende Slokken of Kennemerland and West Friesland is located in the middle building. Members of the executive board met here and afterwards the table was set for dinner and people could sleep in a box bed. One box bed has been preserved. The garden statues placed on pedestals represent the four seasons. The building cannot be visited.
KAASWAAG EDAM
In the past, the ‘Edammertjes’ were weighed in the Kaaswaag, in the historic center of Edam. A visit to the Kaaswaag and the summer cheese market takes you back to the origins of the world-famous round cheeses. The most visited cheese market in the Netherlands is Edam. In July and August there are folkloric demonstrations every Wednesday, except the last Wednesday in August in connection with the Edam fair. Cheese carriers show how the heavy round Edam cheeses are transported on berries, exactly as it used to be. This takes place on the square in front of the Kaaswaag, which dates from 1778 and where the cheese was weighed. The Kaaswaag has a permanent exhibition on the art of cheese making. Of course you can also taste and buy cheese here. Close to the Waag, you will find Edam’s best attraction at Spui 9: The Story Of Edam Cheese. Here you can discover how Edam cheese became world famous. Fun for young and old. Click here for more information.
CHOCOLATERIE, SWEET SHOP EDAM
This pink shop is been feature several times in Instagram. Walk to the shop if you would like to take some nice picture with its stunning pink decoration or just buy some delicious Dutch chocolate inside.village.
LISTEN TO SOME LIVE MUSIC AT HARMONIE
If you like live music and traditional Dutch bars check the Harmonie agenda, a bar hotel where you can stay and listen to some live bands while visiting this beautiful.
EDAM FAQs
IS IT WORTH VISITING EDAM?
Yes, I find Edam adorable and I have visited so many times along the years. The village is a true immersion into the Dutch cultural-historical heritage and the beauty of its cobbled streets and picturesque bridges is the perfect for some amazing photo memories of your holiday.
Edam is really worth at least a half day visit.
WHAT DAY IS THE CHEESE MARKET IN EDAM?
The Edam cheese market happens only 8 weeks per year in July and August to keep the old tradition alive.
Please make sure to check the Edam events page for updates and latest information on the cheese markets dates as this can vary per year and week.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT EDAM CHEESE?
Edam cheese originates from the northern parts of the Netherlands, where the milk from cows or goats contributes to the creation of this semi-hard cheese, infusing it with its distinctive flavor. As it matures, its taste deepens, offering a creamy texture and gentler notes that delight the palate when enjoyed at a younger age.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH EDAM CHEESE?
Edam cheese, versatile and mild, is perfect for various culinary delights. Enjoy it sliced in sandwiches, grated over pasta for a creamy finish, or melted into sauces for richness. Pair it with fruits or nuts on a cheese platter or savor its smoothness in omelets and salads for added flavors
MORE DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE NEAR AMSTERDAM GUIDES
I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to Edam!
While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other articles below, where I go into more detail on some of the places mentioned in this article.
- 13 cool things to do in Volendam
- 9 awesome things to do in Broek in Waterland
- 13 top things to do in Edam
- 14 best things to do in Marken
- Monnickendam: a hidden gem in the Amsterdam countryside
WRAP – UP
Come to Edam and spend at least half a day in this perfect Dutch village. Do not forget bring your camera as you will find fantastic photo opportunities in every corner.
I have visited Edam perhaps a hundred times since I moved to the Netherlands and every time I discover a new corner or detail that makes me smile with awe and wonder.
If you are visiting Amsterdam you should definitely add a visit to Edam in your itinerary.
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