COOL THINGS TO DO IN VOLENDAM

This is the most complete guide to visiting Volendam, a fishing village in the shores of the Markermeer lake.

This fishing village has some pretty architecture and very attractive streets where you can taste some of the best Dutch culinary delicacies.

If you are visiting Amsterdam, Volendam should be a mandatory stop in your itinerary. I am a local in Amsterdam for more than 20 years and have been in Volendam countless times for personal enjoyment and also guided group tours around the village.

In this guide I am sharing the best things to to in Volendam and some of my pictures and tips to help you prepare and make the best of your visit.

ABOUT VOLENDAM

Volendam is a picturesque town in the Amsterdam countryside, renowned for its fishing heritage and traditional Dutch culture. Volendam was founded the 14th century, it began as a small settlement along the Zuiderzee. Over time, it grew into a vibrant fishing village, attracting artists and tourists alike with its distinctive wooden houses and locals dressed in traditional clothing.

Volendam has around 22,000 residents and remains a symbol of Dutch cultural heritage, celebrated for its music, seafood, and preserved historic charm.

MY EXPERIENCE IN VOLENDAM

This is another one of my favorite locations around Amsterdam. I have been so many times in the town and seen it evolving into what it is today.

This is the town where I brought all friends and family members when coming to visit me to Amsterdam as I think it is the perfect setting to observe how really the Netherlands is under sea level.

I have come to Volendam using all possible modes or transport, by bike, car and bus and I do not ever get tired of watching the beautiful Amsterdam countryside on the way to the village and the village itself. I love Volendam and I am sure you will, as well.

VOLENDAM LOCATION

Volendam is located 22 km North of Amsterdam in the Waterland.

Find here a pin with Volendam location:

HOW TO GET TO VOLENDAM

There line 316 goes from Amsterdam central to Volendam and it takes around 40 minutes to get there.

Check the 9292 website for which Volendam bus is best for your time and if you are departing from other location, than Amsterdam. Don’t worry, that’s the English link.

Get 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.

There is a also a very beautiful bike land that goes from Amsterdam to Volendam and this is my favorite mode of transport during the warm months.

You can either do it on your won or book a bike tour that will bring you to Volendam by bike.

Find here the bike itinerary to get to Volendam from Amsterdam:

THINGS TO DO IN VOLENDAM

WALK ALONG THE MARINA HAVEN

This beautiful walk among the boats in the haven will bring you in contact with the Dutch sailing traditions. There is a possibility to arrange accommodation in this area if you decide to spent the night in Volendam.

Marina park Volendam is one of the newest yacht harbors in The Netherlands. Its location a bit away from the tourist crowds of the more central area are the perfect place to take a break while you visit some of the other areas.

VISIT THE VOLENDAM MUSEUM

The Volendams Museum, located close to the Volendam roan main entrance is a historical museum that showcases the vibrant heritage of Volendam, a picturesque fishing village. The museum is located in a historic building, ind it exhibits the town’s rich maritime history and traditional Dutch culture.

A visit to the museum will transport you back in time through its displays of the local pas life. The a visit to the museum is a must do if you would like to get to know the village history. I recommend starting your visit by checking the museum so you can put all the other sights into perspective when walking around the village.

Do not forget to check the museum site for opening times as the museum is usually closed in Winter and Fall.

TAKE THE VOLENDAM MARKEN EXPRESS

This is a classic boat ride through the Markermeer lake. The ride is approximately 30 minutes and you will enjoy some pretty amazing views of the lake and it will bring you to the beautiful village of Marken.

The Marken Express service is available all year round and you can have snacks and drinks on the boat.

VISIT ALIDA HOEVE CHEESEFARM

Alida cheese farm is 2 Km away from the village center and it is a perfect place to get acquainted with the Dutch cheese making procedures.

There are some experience guides in the farm that will guide you through the cheese making process and will answer all your question and you will get to taste all the different types of cheese available in the shop after the demonstrations.

There is shop as well where you can buy wax wrapped cheese that you can take on the plane with you back home.

Just next door there is a place where you can see the clog making workshop.

STROLL AROUND “HET DOOLHOF-OUDE KOM”

Het Doolhof is the historic heart of Volendam. Its name comes from the absence of a defined street layout, creating a maze-like network of natural, charming streets.

The Oude Kom, including the Dril, Havendijkje, Meerzijde, and their surroundings, showcase these narrow, authentic streets and traditional houses. This unique setting deeply inspired painters and artists who visited Volendam from 1880 onwards. They were captivated by the timeless essence of this fishing village, a sensation that still lingers today. Walking through Het Doolhof and the Oude Kom allows one to step into the past and experience the enduring magic of Volendam’s history.

This is the most photogenic part of the village and is the off the beaten path gem in Volendam. Even when the other parts of the village crowded in Summer time you can enjoy some narrow stunning streets in solitude

TAKE A PHOTO WITH A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM

It is a tradition when visiting Volendam to take a photo with a traditional custom. The Fotostudio is located in the heart of the world famous Volendam’s Dijk. Just in the middle of the beautiful local scenery. The people in the studio will dress you up in the Volendam traditional custom and will make sure your photos are ready before you depart.

Do it at the beginning of your visit you can give them plenty of time to have the photos ready for you.

WALK ALONG DE DIJK

Walking along the world famous Volendam Dijk is the most populat thing to do in Volendam. The stunning Markermeer lake views with the traditional boats and many fish restaurants and souvenir shops is a truly remarkable scene.

This is the busiest street in the village but also the most beautiful. I recommend you to eat some Dutch mussels with a glass or white wine while observing the peasants and the local live.

I love to bike from Amsterdam center in the Summer time and gift myself with a nice fish meal sitting on the Volendam dijk. I am sure you will love it too.

DO A WALKING TOUR

If you would like to get to know all the Volendam secret corners book a walking tour with a local guide. It will save you some time and your guide will make sure you will not miss a single details of this stunning Amsterdam countryside village.

VISIT THE HALVE MAEN

The Halve Maen in Volendam is a replica of Dutch East India Company ship and brings visitors to the historical legacy of the Netherlands. The Halve Maen is anchored to the harbor and a visit will bring you back to the colonial times, to an era of adventure and trade. Make sure to check the latest opening times as the ship was recently closed due to renovations.

THE OLD FISH AUCTION BUILDING

The old fish auction building is situated in the middle of the dike and it was built in 1934. It is an example of expressionism and while it was once a fish auction building these activities terminated in 1990.

The building stands today at the Volendam waterfront as cultural heritage of fish trading.

VISIT THE PALINGSOUND MUSEUM

The word Palingsound was introduced by the disc jockey Joost den Draaijer and has since been incorporated into common speech. Palingsound stands for a classic, typically Dutch style in pop music, arising from successful Volendammer formations. The reference to eel refers on the one hand to an important economic activity in Volendam and on the other hand to the somewhat smooth music. Well-known representatives of this genre are The Cats (1966-1985), Left Side (1968-1976), BZN (1966-2007), Piet Veerman (ex-The Cats), Jan Keizer (ex-BZN) and Maribelle. Jan Smit (1997-present), Nick & Simon (2006-present) and the 3J’s (2007-present) form the new generation of Volendam musical talent, but do not classify themselves under the name Palingsound. Check the Palingsound museum where you will have a glimpse of this music style.

TRY THE FAMOUS VOLENDAM HERRING

Herring from Volendam is world famous and you cannot leave the village without trying this culture culinary delicacy in its most authentic setting.

VISIT THE ART COLLECTION OF HOTEL SPAANDER

The Hotel Spaander in Volendam has been since the 19^th century a sanctuary for artists where they would exchange artwork for stays at the hotel.

Its walls are decorated with paintings from world known artists such as Picasso and Renoir giving the hotel an art gallery vibe.

Each painting tells a story, capturing the essence of Volendam’s scenic beauty and culture. The hotel’s legacy as an artistic sanctuary endures, offering guests a unique immersion into a living art exhibit. With its rich history and creative spirit, Hotel Spaander remains an emblematic destination where art, history, and hospitality harmoniously converge.

VOLENDAM FAQs

IS VOLENDAM WORTH A VISIT?

Yes, Volendam is very well worth a visit. If you are visiting Amsterdam a visit to this fishing village should be a must stop in your itinerary.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN VOLENDAM?

While a day is enough to visit all the attractions in the village you might want to stay one or two nights to enjoy the stunning countryside around and bike to some of the neighboring villages.

WHAT IS VOLENDAM KNOWN FOR?

Volendam also known in the past as the “Pearl of the Zuiderzee” is famous for its fishing tradition and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands

The village is also famous for its herring.

IS VOLENDAM A TOURIST TRAP?

The village is really touristic and overcrowded and I personally like more visiting some of the other villages in the Amsterdam countryside. But I still recommend visiting it for its rich Dutch cultural tradition and rich heritage. And there are still places in the village that have remained off the beaten path such as Het Doolhof-Oude Kom

MORE AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE GUIDES

I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the Volendam!

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 countrys

RECAP

Get on the bike if it is Summer time or get a guided tour or a bus and visit Volendam it will not disappoint you and you will be able to taste some amazing Dutch culinary fish delicacies.