Volendam, Netherlands Travel Guide

Discover Volendam, a charming Dutch fishing village where tradition meets picturesque views, offering a unique glimpse into the Netherlands' rich maritime history.

Nestled on the shores of the IJsselmeer, Volendam is a picturesque fishing village that offers an authentic taste of Dutch culture and history. Known for its charming wooden houses, traditional clothing, and vibrant fishing boats, Volendam provides a glimpse into the Netherlands' rich maritime heritage. Start your visit by strolling along the bustling harbor, where you can see fishermen at work and sample fresh seafood. The village's narrow streets are lined with quaint shops and cafes, where you can enjoy local delicacies such as smoked eel and herring. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Volendam Museum, where you can learn about the village's history and see traditional costumes and artifacts. For a unique cultural experience, consider dressing up in traditional Volendam attire and having your photo taken at one of the village's many photo studios. This is a popular activity among tourists and a fun way to immerse yourself in local traditions. Additionally, Volendam serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding region, including the nearby windmills of Zaanse Schans and the historic city of Edam.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Volendam.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Try the local seafood, especially the smoked eel and herring, for an authentic taste of Volendam.
Consider taking a boat tour on the IJsselmeer to see the village from a different perspective and enjoy the scenic views.
Wear comfortable shoes as the village's cobblestone streets can be uneven and require a bit of walking.
Check the local calendar for traditional festivals or events, as Volendam often hosts lively celebrations that showcase its rich culture.

Explore Volendam: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Volendam

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The Concertgebouw

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4.8

Micropia

Discover Micropia in Amsterdam, the world's first museum dedicated to microbes, where science meets imagination in an unforgettable experience.

4.7

Abraxas

Discover Abraxas in Amsterdam - where premium coffee meets a renowned cannabis culture, perfect for tourists seeking unique experiences.

4.6

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Discover the world's cultures at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, a unique museum showcasing diverse artifacts and rich histories in the heart of the city.

4.3

Best landmarks in Volendam

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De Dijk van Volendam

Experience the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of De Dijk van Volendam, a must-visit waterfront promenade in the heart of the Netherlands.

4.6

Cheese Factory Volendam

Experience the rich tradition of Dutch cheese-making at Cheese Factory Volendam, where flavor meets history in a charming harbor setting.

4.4

Roompot Marinapark Volendam

Experience the charm of Volendam at Roompot Marinapark, a serene holiday park offering modern amenities and access to North Holland's cultural treasures.

4.1

Port of Volendam

Discover the enchanting Port of Volendam, where traditional Dutch fishing culture meets stunning waterfront views and delightful local cuisine.

4.6

Best restaurants in Volendam

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De Lunch

Experience authentic Dutch cuisine with stunning harbor views at De Lunch in Volendam.

4.4

Smit-Bokkum

Discover authentic Dutch seafood at Smit-Bokkum in Volendam – where tradition meets breathtaking waterfront views.

4.5

Restaurant Pieterman

Experience the best of Dutch seafood cuisine at Restaurant Pieterman in Volendam, where every meal tells a story.

4.3

Old Dutch Hotel - Restaurant Le Pompadour

Discover exquisite French and seafood cuisine at Old Dutch Hotel - Restaurant Le Pompadour while enjoying stunning waterfront views in charming Volendam.

4.3

Best bars in Volendam

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Restaurant Pieterman

Discover the essence of Dutch cuisine at Restaurant Pieterman in Volendam, where fresh local ingredients meet breathtaking harbor views.

4.3

Old Dutch Hotel - Restaurant Le Pompadour

Savor exquisite French and seafood dishes at the Old Dutch Hotel - Restaurant Le Pompadour, a waterfront culinary delight in Volendam.

4.3

Restaurant Cafe de Dijk

Experience the best of Dutch cuisine at Cafe de Dijk, where local flavors meet stunning waterfront views in the heart of Volendam.

4.3

Restaurant-café Van den Hogen

Experience the flavors of traditional Dutch cuisine at Restaurant-café Van den Hogen, nestled in the scenic harbor of Volendam.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Volendam

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Art Hotel Spaander

Experience the charm and culture of Volendam at Art Hotel Spaander, where comfort meets creativity by the sea.

4.0

Marina Volendam

Explore the picturesque Marina Volendam, a charming waterfront destination in the heart of the Netherlands, perfect for boating, dining, and cultural experiences.

4.6

Volendam Events

Plan unforgettable events in the heart of Volendam with expert event planning and stunning venue options for every occasion.

4.9

Bar de Molen

Experience the local flavors and vibrant atmosphere at Bar de Molen, a charming pub in Volendam's stunning waterfront.

4.5

Best shops in Volendam

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Winkelcentrum Havenhof

Explore Winkelcentrum Havenhof, Volendam's premier shopping mall offering diverse stores, delightful dining, and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.

4.1

Primera Volendam

Discover the charm of Volendam at Primera, your ultimate gift shop for unique souvenirs, books, and local treasures.

4.2

Rituals

Explore Rituals in Volendam for a luxurious shopping experience, offering high-quality cosmetics and wellness products in a serene atmosphere.

4.5

Többen Gifts & Souvenirs B.V.

Explore Többen Gifts & Souvenirs B.V. for authentic Dutch treasures in Volendam, from traditional clogs to exquisite Delftware.

4.7

Explore Volendam on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Volendam, mapped for you.

Volendam Essentials

Volendam is located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. The nearest major airport is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, approximately 40 kilometers away. From Schiphol, you can take a train to Amsterdam Central Station, followed by a bus (line 316) directly to Volendam. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which takes about 30-40 minutes.
Volendam is a compact town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses are available and connect Volendam to nearby towns like Edam and Amsterdam. Renting a bicycle is also a popular and convenient way to explore the area. Taxis are available but tend to be more expensive. For a more scenic route, consider taking a boat tour on the IJsselmeer.
The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and market stalls. ATMs are readily available throughout Volendam for withdrawing cash.
Volendam is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoiding poorly lit streets at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Volendam, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Volendam. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple hello or 'Hoi'. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like herring and stroopwafels. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Volendam like a local, visit the local fish market and try some freshly caught seafood. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Volendam Museum and the Cheese Factory. For a unique experience, rent traditional Dutch costumes and take photos by the picturesque harbor.

When is the best time to visit Volendam?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Volendam

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Volendam. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
- GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNee
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [ahl-stu-bleeft]
- Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yeh vel]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
- How are you?Hoe gaat het met jou?
  [hoo gaht het met yow]
- Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
- Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprake yeh en-gels]
- I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik beh-greyp het neet]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [mahk ik duh meh-noo-kahrt seen, ahl-stu-bleeft]
- I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn flays]
- Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ik vil khrahg buh-tah-lun, ahl-stu-bleeft]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah wekh]
- Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
- Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dohk-tur]
- I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fur-dwahld]
- I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]
- I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil khrahg koh-pun]
- I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kaike all-ayn mahr]
- How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-veyl kost het]
- That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh duhr]
- Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt u duh preys fur-lah-ghun]
- What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
- It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
- Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
- MorningOchtend
  [ohk-tend]
- AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
- EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnd]
- YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuh-run]
- TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
- 1Een
  [ayn]
- 2Twee
  [twey]
- 3Drie
  [dree]
- 4Vier
  [veer]
- 5Vijf
  [fayf]
- 6Zes
  [zehs]
- 7Zeven
  [zeh-vun]
- 8Acht
  [ahkht]
- 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
- 10Tien
  [teen]
- Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/deh]
- What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-dres]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt u may laht-un seen (op duh kahrt)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ayr is duh fohl-hun-duh (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh (nar)]

History of Volendam

Volendam, located in North Holland, was originally a small fishing village established in the 14th century. It was formed when inhabitants of the nearby town of Edam dug a new canal to access the Zuiderzee and left behind the old harbor, which became filled in. The area around the old harbor evolved into the village of Volendam.
During the 17th century, Volendam thrived as a fishing village. The community became well-known for its eel and herring fisheries, which played a significant role in the local economy. Fishing boats from Volendam would venture out into the Zuiderzee and beyond, bringing back a plentiful catch that supported the village's prosperity.
Volendam has a rich religious history, characterized by its predominantly Catholic population in a largely Protestant region. The village became a site of religious significance, drawing pilgrims to visit its churches and participate in religious festivals. The St. Vincentius Church, built in the 19th century, is a notable landmark reflective of this heritage.
Volendam is famous for its traditional clothing, which has become a symbol of Dutch culture. The distinctive costumes, especially the women's outfits with pointed bonnets, are often worn during festivals and by locals for tourists. Folklore and traditional music also play a significant role in Volendam's cultural identity, with local bands and dancers frequently performing.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Volendam became a popular destination for artists seeking inspiration from its picturesque scenery and vibrant community. Notable artists, including Picasso and Renoir, visited the village. This artistic interest helped transform Volendam into a tourist hotspot, attracting visitors eager to experience its unique charm and cultural heritage.
The completion of the Afsluitdijk in 1932 transformed the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer, significantly impacting Volendam's fishing industry. The once salty sea became a freshwater lake, leading to changes in fish populations and forcing the local fishing community to adapt. Despite these challenges, Volendam maintained its cultural traditions and continued to thrive as a tourist destination.
Today, Volendam is a vibrant community that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern amenities. The village attracts tourists from around the world, drawn by its scenic harbor, traditional architecture, and lively cultural events. Volendam's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing contemporary developments makes it a unique and captivating destination.