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Volendam is a picturesque little harbor town tucked into the northern part of Holland in The Netherlands.
Situated on the shores of the Marker Meer, Volendam is a popular tourist attraction. It is known for two things: old fishing boats and residents that still wear their traditional Dutch clothing of a long dress and high-pointed bonnet in everyday life.
What does Volendam mean in Dutch?
Volendam is a Dutch word that means filled dam in English.
Back in the early part of the 20th century, it was a retreat among popular artists as big names like Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Renoir flocked to the area.
Characterized by beautiful 17th-century gabled timber houses, and narrow streets and canals, Volendam is a charming fishing village.
Volendam from Amsterdam
We visited Volendam on our second day in The Netherlands since part of our Netherlands itinerary was to see the Dutch countryside. After our fun jaunt in the capital of Amsterdam the previous day, we were ready to experience an authentic Dutch lifestyle.
At Amsterdaam Centraal, Amsterdam’s train station, we boarded the regional Waterland buses run by EBS. These buses can be found at the upper bus terminal at the back of the central station on the IJ waterside, beyond platforms 14 and 15.
The Waterland buses ply the Waterland Area, the term that refers to the traditional fishing villages of Volendam, Edam, and many others.
We bought the Waterland day ticket that costs €10 because it lets you visit all the places in the Waterland Area all day with no limit. You simply get on and off the bus whenever and wherever you want to. For instance, you can ride it to go from Volendam to Marken. It takes you back to the central station in Amsterdam as well. The tickets are available at the station counter or from the bus drivers.
Volendam is around 30 minutes from Amsterdam. The cityscape soon became a large expanse of green farmland dotted with cows and cute little houses as we rode the bus.
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Getting Around
From one of the bus stops, we headed toward the Volendam Centrum and passed by a lovely, quiet neighborhood. Nothing much afoot in this residential part.
The waterfront was a different thing altogether: it was bustling with activity and the atmosphere was lively. Colorful restaurants and cafés underneath fetching gabled roofs lined the streets along with shops and souvenir stores.
Lots of people were out and about, enjoying the lovely scenery. Sailboats were bobbing in the water and a few cruise ships docked nearby.
Volendam Restaurant
We got ourselves a table at De Lunch, where the food was great, yet reasonably priced. We tried the fish specialties because we noticed they were what everybody was having. They were cooked fried and quite good. We had a lot of food to take away because the servings were quite large, so we had plenty of leftovers.
Volendam Sightseeing
Afterward, we explored the area, especially the waterfront.
We checked out some souvenir shops, too.
The weather was nice that day — cool and just perfect for sightseeing.
Volendam Museum
After enjoying the waterfront scenery, we walked towards the middle of the old village center and came upon the Volendam Museum. Visiting this museum is a must if you’re interested in the history of this cute little town. You’ll also find national costumes, jewelry, and more inside. The entrance fee is only €3.
Spaander Hotel
Spaander Hotel located at 15 Haven is a great place to visit. Hung on its café walls are paintings by late 19th-century artists who came to this seaside village to immortalize this town through art.
Windmills in Volendam
While Volendam is not known for its windmills, nearby villages like Zaanse Schans showcase iconic Dutch windmills. These windmills played a vital role in the Netherlands’ history, primarily in land reclamation, milling, and water management. They stand as enduring symbols of Dutch ingenuity and cultural heritage.
Book Activities in Volendam
These are some enjoyable activities in Volendam that you can book in advance of your trip.
Volendam Hotels
For Volendam hotels and hotel deals when visiting Volendam, you may look for them using the boxes below. Just enter the place (Volendam), the date of check-in, and the date of checkout.
Booking.comFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Volendam famous?
Volendam is famous for its traditional Dutch architecture, wooden houses, and its association with Dutch culture, particularly its fishing heritage. It’s also renowned for its distinctive costumes, lively harbor, and as a popular tourist destination offering a glimpse into Dutch traditions.
Is Volendam worth a visit?
Yes, Volendam is worth visiting for its charming atmosphere, scenic views of the harbor, and the opportunity to experience Dutch culture firsthand. Visitors can enjoy exploring its quaint streets, tasting local delicacies, and immersing themselves in the rich history and traditions of this picturesque Dutch town.
Wrap Up
So that’s Volendam — a really cute fishing village in Holland. We hope you enjoy visiting it as much as we did. Happy travels!
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