Volendam Travel Guide: Discover Holland’s Charming Fishing Village

Just 20 kilometers north of Amsterdam lies Volendam, a picturesque fishing village steeped in Dutch tradition. Known for its historic harbor, colorful wooden houses, and locals in traditional dress, Volendam offers visitors a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty.
 

As your tour guide today, I’ll take you through the highlights of Volendam — from iconic photo ops to local seafood tasting and unique experiences that make this village one of the most charming spots in the Netherlands.

📍 Quick Overview of Volendam

Province: North Holland, Netherlands

Population: ~22,000

Famous For: Traditional costumes, cheese, smoked eel, fishing harbor

Distance from Amsterdam: ~30 minutes by bus or car

Ideal Visit Duration: Half-day to full-day trip

🚌 How to Get to Volendam

🚍 From Amsterdam by Public Transport

Take Bus 316 from Amsterdam Centraal Station (approx. 30 minutes)

Get off at the Volendam Centrum stop

Buses depart every 15–20 minutes

🚗 By Car

Volendam is about 25–30 minutes north of Amsterdam

Free and paid parking available near the harbor

🚲 By Bike

Cycling to Volendam from Amsterdam via Waterland is a scenic and popular route

Takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (around 20–25 km)

🛶 Top Things to Do in Volendam

1. 🌊 Explore the Historic Harbor (De Haven)

Volendam’s harbor is the heart of the village, full of charming boats, waterside cafés, and photo-worthy views.

Great spot to stroll and enjoy the breeze

Watch fishermen at work and admire traditional sailing boats

Snap iconic pictures with the colorful wooden buildings as your backdrop

2. 📸 Dress in Traditional Dutch Costume

One of the most fun (and touristy) things to do is dress up like a local!

Several shops offer costume photo experiences

Wear wooden clogs, embroidered skirts, and lace caps

Take home a printed or digital photo as a keepsake

Great for families, couples, or solo travelers

3. 🧀 Visit the Cheese Factory Volendam

The Netherlands is world-famous for cheese, and Volendam is no exception.

Watch live demonstrations of how cheese is made

Sample a wide variety of local Dutch cheeses

Learn about the aging process and dairy traditions

The store offers free samples and cheese to take home

4. 🐟 Taste Fresh Seafood at the Harbor

You haven’t truly visited Volendam until you’ve tried their smoked eel (gerookte paling) or raw herring (haring).

Try These Local Specialties:

Smoked eel sandwich

Raw herring with onions and pickles

Fried cod (kibbeling)

Dutch-style seafood platters

Top spots:

De Lunch (classic harbor café)

Havenrestaurant De Lunch

Viswinkel Smit-Bokkum (family-run with a smoking room)

5. 🖼️ Visit the Volendams Museum

This small but engaging museum gives insight into Volendam’s history, culture, and traditional lifestyle.

Explore exhibitions on folklore, costumes, art, and local crafts

Don’t miss the cigar band mosaic room — made from thousands of tiny cigar bands

Entry: ~€5

Family-friendly and a great cultural stop

6. 🚤 Take a Boat Trip to Marken Island

Volendam’s neighboring village Marken is another charming destination.

Regular ferry service from Volendam Harbor (Marken Express)

Boat ride takes ~30 minutes

Marken is known for its green wooden houses and peaceful streets

Combine both villages in one day trip

7. 🎶 Explore Volendam’s Musical History

Volendam is also the birthplace of many Dutch pop and folk artists, including the band BZN.

Walk the Volendam Music Trail, a self-guided route

Visit statues and landmarks dedicated to local musicians

Some cafés often have live Dutch folk music performances

🏡 Where to Stay in Volendam

Though often a day trip, Volendam offers cozy accommodations if you choose to stay overnight.

🏨 Recommended Stays:

Hotel Spaander – Historic hotel on the harbor with artistic charm

Van der Valk Volendam – Comfortable and modern, located just outside the center

Art Hotel Spaander – Boutique atmosphere with harbor views

🛍️ Shopping in Volendam

Volendam’s harbor area is dotted with souvenir shops and local boutiques.

Handmade clogs, blue-and-white Delftware, cheese, and traditional costumes

Also find artisan crafts and locally produced goods

Try the wooden clog-making demonstration at nearby shops

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Volendam

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Volendam

Traditional harbor boats with colorful façades

Yourself in Dutch costume holding a cheese wheel

Volendam–Marken ferry with lake views

Wooden clog sculptures and signage

Traditional fishermen’s houses near the dike

🧭 One-Day Itinerary for Volendam

Morning

Arrive by bus or car from Amsterdam

Walk around the harbor and have coffee with a view

Take a traditional costume photo

Midday

Visit the Cheese Factory and sample local cheeses

Enjoy lunch with fried cod or smoked eel

Afternoon

Explore the Volendams Museum

Take the boat to Marken and return

Shop for souvenirs or wooden clogs

Evening

Dine at a harborfront restaurant

Return to Amsterdam or stay overnight

🎪 Festivals and Events in Volendam

Volendammer Kermis (Funfair) – Late August; local fair with rides and live music

Cheese Market Season – From spring to fall in surrounding towns

Christmas in Volendam – Holiday lights, special performances, and warm harbor charm

🧳 What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes

A lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker

Camera or smartphone

Euros for small purchases

Appetite for cheese and fish!

✨ Fun Facts About Volendam

Volendam is sometimes nicknamed “The Pearl of the Zuiderzee.”

Many locals still speak Volendams dialect, distinct from standard Dutch.

It’s one of the most photographed places in the Netherlands due to its unique costumes.

International celebrities like Picasso and Renoir visited and painted here in the 20th century.

Volendam and Marken were once fishing communities before the construction of the Afsluitdijk, which turned the Zuiderzee into a freshwater lake (IJsselmeer).

✅ Travel Tips

Arrive early, especially in summer, to avoid tour bus crowds

Weekdays are quieter than weekends

Many attractions are walkable and close together

Combine with trips to Edam (cheese markets) or Marken for a full day out

English is widely spoken; locals are friendly and welcoming

🌍 Nearby Attractions

Marken – Ferry-accessible fishing village

Edam – Historic town famous for its cheese market

Monnickendam – Beautiful harbor town with a medieval center

Zaanse Schans – Windmills, wooden houses, and museums (45 mins drive)

💬 Why You Should Visit Volendam

Volendam is a living postcard of Dutch heritage, a place where you can step back in time, walk beside the water, savor world-famous seafood, and learn about traditional Dutch culture—all in one afternoon.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or a curious traveler exploring the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam, Volendam offers an experience that’s as authentic as it is memorable.