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Volendam

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Landmark
—°10
Volendam (Netherlands)

Weather…

Volendam is the epitome of Dutch tradition and one of the country's most visited places. The lively harbor front, 'De Dijk', is lined with souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and photo studios where you can have your picture taken in traditional Volendam costume. The green wooden houses in the labyrinthine 'Het Doolhof' district still convey the feeling of Old Holland today. The village's history is inseparable from fishing, especially after the construction of the Afsluitdijk turned the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer. Gastronomically, Volendam is world-famous for its smoked eel (Gerookte Paling), which is a must-try at one of the harbor stalls. A ferry, the Volendam-Marken Express, regularly connects the village with the nearby former island of Marken. Despite heavy tourism, Volendam has maintained its own character and pride, which is also reflected in its unique music scene ('Palingsound'). A walk through the narrow alleys behind the dike reveals tranquility away from the tourist crowds. Volendam is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience classic Dutch culture firsthand.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446913161818151285
Rain mm756453405763819070787681

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The entire fishing village of Volendam is open to visitors. You can stroll along the harbor and admire the traditional wooden houses. The village atmosphere is free to enjoy at any time.
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Typical hours
Most shops and museums are usually open from 10 AM to 5 PM. The harbor and streets are accessible at all times.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed outdoors and in most public areas. Flash may be restricted in some indoor attractions. The colorful houses by the harbor are a popular photo subject.
⏱️
Time needed
Exploring Volendam typically takes two to three hours at a leisurely pace. Plan extra time for the harbor and a smoked eel snack.
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Combine with
Combine Volendam with a trip to Marken, a short boat ride away, or with a visit to Amsterdam. The nearby polders are also worth a detour.
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Getting there
Volendam is reachable by bus (line 316) from Amsterdam Central Station in about 30 minutes. By car, follow the A10 towards Volendam.
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Insider tip
Don't miss the smoked eel from the harbor stalls - a local specialty. For the freshest catch, buy directly from the fishing boats.

Geography

Population
22,000 (2017)
Coordinates
52.49944, 5.06750

Facts

  • Famous traditional costumes
  • De Dijk harbor front
  • Het Doolhof district
  • Smoked eel specialty
  • Ferry to Marken
  • Palingsound music scene
  • Location on Markermeer
  • Historic fishing boats

Explore nearby

Notable places around

VolendamVolendam1 km · SExplore →
EdamEdam2 km · NWExplore →
MarkenMarken5 km · SEExplore →
MonnickendamMonnickendam5 km · SWExplore →
PurmerendPurmerend8 km · WExplore →
HoornHoorn16 km · NExplore →
ZaanstadZaanstad17 km · SWExplore →
Zaanse SchansZaanse Schans17 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Volendam (10)

Volendam Museum🏛 museum

Museum on the history and culture of the fishing village Volendam, with costumes and paintings.

♿💶

Mariakerk

Church building in Edam-Volendam, used for Catholic services.

Sint Vincentiuskerk

Church building in Edam-Volendam, consecrated to Saint Vincent.

Tulip Museum Volendam🏛 museum

Museum about the cultivation and history of tulips in the Netherlands.

♿🆓

Palingsoundmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Volendam dedicated to the local pop music genre Palingsound.

Kathammer

Poldermolen, a windmill used for draining the polder.

Zuidpoldermolen

Poldermolen, a windmill for draining the southern polder.

Heitje van Katham

Nature reserve in Edam-Volendam, wetland area with reeds and birds.

Damsluis

Bridge in Edam-Volendam, connecting the two sides of the canal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Volendam's most famous feature?
The harbor and traditional Dutch costumes.
What should you eat in Volendam?
Smoked eel (paling) is a local specialty.
Can you have your photo taken in traditional costume?
Yes, there are many photo studios along the dike that offer this.
How do you get to Marken?
By the Volendam-Marken Express, a ferry that runs regularly.
What are the opening hours of the shops on the dike?
Most shops are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Volendam: where is it located?
Volendam is located in North Holland, Netherlands.
Volendam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Our Lady of the Water, Volendam Museum, Mariakerk.
Volendam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Volendam: why is it worth visiting?
Volendam is the epitome of Dutch tradition and one of the country's most visited places.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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