Things to see and do in Volendam
Volendam is a postcard-perfect Dutch village that embodies the country’s maritime and cultural heritage. With its historic harbor, fresh seafood, and rich musical traditions, it is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Netherlands. The village has inspired artists for centuries and is home to some of the country’s most famous singers and bands. Whether you’re looking to take a boat tour, taste freshly caught fish, or dress up in traditional Volendam attire for a fun photo, this town has something for everyone. Like traditional Dutch cities? Put the village Urk on your list as well!
Top 10 things to do and see in Volendam
Volendam may be small, but it’s packed with things to see and do. Here are the highlights that make this charming fishing village a must-visit destination. If you don’t have enough time to stay in Volendam than the following tours might help you out in planning your trip.
#1 The Volendam Harbor
The beating heart of Volendam, the harbor is where the village’s fishing heritage comes to life. Strolling along the waterfront, you’ll see traditional fishing boats, charming cafés, and shops selling Dutch souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a fresh portion of kibbeling (fried fish bites), and watch the boats come and go. The harbor is also where you can catch a ferry to the nearby island of Marken, another picturesque Dutch village.
#2 Museum Volendam
To truly understand Volendam’s rich history, a visit to Museum Volendam is a must. This small but fascinating museum showcases the village’s fishing past, traditional costumes, and even the impact of tourism on the town. One of the highlights is the “Palingsound” exhibit, which tells the story of Volendam’s famous music scene, including internationally known artists like BZN and The Cats.
#3 Photo in traditional Volendam costume
One of the most fun and popular activities in Volendam is dressing up in the traditional costume for a photo. Several studios in the village offer this experience, where you can wear the famous Volendam outfit, complete with wooden clogs and a lace hat. It’s a great souvenir and a unique way to capture your visit to this historic fishing village.
#4 The Doolhof (Old Town)
The Doolhof, or maze, is the oldest part of Volendam, characterized by narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, and hidden courtyards. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time. It’s a great place to explore away from the tourist crowds, offering charming architecture and plenty of photo opportunities.
#5 Palingsound Museum
Volendam has a unique musical heritage, often referred to as “Palingsound” (Eel Sound). The village has produced some of the Netherlands’ most famous pop bands, such as The Cats and BZN. The Palingsound Museum, located inside the famous café De Molen, tells the story of Volendam’s music scene, with memorabilia, old records, and insights into how this small village became a musical powerhouse.
#6 Cheese Factory Volendam
Cheese lovers will enjoy a visit to the Cheese Factory, where you can learn about traditional Dutch cheese-making methods and taste a variety of local cheeses. The factory offers live demonstrations, and you can even buy some delicious Gouda, Edam, or other specialty cheeses to take home.
#7 Experience the eel fishing tradition
Volendam has a long history of eel fishing, and trying smoked eel (gerookte paling) is a must when visiting. You can buy it at local fish stalls or visit one of the traditional smokehouses in the village to see how it’s made. The taste is rich and unique, and it’s considered a delicacy in the Netherlands.
#8 Ferry to Marken
A trip to Volendam isn’t complete without taking the ferry to Marken, a small island (now connected to the mainland by a causeway) known for its wooden stilt houses and peaceful atmosphere. The Marken Express ferry runs regularly and offers a relaxing way to explore another iconic Dutch village.
#9 St. Vincentius Church
For those interested in history and architecture, St. Vincentius Church is a beautiful 19th-century Catholic church in the heart of Volendam. The church has a striking interior with colorful stained glass windows and is a peaceful place to step inside and reflect.
#10 The Volendam Dike
One of the best places to take in the view of the Markermeer is from the Volendam dike. This elevated walkway stretches along the water and offers stunning panoramic views. It’s also lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it the perfect place to grab a bite while enjoying the fresh air.
Where to stay in Volendam
When visiting Volendam there is only one spot you really want to stay for the night and be in walking distance of all the fun. You really want to be in the city center near the harbour. We can recommend the following two places Hotel Old Dutch and Hotel Cafe Restaurant Van Den Hogen, both also have a nice restaurant and terrace. If you want a bit more facilities like a pool than Marinapark Volendam is perfect for you and the family.
Food and local specialties
Volendam is famous for its seafood, particularly smoked eel, herring, and kibbeling. But it also serves most of the other common Dutch food dishes. Be sure to try:
- Gerookte paling (smoked eel) – A delicacy that has been part of Volendam’s fishing heritage for centuries.
- Kibbeling – Fried white fish, often served with a garlic or tartar sauce.
- Hollandse Nieuwe (Dutch herring) – Traditionally eaten raw with onions and pickles.
- Poffertjes – Small, fluffy Dutch pancakes, often served with butter and powdered sugar.
For the best seafood experience, visit Restaurant De Lunch or Restaurant Pieterman along the harbor.
Events and festivals
- Volendammer Weekend (July) – A weekend of festivities celebrating Volendam’s culture with music, traditional dress, and plenty of food.
- Volendammer Kermis (September) – One of the most anticipated events in Volendam, featuring carnival rides, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
- Sinterklaasintocht (November/December) – A festive event where Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa Claus) arrives in the harbor, welcomed by children and families.
Living in Volendam
Volendam is an attractive place to live, especially for those who appreciate a quieter lifestyle near the water. The town offers a strong sense of community, great schools, and easy access to Amsterdam (just 20 minutes away). Popular areas for expats include:
- Havenbuurt – Near the harbor, full of character with traditional houses.
- Munnikenveld – A newer residential area with modern homes.
- Broekgouw – A recently developed neighborhood with family-friendly housing.
In terms of macroeconomic factors, Volendam is a small city with a population of around 22,000 people. It is known for its fishing industry and tourism, and many people in the city work in these industries.
A bit of history
Originally a small fishing village, Volendam was established in the 14th century when locals from nearby Edam settled in the area. For centuries, it thrived on fishing and trade, but as the Zuiderzee was dammed off and transformed into the IJsselmeer and later the Markermeer, Volendam transitioned more toward tourism and culture. The village remains deeply proud of its heritage, and its traditions are still very much alive today.
5x fun facts about Volendam
- Volendam’s traditional costumes are among the most recognizable in the Netherlands and are still worn during special occasions.
- The village has produced more famous musicians per capita than any other place in the Netherlands.
- Volendam has its own dialect, different from standard Dutch.
- The harbor was once a bustling fishing port, but today it mainly serves tourism and recreational boating.
- Some of the Netherlands’ most famous footballers, including Wim Jonk, were born in Volendam.
Things to do in the area
- Edam (5 min) – Famous for its cheese and charming historic center.
- Amsterdam (20 min) – The Dutch capital, full of museums, canals, and culture.
- Zaanse Schans (30 min) – A stunning open-air museum with windmills and traditional Dutch crafts.