Volendam

Volendam

Volendam is known for once being a fishing village situated on the Markermeer (the former Zuiderzee).  Only a few fishing boats still sail from Volendam, but the town proudly celebrates its past through local costumes, music and, of course, fish.  

The dyke is open seven days a week. 

There are several souvenir shops and restaurants with a special Volendam atmosphere and many delicacies on the menu consisting of freshly caught fish. The old fish auction, dating from 1934, is still situated at the harbour.

   Behind the harbour there is a maze of quaint houses, narrow streets, canals and draw bridges, named 'Doolhof'.

   You might like to try on a costume, as so many have done before you, and pose for a picture by one of the photographers on the dyke.

  Alternatively, take a trip on the Marken Express ferry to the former island of Marken. 

A visit to Volendam isn't complete without a trip to the "Volendam historical museum", with its old interiors, traditional costumes and one of a kind "Cigar band house” where more than 11 million cigar bands have been used as wallpaper.

Just outside Volendam you can visit one of the local cheese makers.