Travel to Edam and Volendam, Edam cheese and the traditional costumes of Volendam ..Edam-Volendam is a municipality in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland, consisting of the towns of Edam and Volendam, whose centres lie just 3 km apart.
Edam and Volendam tourism
Say the word ‘tourism’ and no doubt the names Edam and Volendam will immediately spring to mind. After all, Edam cheese and the traditional costumes of Volendam are more than world famous. Annually, we welcome to our towns in excess of two million tourists from all corners of the globe: a number which is still on the increase. The opening of a wonderful new Marina harbour in the spring of 2007 and the launch of a superb recreational park by Roompot recreation, located along one of the Markermeer’s most attractive beauty spots, will prove to be a real boost for local tourism and accommodation. Stretching for almost 2 kilometres, you can enjoy everything this town on the former Zuyder Zee has to offer, and all of it easily accessible on foot.
Volendam is by far the most recognised place in the Netherlands, second only to Amsterdam. Not only is it famous for its traditional costumes, but also for its delicious smoked eel. And what about its renowned singing and sports accomplishments? The Cats, BZN and last but not least Jan Smit; all artists responsible for attracting the full glare of the limelight firmly on Volendam and making it front page news. And of course everyone here knows the football club FC Volendam, with its own special ‘boat’, on which the team ‘sails’ in and out of the premier league. In addition, there is also the local handball club, which for the past 3 years now have been the reigning Dutch champions.
As a fishing town with its characteristic fisherman’s cottages, traditional costumes and folklore, Volendam has enjoyed welcoming tourists, dating back to almost 1875. The harbour and the fish market form the lively centre. Here fishing boats, old smacks, pleasure boats and yachts all rub shoulders with each other, to create a lovely ambiance. Behind the dike the ‘Doolhof’ (maze) can be explored; a collection of tiny narrow alleys, with its street plan free of any kind of regular, discernable pattern.
Edam is a jewel on the edge of the Zuyder Zee; a genuine open air museum. With a stroll through the old centre, you will quickly discover many beautifully conserved, listed houses, churches, harbours, canals and squares. The centre, with its traditional areas around the Dam Square and the Kaaswaag (cheese weighing house), is a real treasure and presents the true image of a beautiful Dutch town. The central area between the fortifications has been awarded the status of protected townscape by central government. Here the architectural heritage can be traced back to the middle ages. With its rural atmosphere, numerous monuments and historic streets, a walk through the town can be an unforgettable experience.
Edam is a byword for Cheese. The town is famous for its 'Edammer'; small spherical cheeses exported from Edam to the world. With its celebrated events, such as the cheese markets and the Water Day, its pleasant bars and restaurants catering to all tastes and shops specialising in antiques, art and souvenirs, Edam has everything at hand to satisfy even the most discerning of visitors.
