Volendam
Netherlands · North Holland · -1 m
Description
Volendam is a traditional fishing village on the IJsselmeer, known for its historic harborfront, distinctive wooden houses, and colorful traditional costume. Smoked fish, eel, and herring recall the village’s centuries-old fishing heritage, which changed fundamentally after the Zuiderzee was closed off by the Afsluitdijk in 1932. Behind the lively waterfront lies a historic center of narrow lanes and traditional houses that has attracted artists from around the world since the late 19th century, including Pablo Picasso and Auguste Renoir. Volendam combines maritime heritage, Dutch village traditions, and tourism, and is often visited together with the nearby former fishing village of Marken as part of an excursion around the Markermeer.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Volendam harbor & Doolhof old quarter
- Smoked eel & seafood along the harbor
- Volendams Museum
- Traditional Volendam costume photo
- Harbor promenade & fish stalls
- De Visafslag historic fish auction
- Volendam dike & Zuiderzee waterfront
- Ferry to Marken (March - October)
- Volendam fishing heritage
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Edam-Volendam
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry