A round Edam cheese and an irregular network of alleyways reveal two different sides of Edam-Volendam. Edam cheese has been exported from the town to destinations around the world for centuries; in Volendam, small wooden houses and narrow alleyways shape the old townscape. The historic centres also have their own character: Edam tells a story of past trading wealth, while Volendam’s Doolhof, with its distinctive street pattern, offers a different perspective on the town.
Edam: Cheese, Townscape and Water Engineering
Edam’s historic centre is a nationally protected townscape. Elaborately decorated façades and monumental buildings bear witness to its former trading wealth. The Edam Museum is a town museum dedicated to Edam’s rich history. It is housed in two historic buildings and contains the only publicly accessible floating cellar in the Netherlands. Check transport connections before travelling.
The Zeesluis Edam is a monumental waterworks structure between the Oorgat and the former Zuiderzee. It was built in 1828 and 1829 to replace the Sassluis. The Zuidpoldermolen in Edam is an octagonal windmill used as a polder mill. In the summer months, you can visit the Edam cheese market; check the dates before your trip.
Volendam: Alleyways and Harbour
Volendam’s old town centre is municipally protected as an area of cultural and historical importance and is divided into five sub-areas. The Doolhof, the oldest part of the centre, is characterised by a distinctive, irregular street pattern. Fishing vessels, old Botters, leisure boats and yachts gather at the harbour. The Dijk, right next to the harbour, offers numerous restaurants and shops.
A signposted walking route leads from the Volendam Museum through the centre and along the Dijk, passing several historic sights. The museum displays Volendam’s traditional costume every day, a symbol of Holland. The walk thus connects the museum with the historic townscape and the sights along the Dijk.
Routes and Landscapes in the Former Zeevang Area
When cycling, the Gouwzeeroute offers views of the De Purmer polder, the surrounding old land and the Gouwzee; it passes Edam and Volendam. In summer, the wet grasslands along the route attract many meadow birds. From August, tens of thousands of wintering visitors stop there to rest and feed. The seasonal wildlife also differs: meadow birds take centre stage in summer, while from August onwards, the focus is on the wintering visitors.
The former Zeevang area is characterised by undulating reed beds, small rural lanes, distinctive meadow birds, and ribbon villages with stolp farmhouses and wooden houses. Visitors can cycle, walk and canoe there with views of the Markermeer. The Pontjesroute runs through farmland and crosses two hand-operated cable ferries from one pasture to another.
Windmills, Storytelling Sites and a Fort
At 6.60 metres below NAP, Etersheim is the lowest point in Noord-Holland. A three-kilometre route passes special places steeped in history and stories; QR codes along the way provide more in-depth accounts. You can visit the inside of the Museummolen De Breek, also known as the Etersheimer Braakmolen, and see it in operation. Check opening arrangements before your visit.
The Bezoekerscentrum De Breek is next to the Etersheimer Braakmolen and offers food, drinks and numerous activities throughout the year. Opening times and activities may change; check the latest information in advance. In the adjoining schoolmaster’s house of the Schooltje van Dik Trom, teacher C. Joh. Kieviet wrote his first Dik Trom book. The schoolmaster’s house is not open to visitors.
Fort bij Edam is one of the 46 forts of the Stelling van Amsterdam. The defence line is over 135 kilometres long and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the fort, visitors can explore the various rooms and the kitchen; check opening arrangements in advance. The VVV visitor information centres in Edam and Volendam offer local tips, souvenirs and practical information for visitors. If you plan to use these services, check the latest service information.
Discover more destinations: Edam, Volendam, Koggenland, Heiloo, Wieringen, Velsen, Castricum, Haarlem.
For the overarching travel overview: Noord-Holland.
