Volendam, the Netherlands - travel experience, post, guide, blog and photos

Netherlands: Amsterdam, Delft, Edam, Haarlem, Madurodam, Marken, The Hague, Volendam, Zaanse Schans

Volendam, the Netherlands: All things fishy
by Prakash Bang, Editor in Chief

Harbour, Haven, Volendam, the Netherlands

Its rather isolated location and the character of its inhabitants, have given Volendam a very specific atmosphere. It's a fishermen's village, and the bustling harbour area with the many boats are still a major attraction. From the 1880's it was a popular dwelling place for artists, who found that the town seemed hardly touched by time and captured its characteristics in lots of different paintings and other works of art.

Edammerweg Street, Volendam, the Netherlands

I had with me a return bus ticket from Amsterdam Centraal to Edam. Instead of coming back straight to Amsterdam, it was a good idea to do a detour to Volendam and Marken. From Edam, Volendam was only a 15-minute bus ride.

I alighted at Edammerweg Street. First thing thereafter was to grab lunch. I had been walking since morning and energy was much needed. There was a restaurant at the corner of the street which cooked a wholesome burger. Big enough for me survive and bounce around for the rest of the day.

After lunch, I did what everybody visiting Volendam does – walk to the seaside. In 15 minutes I was at the harbor which at that time appeared to me the busiest one under the sun. Hundreds of boats were anchored and zillions of tourists were enjoying their food and drinks. Those who had nothing on hand were busy walking and shopping on the street that ran parallel to the sea.

Known as “The pearl of the Zuiderzee”, Volendam’s traditional costume is one of best known examples of ancient clothing in the country. Only a handful of people wear it in their daily lives today, but the costumes are very popular with tourists who just love to wear them and have their pictures taken.

I spent an hour walking the old town enjoying many of its alleys. It was then time to take a boat to the island village of Marken.

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