The Ultimate Picturesque Fishing Village
Volendam Volendam is the most remarkable picturesque fishing village just some 10-15 miles from Amsterdam. It dates from the era when the, now lake, IJsselmeer still was a part of the North Sea. In Volendam, you can find characteristic and delightful little houses, canals and drawbridges and, if you’re lucky, you will see people in traditional costumes. As a result of its insulated location, the village preserved its character for six centuries, also because of the tough vitality of the fishermen. The characteristic small houses, which together with the canals and the drawbridges form the most picturesque spots, present the visitor an atmosphere of geniality and romance. History and Fame The name Volendam stems from Vol-ent-dam, which means as much as the finishing of a dam. Volendam is located on the site of the former (way back in 1357) harbour of the historic city of Edam. As Edam started a new harbour, the old one formed a new settlement, and got the name Volendam. The population of the town grew only very slowly during those first centuries of its existence. In 1462 it only had 25 inhabitants, whereas today some 19,000. Around 1875, Volendam became known as a town worth visiting by tourists, and was thusly immortalized by writers and artists. Volendam became written about both nationally and internationally, and magazines published photographs of stalwart fishermen by the harbour, of the women in their graceful traditional dress and of children playing in front of picturesque houses. The rich and famous flocked to this humble fishing town, where it seemed as if time had stood still. Volendam became an artist’s paradise, with people in graceful traditional costumes, the wooden little houses built closely together against, protected from the sea by the sturdy dike; their interiors replete with statuettes of saints and the harbour crowded with hundreds of red-sailed ‘botters’ (fishing boats). Some elements of this are now of the past (the herring fishery was finished when the sea was closed off),
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but if you are curious about how the Volendam costume was worn and what the interiors of the houses looked like, do visit the Volendammer Museum to experience a little of the Volendam of yesteryear.
The Costume The costumes of Volendam are world-renowned. Around the entire world you can see portraits of people who have had themselves photographed in Volendam costume at the time of their visit to the place. The most famous part of the Dutch costume is of course the wooden shoes or “clogs”. The history of the clogs goes way back to the middle ages
Photo: Amsterdam Toerisme & Congres Bureau
where the wooden sandal developed into more modern clogs. Today, clogs have extra layers of wood or wooden pegs under the sole and heel. The foot came less in contact with the muddy streets. Furthermore, it was easier to bend the foot as the extra sole was shorter than the one on which the foot rested. They were especially used by people who stand and walk a great deal of the day like farmers and bulb-growers as cheap, long-lasting working shoes. The clog has gone a little bit out of fashion these days, but you can still occasionally see people walk around on them.
Getting There There are several ways to visit the town. Probably the easiest way will be the booking of a daytrip by a tour operator. I’m sure the genitor of your hotel will be able to help you with that, or you can ask the tourist info (VVV). If you are by car, finding your way there is pretty easy and parking in Volendam is not a problem. Then there is also the opportunity of going by public transport. At Amsterdam Central Station, you can take ‘Arriva’ busses 110, 116 or 118 (these can take you to all kinds of other interesting places in the area too, like Edam and Marken) and they will take you in no time to the village. A little more time, and effort, but a tremendously fun way will be getting there by bicycle. Just rent a bike and peddle to Volendam.
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VVV Volendam Zeestraat 37, 1131 ZD Volendam, phone (0299) 36 37 47 www.vvv-volendam.eu info@vvv-volendam.nl Volendam, the old fisherman’s village on the IJsselmeer, famous for its traditional costumes, music and fish. The characteristic small houses behind the harbour in the Labyrinth, build closely to each other present the visitor an atmosphere of authenticity. It is lovely to wander around on the Dike en through the old Labyrinth. You can find souvenir shops that are open seven days a week and restaurants with a real Volendam feel to them where the menu of course is mainly fish. Freshly caught, right on your plate. And at one of the photographers on the Dike you can have your picture taken in a real traditional costume. The Marken Express can take you to the former island. Don’t forget to visit the Volendam museum with the ’Sigarenbandjeshuis’, where cigar rings are on display.
Bootdienst tussen Volendam en Marken Vanaf begin maart tot en met oktober geregelde afvaarten, circa iedere 30-45 minuten, ook iedere 30-45 minuten de terugvaart. De overtocht duurt circa 25 minuten.
Verhuur van schepen voor boottochten met gezelschappen
fish & chips Haven 22 1131 ER Volendam phone (0299) 32 34 01 Our restaurant distinguishes itself by quality and service. At Fish and Chips Volendam, you can enjoy a wide range of fish, freshly prepared in the Volendam way. Open: Monday – Sunday 9am – 9pm
So for a tasty fish dinner, go to Fish and Chips Volendam!
today’s souvenirs & gifts Haven 31 (next to rest. Cathrien), Volendam, phone (0299) 368778 email: todays.souvenirs@planet.nl
open from 09.00 - 21.00 hrs
Voor gezelschappen bestaat de mogelijkheid privé te varen. Behalve naar Monnickendam en Marken is het dan bijvoorbeeld ook mogelijk naar Hoorn, Enkhuizen (Enkhuizer Openluchtmuseum), Muiden, Amsterdam of waar u ook wenst te varen. Haven 39, Volendam
7 days a week tax free for non eu residences Best prices for the souvenirs
T +31 (0)299 - 363 331 M +31 (0)6 233 251 82 info@marken-express.nl www.marken-express.nl
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