Volendam 2015 by Rachel de Graaf

55 Tourist information magazine | Summer 2015

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The Ultimate Picturesque Fishing Village

lendam 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 internatio nally, 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), 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 continues page 29

VVV VOLENDAM Zeestraat 37, 1131 ZD Volendam, phone (0299) 36 37 47 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.

BEST WESTERN HOTEL SPAANDER Haven 15 - 19, 1131 EP Volendam, phone (0299) 363 595 Enclosed between the picturesque Lake IJssel and the renowned Volendam Dike is the world-famous Best Western Hotel Spaander. Within the doors of this monumental building, a tasteful historical ambiance and contemporary comfort exist in perfect harmony. Not only the classical building, but also the more than one thousand 19th century paintings tell you

stories from days long gone by. After 125 years, Best Western Hotel Spaander, its hotel, restaurant and its multi-functional rooms still offer the perfect location for overnight stays, dinners, business and private meetings. Convince yourself and experience the art of enjoyment!

MARGARITHA FASHION Meerzijde 27, 1131 ZZ Volendam, phone (0299) 362251 Our shop has been situated right outside of the city centre for many years, Margaritha Fashion. We are specialised in fashion for youngsters and the ‘slightly older woman’. We have sizes 36 up to 52 and the pants are a bit higher in the model. The shirts have a little more waist, without loosing their feminine shape. At Margaritha, you can find the latest fashion for an honest price. Just come by and be amazed by the collection. Our brands: Pause Café, Dreamstar, Apanage, Kapuala, Olsen, Via Appia, Dolce Vita, Qui, Renee Freres (trousers), Mescalino, X-two, Via Appia Due, Soulmate and B2. Open: Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-4pm

HOTEL OLD DUTCH RESTAURANT LE POMPADOUR Haven 142, 1131 EW Volendam, phone (0299) 399888 Right at the world famous harbour of Volendam, you’ll find Hotel Old Dutch and Restaurant Le Pompadour. The restaurant’s name refers to madam De Pompadour, the mistress of the 18th century French king Louis XV. The restaurant’s dishes, prepared by the capable culinary crew, will be as tempting as she was for her king. Alongside well-known highlights from the international cuisine, Le Pompadour’s menu offers fabulous lobster, oysters and real Volendam specialities like its famous steamed eel. Traditional hospitality and optimal comfort are combined in the Old Dutch hotel, plus a superb view over the former ‘South Sea’.

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.

KEKO GIFTSHOP DREAM STYLE LINGERIE

HET LINGERIEHART

Edammerweg 8 – Volendam, phone (0299) 350184

Edammerweg 3, Volendam phone (0299) 363846

Are you looking for lingerie for a special occasion, something modern, or just something that makes you feel comfortable? We offer you a wide and varied collection of lingerie, nightwear, children’s and gentleman’s underwear from several well-known brands in all price ranges. The brands in our collection are, amongst others, Prima Donna, Marie Jo, Aubade, Simone Perele, Sapph, Triumph, Sloggi, Schiesser, Pastunette, Vive Maria, Pussy de Luxe, Cyell, Pill, and Lisca.

Het Lingeriehart is a lingerie shop with lots of service and great atmosphere. Here, the latest trends in, amongst others, lingerie, bathing and nightwear. But also for sports, pregnancy and correctional underwear is Het Lingeriehart the place to be. We offer a wide choice, so if you’ve got some time to spare after visiting the enjoyable Volendam, this is a fun shop to go to. Some of the brands in Het Lingeriehart are: Diesel, Marlies Dekkers, Chantelle, Mey and lots more. You can find the shop just below the dike.

Haven 98, Volendam phone (0299) 324690 HOME/LIVING • BED/BATH SOUVENIRS When you hand in this coupon, you will get a 10% discount.

VISKRAAM LEKKERS Krokussenstraat 24, Volendam phone (06) 24593990 Right in the middle of the famous dike in Volendam, bordering the lively harbour, you can find the fish stall ‘Lekkers’ (tasty). Here you can buy several delicious fish sandwiches. For instance smoked eel, mackerel or shrimp. Of course this is also the place for butterly tender, freshly sliced herring, a real Dutch treat. And the ‘kibbeling’ (deep fried pieces of battered cod) will be fried right in front of you, so you’ll know it’s fresh and hot. Incredibly friendly Volendam ladies will serve you. The fish is great value for money and of incredible quality. Their motto is: if it ain’t good, don’t sell it. And because most customers like to take away the fish, they can vacuum wrap the purchase for free. See you at the dike!

ZUS & ZO Dril 1a, phone (0299) 322208 www.zusenzo.eu

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 7 days a week Tax free for non EU residences Best prices for the souvenirs

A nice and cosy Dutch shop, that is Zus & Zo, a store that has become an institution in Volendam and its surroundings due to its large collection of baby clothes and accompanying accessories. You can find everything you might possibly want regarding baby, pregnancy or toddler clothing. Because we’re always on the lookout for new products, this establishment will never stop surprising you. Apart from renowned clothing brands like Jottum, Mexx, Zip Zap, Petit Elephant, La Petit Couronne, and 3Pommes, they have lots of accessories for the baby’s or children’s bedroom and lots of fun pregnancy gifs.

MODE Kleding vanaf maat 42

FISH & CHIPS

HOTEL VAN DEN HOGEN

TIENIES MODE

Haven 22 1131 ER Volendam phone (0299) 364114

Haven 106, 1131 EV Volendam phone (0299) 363775

Meerzijde 32-34, Volendam phone (0299) 350089

If you haven’t seen Volendam, you haven’t seen Holland! And without a lunch or diner at restaurant Van den Hogen, you haven’t tasted Holland! From far & wide, guests have flocked to this restaurant, but we are also a very popular place with locals and Amsterdammers. At the harbour, with a beautiful view over the lake, we serve you fingerlicking delicious dishes of meat and fish. Be prepared to indulge yourself and make a reservation at 0299 363775.

You are most welcome at Tienies Mode, a women’s fashion store in Volendam. Or perhaps we should say: in Volendam, Tienies Mode is the place for fashionable, elegant women’s clothing and stylish fashion accessories. Tienies Mode is and always will be, a totally unique aspect of Volendam’s personality. Her you can find everything in the fashion and fashion accessory range you might possibly want. From a nice understated dress to a great pair of well-shaped jeans. From sweaters, ladies trousers to tops and vests. And from hip to classic.

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!

VOLENDAM / MARKEN EXPRESS Phone (0299) 36331, fax (0299) 367466 www.marken-express.nl e-mail: info@marken-express.nl Boat trips: Volendam – Marken – Volendam or Marken – Volendam – Marken The perfect way for a visit to Volendam and Marken. Departures from the harbour of Volendam (till October departures every 30/45 minutes). Departures from Marken: 11am till 6pm Departures from Volendam: 10.30am till 5.30pm It is possible to take your bicycle with you on the boat.

SULLY’S Edammerweg 10,1131 DN Volendam phone (0299) 369286, www.sullys.nl Selecting children’s clothing is great fun. And even more so, when you come for it to Sully’s in Volendam. You’ll find Sully’s right in the heart of Volendam. It has a complete collection of top brands for every budget, and everything is orderly displayed. We sell clothing for babies and children from 0 to 16 years of age. Our brands are, amongst others: Carbone, Kiezeltje, Gaastra, RebelQ, SD le Chic, Another World, Z8, Mexx, Ido, Tumble ‘n Dry, Name It, Ducky Beau, Dirkje.

The Ultimate Picturesque Fishing Village

Volendam 31