Volendam is closer than you think, but yet, when you are there it looks like a totally different world. Are you ready to see this special place? Grab your camera and go!

Park your car. You have arrived in Volendam, which you can explore the best on foot. The town isn't that big, so you don't have to walk far between every spot.

The first place you are going to visit is the Volendam Museum. Here you can learn more about the history and culture of this special part of the Netherlands. The museum shows Volendam from 1850 to 1950 and you will have your first look on the clothing you will be wearing yourself later today.

The port of Volendam is not just a port. It is the heart of the town because from here fishermen leave the mainland to go on their fishing trips, which can be very dangerous. Imagine waving your husband goodbye not knowing if you will ever see him again. It was (and sometimes still is) reality in this town with a very tight community. Ok, step away from that thought for a sec to not get too depressed and focus on what you are seeing. Aren't the ships in the harbour pretty?

Alongside the water, you will walk towards your next spot. On the Dike of Volendam, you will see typical houses, restaurants, shops and the like. Enjoy your stroll, the next stop is very close by.

Wow, a museum in an authentic Dutch ship from the 17th century. Is that even possible? It sure is! The ship is best known as a discovery ship and the 1609 sail to Manhattan Island.
Open Hours: Low season until June 30th ’22 Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00
High season from July 1st ’22 - September 4th ’22: Daily from 12:00 - 18:00
September 10th ’22 - Oktober 16th ’22 Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00
More info here

You have taken in some of the histories of Volendam, but now it is time to experience this town yourself. Time to do what you have been waiting to do, dress up like a real Dutchie and take that awesome picture! It is the best souvenir and experience and very fun to do. Aren't you curious about what it feels like to wear wooden shoes?

Did you ever guess a ship could have so many stories? But hey, what is that you are hearing? Another tale about conquering new seas? No, it is your belly rumbling. Let's eat! In a place where they serve the best fish. Restaurant de Lunch! (we love the simplicity of that name by the way).

The next stop is the island of Marken which lies in Marker Lake. This authentic village can be reached by car, but you have to park your car at the moment you arrive because it's a car-free zone. You also have to drive to another village first. It's easier to go to rederij Volendam Marken Express and hop on the ferry that takes you to Marken in 30 minutes. It's not just a way of transport, the whole time you are on the boat is a holiday in itself.
If you want you can book your ticket in advance here

Maybe you have seen them in the museum or maybe on the feet of the Dutch, wooden shoes! Believe it or not, they actually are very comfortable. Why? You will learn all about it in the wooden shoe factory, where you can see how the shoes are made. If you are convinced, you can buy a pair yourself! The Wooden Shoe Factory is open until 18:00 every day.

There are several hotspots in Marken, but the best thing to do actually is to walk and look around. The place is so different from other places in the Netherlands. The green houses, the fact that there are no cars. Just explore for a while and enjoy. If you walk to the harbour, you will find the monument in honour of the victims of the flood. In the harbour, you can also take the ferry back to Volendam.

The biggest, most elegant and iconic Hotel. That is how Leendert Spaander, founder of the hotel, describes Art Hotel Spaander. It used to be a bar, but when Leendert wanted to give some travel friends a roof above their heads for the night, it became this hotel, which is still very famous in the Netherlands. If you want, you can spend the night here, but you are here for your dinner. Because not only is it a great place to sleep, it also has a great restaurant. There is so much to see! More than 1400 artists have eaten here, and instead of paying, they donated art. The hotel is seen as the main reason why Volendam has become such a popular destination.

Pick up your car, you feet must be tired after your day in Volendam and Marken. Off you go, back to Amsterdam! Oh, by the way. Make sure you take off your wooden shoes before you take place behind the wheel.

Welcome home! What a day right? As you can see there are many tourists in the Netherlands, and not only in Amsterdam but also in Volendam and Marken. Yet somehow these villages manage to keep their authenticity, something Amsterdam has lost a little in all those years of being a popular hotspot in Europe. So is it because Volendam and Marken get fewer tourists? Or is it the strong mind of the tight-knit communities of Volendam and Marken that have fought battles all over the world for centuries, that keeps the towns 'real'? Maybe you know the answer.