Windmills, wooden clogs, aged cheeses and delicious herring… You can see and taste all of these in the Netherlands. Today, we are here to visit two authentic villages: Volendam and Marken. In these places you can feel the Dutch atmosphere.
We planned our trip for two days, dedicating the first day to exploring Volendam. This is a must-visit place to experience the authentic charm of old Holland and to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of Dutch fishermen. Volendam is only 20 km from Amsterdam and can be easily reached by bus. However, we arrived by car and were pleasantly surprised by the availability of free parking.
As soon as we arrived in Volendam, the first thing that caught our attention was the cheese factory. We immediately went inside and started tasting the cheeses. This is a large store with a small museum that explains the cheese-making process. Here you can see how Dutch farmers produce cheese, examine the equipment used and learn about the history of cheese-making. Of course, you also have the opportunity to purchase cheese and various sauces.
Judging by the number of tourists, the biggest attraction in Volendam is the waterfront. There are many shops, souvenir stores, cafés and restaurants here. And there is a photo studio where you can take pictures dressed in traditional Dutch clothing and wooden clogs.
Despite its touristy nature, Volendam has managed to preserve its traditional lifestyle and authenticity. Life outside the waterfront is quite calm and peaceful and the streets are often empty. While strolling along the shore, we discovered a fantastic waffle café. They offer a wide variety of waffles, but we opted for the "stroopwafel" filled with caramel and topped with different sauces. For those who prefer savory flavors, the Fish & Chips restaurant offers a variety of seafood, including the famous Dutch herring.
This place is very beautiful! The houses, canals and drawbridges give Volendam a romantic atmosphere. In the evening, we returned to the waterfront to admire the view from the opposite shore. Later, we checked into our charming fisherman’s house, where we would be staying. The house had a warm and cozy atmosphere, with a living room and kitchen on the ground floor and two small bedrooms upstairs.
One of the reasons we came to the Netherlands was to celebrate my sister’s birthday. We had the chance to enjoy a lovely family celebration in this cozy home.
The next morning, we set off for Marken. There are two ways to get there: by ferry from Volendam (€17 round trip) or by car (about 20 minutes). Marken is a small village with a population of around 2,000. After a flood in the 13th century, it became isolated from the mainland, which led to the development of unique traditions, dialects and clothing. In the mid-20th century, a causeway was built to connect the island to the mainland, making it accessible by bus or car.
The main attraction in Marken is simply walking through the village streets and admiring the centuries-old houses. Most of these houses date back to the 17th century and are fascinating. One must-visit spot is the "klompen" museum. Klompen are traditional Dutch wooden shoes and this place serves as both a museum and a souvenir shop. You can buy a pair of klompen and even watch the production process. Best of all, entry is completely free!
In the past, livestock farming was common in Marken, but over time, the land lost its fertility. Today, tourism is the main source of income. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this authentic village to experience its unique charm.
Friends, I hope you enjoyed my trip to Volendam and Marken. Wishing you a wonderful week!