Eel village - Volendam

Volendam is located on the former Dutch seaside, a town where you can eat delicious freshly smoked mackerel, herring and eel. From the promenade you can see a unique village on stilts, and there is a cheese market in the neighboring town.

Volendam is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Lake IJsselmeer. It is often visited by people who, after visiting Amsterdam, want to see the region's attractions. It is situated in the province of North Holland, in the commune of Edam-Volendam.

The taste of smoked fish

After arriving in the town, tourists will be struck by its picturesqueness and idyllic atmosphere. There are peat fields in the area, and countless birds live in the rushes. It is a paradise for anglers. From the waterfront you can see an architectural unique in the country - a village on stilts. Volendam is also distinguished by the fact that it is an enclave of Catholicism in a Protestant province.

The town became famous for its delicious smoked eel and traditional music. It is arguable which of these two things attracts more tourists. Or maybe guests are tempted by the unique atmosphere of an old fishing village with fish stalls and charming green and white wooden houses? The reason for frequent visits by tourists may also be an intriguing, tightly closed community that still lives its own rhythm and wears regional costumes not only during festivals.

Volendam's main promenade runs along the causeway separating the city from the lake - north and south of the port. Like tomatoes in flower beds, souvenir shops, restaurants and ice cream parlors line it neatly next to each other. As befits a center crowded with tourists, the prices here are the highest in the entire city. Outside the promenade, you can find a cozy cafe or restaurant where dinner will be equally delicious, and certainly cheaper than on the promenade.

On the topic of food, it is worth mentioning that the town neighboring Volendam is Edam , where a cheese market is held regularly. Similar events are organized in two Dutch centers: Alkmaar and Gouda.

Marken – a village on stilts

It's hard to stay separate and stick to tradition when every year, yes! Every day, the peace of the settlement where you live is disturbed by crowds of tourists. But the people living in Marken, a tiny village right next to Volendam, have no problem with it. In the past, the town was flooded many times, even regularly, during storms and high tides. Over time, the inhabitants protected themselves against the attacks of the element by building their houses on stilts .

Nowadays , Marken is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It looks as if it were suspended in time and space. Wooden houses standing in the water on stilts like a flamingo on one leg are unique in the Netherlands.

The history of the creation of the lake itself is also interesting. It was once connected to the waters of the North Sea and was called the South Sea. Over time, a dam was built that separated the seas from each other, thus turning one of them into a lake. In the 1970s, another dam was built, which separated its southern part from IJsselmeer. It was named Markermeer .

Camping near Volendam?

Those who are enchanted by the atmosphere of this place (which is probably the majority of tourists who come here) will be happy to have the opportunity to choose accommodation close to the village on stilts. Camping Jachthaven Uitdam is located approximately 3.5 km from Marken and 10 km from Volendam. It is located on Lake Markermeer, and your stay there guarantees the peace and quiet of an open space (protected area), surrounded by water with countless species of birds. There are peat fields around and sugar cane rustles quietly.

Two people who arrived in a camper will pay 25 euros for accommodation. The price includes access to electricity. The campsite's location allows you to enjoy all water-related attractions, from relaxing on the beach, through swimming and surfing, to water skiing and fishing. In such a beautiful place you don't need anything else to be happy.

More campsites in the Netherlands can be found on our campsite list.