Volendam

Volendam is a town in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. It is part of the municipality of Edam-Volendam and lies on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer, near the former Zuiderzee. Once a small fishing village, Volendam grew into a popular tourist destination in the 19th and 20th centuries while retaining its maritime character.

The town is known for its harbor, where traditional fishing boats are still moored and colorful houses line the quay. The waterfront area is a frequent subject of photographs and postcards, and visitors can watch fish auctions and sample seafood at local stalls and restaurants. The Volendam costume, a traditional regional outfit, is closely associated with the town and is sometimes worn during festivals and at tourist sites.

Cultural institutions include the Volendam Museum, which documents the town’s social history, clothing, and daily life, and nearby attractions such as galleries and small markets. The Palingsound music genre emerged in Volendam in the 1960s and remains part of the town’s cultural identity. The local economy is heavily influenced by tourism, fishing, and seafood processing, with many visitors arriving on day trips from Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands.