The Netherlands
City guide · The Netherlands
Volendam
About Volendam
Volendam is a traditional fishing town on the shore of the Markermeer, about 20 kilometres north-east of Amsterdam. Its harbour, wooden houses and long fishing heritage on what was once the Zuiderzee have made it one of the best-known images of old Holland.
Most visitors stroll the harbour front along the dyke, lined with shops and fish stalls, then wander the narrow lanes of the old quarter just behind it. Photo studios where visitors dress up in traditional Volendam costume are a popular group activity, and cheese shops offer tastings of local Dutch cheeses. A passenger ferry crosses the water to the former island village of Marken in around half an hour.
Volendam is usually visited as a half-day or full-day excursion from Amsterdam, about 30 minutes away by road. It combines well with the windmills of Zaanse Schans and the neighbouring cheese town of Edam, making a classic day out in the countryside north of Amsterdam.
Volendam is a long-standing favourite on Indian group itineraries: the costume photographs make a memorable souvenir, and the compact, level waterfront is easy for families and senior travellers to walk.
Practical Information
Useful to know before your group arrives in Volendam.
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Volendam has a mild maritime climate, and the breeze off the water can make it feel cooler than inland.
- Spring (March–May): highs rising from about 9°C to 17°C; tulip season in the wider region usually peaks in April.
- Summer (June–August): highs around 20–23°C, long daylight hours and the busiest period for visitors.
- Autumn (September–November): highs falling from about 19°C to 9°C, with more rain and wind.
- Winter (December–February): highs around 5–7°C, often grey and damp, with occasional frost.
April to September is the best time to visit. Bring a windproof jacket and layers in any season, as the harbour front is exposed.
- Arriving: The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Volendam has no railway station; regular buses run from Amsterdam Centraal and take about 30 minutes, and the drive from central Amsterdam by coach or taxi takes about 25–30 minutes.
- Getting around: The harbour front and old quarter are compact and best explored on foot.
- Tickets: On Dutch buses you can pay with a contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart; remember to tap in when boarding and tap out when leaving.
- Marken: A passenger ferry links Volendam and Marken for much of the year, making an easy circular visit with the coach meeting the group on the other side.
- Groups: Coaches cannot drive along the narrow harbour front, so groups are set down at coach parking a short walk away.
For Indian travellers, an eSIM or European data plan bought before departure usually costs far less than an Indian international roaming pack. Local prepaid SIM cards are sold at Schiphol airport and in shops in Amsterdam; a passport is needed at purchase. An EU SIM or eSIM also works in other EU/EEA countries under EU roaming rules.
Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés. The Netherlands uses 230 V with Type C/F sockets; Indian Type D plugs do not fit, so pack a universal adapter.
Volendam itself has very few Indian restaurants, so the nearest wide choice is in Amsterdam, about 30 minutes away, which has many Indian, Pakistani and Surinamese-Hindustani restaurants. Groups usually plan an Indian lunch or dinner in Amsterdam, or arrange vegetarian and Jain meals in advance through the DMC, as Jain food must always be requested ahead.
Local food centres on fish, but easy vegetarian choices include Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken), poffertjes (small puffed pancakes), stroopwafels and the local cheeses, including Edam from the neighbouring town. Note that pancakes and most baked goods contain egg. Dutch supermarket chains such as Albert Heijn and Jumbo are good for fruit, milk, bread and snacks; packing a few snacks is wise for a day trip.
Itineraries in The Netherlands
None of our set itineraries includes an overnight stay in Volendam yet. These The Netherlands itineraries can be adapted to include it, or we can build one around Volendam for your group.
