Edam Netherlands is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Netherlands. However, it is a great place to add for a weekend break away exploring the Dutch countryside. Within less than an hour from Netherlands capital Amsterdam, you can be deep in the Dutch countryside. Eating the famous Edam cheese or taking a boat ride through the quaint waterways in Broek in Waterland.
Edam Netherlands
Edam Netherlands forms the municipality of Edam-Volendam and there are approximately 7,380 people that live in the village. Although Edam is known for its cheese, it was once an industrious shipyard and port.
The sailors used to take wheels of Edam cheese with them on their voyages because it was known not to spoil easily and it could be traded for other goods during their travels. These days this adorable village is sweet, charming, full of history, has quirky hotels, and great ambience.
Tip
- Take a walking tour around the village, if you have time to learn all the quirky facts about the different buildings.
Things to do in Edam Village
Edam is in northwest Netherlands (North Holland) and less than an hour from the capital. Making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam or overnight trip. To date, this city maintains its old world charm while still evolving with the changing times.
The picturesque and serene town of Edam Netherlands, though small in area is blessed with plenty of enriching must-sees. Such as the St. Nicholas Church, The Edam Museum and The Town Hall, which attract tourists from all over the globe.
Edam has so many things to do from friendly and cosy al-fresco restaurants and terraces to quaint shopping streets. Not to mention the beautiful waterways, and stunning scenic views, making it is an absolute must-visit village.
Eat and learn about Edam Cheese
Edam is best known as the producer and exporter of world-class Edam cheese that is covered in red or yellow wax. The people of Edam have been manufacturing exceptional round Edam cheeses since the 14th century, a time when it was the most popular cheese worldwide, right through to the 18th century.
Even today, Edam cheese is highly favoured by many across the globe and stands out for its strong, complex and robust flavours. I even have some in my fridge now in London.
How about booking a full day’s tour to the countryside from Amsterdam, where you will go to Edam and learn about famous cheese.
⇒ How about a Day trip – Best Things to See and Do in Rotterdam Netherlands
Edam cheese market
The weekly cheese market is another crowd puller that brings back memories of the past. Where farmers still bring their cheese by boat and horse to the centre of town. There is also Wednesday morning market held in July and August in Edam.
Take a trip to Broek in Waterland
Nestled in the Waterland and Zaan region of North Holland, Broek in Waterland is a peaceful and charming village with lovely wooden houses. Whether you are a nature lover or someone who appreciates history, Broek in Waterland will not disappoint.
Naturally blessed with heart-warming scenic beauty, this picturesque village is considered to be a sight for sore eyes. Known for its cleanliness and old-Dutch feel, the village is popular with travellers, especially from in and around Amsterdam as well as other parts of the world.
Best explored on foot or on guided walking tours, tourists can also choose to discover the many hidden treasures of this small village while cycling or driving. Interestingly, many of the buildings in this village a]e counted as National Monuments. Some famous landmarks here include the Saint Nicholas church and The Famous House.
⇒ Do you know that Zandvoort is known as the beach of Amsterdam and a popular trip from the capital?
For those who are interested in other forms of recreation, there are numerous opportunities for camping, electric boat rides, and canoeing. And if you’re in the mood for a little snack, do stop at the quaint food places.
You can easily see both villages in a day. I would go to Broek in Waterland in the morning and then head to Edam for the afternoon.
⇒ Make sure that have the right camera for taking all those amazing pictures along the water.
Tip:
- Take a boat trip to the charming teahouse, Theetuin Overleek for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea, which you can only get to via boat.
Make cheese in Beemster
You can’t come all the way to Edam and not try making your own cheese in Beemster known for its ‘stolp’ farms and cheese. The Beemster is the first so-called polder in the Netherlands and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover how small family farms use traditional methods to make the famous Beemster cheese. While at the same time, learn how to make your own.
⇒ Thinking of taking other popular day trips from Amsterdam, how about getting a Holland Pass.
Tip
- The cheese will not be ready for a few weeks, so ask if you can have it sent to you once it’s waxed and ready to eat.
Have Dinner in Fort Resort Beemster
Located in de Beemster, in an old fortress that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list is the Fort Resort Beemster which is a now a luxury Resort and Wellness Spa centre with two lovely restaurants.
I had a 5 course meal for dinner in the Poterne restaurant which not only tasted delicious but looked like little pieces of artwork. Even if you are not staying in the resort, you are more than welcome to eat in the restaurant.
If you don’t want to have a meal or take a spa, I suggest taking a full day guided tour to see 5 UNESCO sites. Where you can enjoy the authentic Netherlands and learn about these amazing sites in outer Amsterdam. This tour includes visiting the famous Fort Beemster.
Tip
If you have the time, book into the Spa for half a day and then enjoy the dinner in the afternoon.
Location and how to get to Edam Village
The closest international airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and then it is a quick train ride into central Amsterdam. Edam is 40mins from Amsterdam and will cost you €4.30 one way on a bus.
If you are confident with public transport, definitely do it at your own pace and not on a tour. I felt safe travelling around on my own.
OV-chipcard
Best is to buy an OV-Chipcard (€7.50) and adding money to it like an oyster card in London. It will work out cheaper than buying two one-way tickets and it will also save you time.
Apart from the OV-Chipcard, you can also purchase a pass to travel without limits across the region of Amsterdam. Valid on all public transportation including buses, ferries, subway, trains and trams.
Getting the Bus
Edam to Broek in Waterland is only a 20minute bus ride and will cost you €2.77 on public transport. The bus from Amsterdam to Edam goes via Broek in Waterland and Volendam.
Alternatively, you can take the Hop on and hop off the bus, which goes to Zaanse Schans, Edam, and Volendam.
Hotels in Edam
L’Auberge Damhotel
It has been said that the hotels in Edam have been at this same location as early as the 16 century. However, unlike now, the rooms were let out overnight to diary merchants and not for visitors exploring the village. We stayed in the quaint and quirky L’Auberge Damhotel in the centre of the village of Edam.
You can check the current availability of all types of accommodation for the Edam Netherlands area.
⇒ Staying in Amsterdam? How about reading this review on the stunning boutique hotel Pillows Anna van den Vondel in Amsterdam
Tip
- Hotels in the Netherlands use European adaptors
Here are some other popular day trips from Amsterdam to Edam
Top Tips before visiting Edam from Amsterdam
- Non-stop Wifi; Keep updated and share your activities with WiFi access in Europe.
- Visit the Edam Museum located in a 400-year-old historical residence with a floating cellar which was designed to accommodate changes in water level without destabilizing the structure.
- I wore good lightweight walking shoes for walking around and biking riding in the Netherlands.
- Activities; Take advantage of all the other things you can do in the Netherlands
- You only need a night here and it will most likely only take you half a day to walk around.
Discover other countries near the Netherlands
Wanting to discover other countries and cities near Amsterdam Netherlands that involve culture, food and history? Then please check out the below articles;
- Alpbach Austria – Fun Summer Activities to Do
- Chambery France – Best Things to do in the beautiful city
- Tellaro Italy –The local Italian secret
⇒ If you are looking for places to visit while in Amsterdam, take a look at getting a multi-pass. You can purchase it for one day or multi days and you will obtain free entrances and discounts.
Thank you for reading my article’ Edam Netherlands, A village Preserved in time. Both Broek in Waterland and Edam Netherlands are great days out from Amsterdam.
Have you been to Edam, Broek in Waterland or old Holland before? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments below or if you know any other places to see while in the area.
⇒ Here are some suggested guidebooks for Edam Netherlands
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the I Amsterdam. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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As someone who loves cheese, I would definitely be down for visiting Edam. All in all, I have heard so many good things about the Dutch countryside that it isn’t hard to convince me. These photos are very impressive though. And its sounds very easy to get to from Amsterdam.
I love cheese too, I think it is definitely my weakness in life. Edam is super easy to get to and definitely worth a weekend trip away. Thanks in regards to my pictures too
I didn’t know Edam was actually a place. But in Norway, the Edamer cheese is really famous and people love it! This little village looks so cute like it is just out of a fairytale book. I haven’t been to the Netherlands at all but would love to check out places like Edam. I just love those cute buildings 😀
I love Edam cheese too and you should definitely visit the village if you go over to Netherlands. It is such a charming village and it was nice exploring and buying cheese.
This looks like such a charming village through your pictures & words. I have to be honest, I had never heard of Edam before now. Definitely keen to add it to my Netherlands bucketlist
It was such a pretty little village it looked like you had stepped into a painting.
I went here years ago on a brief tour but l was always keen to go back and spend longer. Your post has definitely made want to go even more now. I love farmers markets so would be keen to go on a Wednesday if possible. My problem would be buying to much cheese
You should definitely go back and spend a lovely, there were lots of lovely little restaurants and places to explore.
I’m a huge fan of Edam cheese & I didn’t realise it was place so close to Amsterdam. My missus would be keen for a weekend here. Nice pictures
I love Edam cheese too and I was lucky enough to make some cheese while there which was sent to me afterwards. And thank you in regards to the pictures
I love love love your pictures Mel & I always enjoy reading your posts. They always make me want to travel. Edam has now been added to my list especially because it’s beautiful, has cheese and it’s super easy to get too.
Ah thank you very very much 🙂 and I really appreciate your kind words!! I love cheese too
Oh my gosh. This looks so perfectly cozy and quaint! I would love to take the walking tour and learn all about the history here. Sounds like a wonderful place for a weekend trip! It certainly has maintained that old world charm.
It is a pretty place and so are the villages around it as well especially Broek in Waterland. I highly recommend it there
OMG! Edam looks so adorable! This is exactly like Amsterdam, but as you say, looks like its frozen a few decades ago!!! Esp the first pic with the reflection, looks exactly like Nyhavn but with a period filter! Lolz!
Hope I’ll get to visit here and ofcourse buy loads of Edam cheese!
The reflection looked exactly like this I promise, it was like that everywhere you walked. I definitely recommend taking a visit there if you get a chance, you would especially enjoy the history.
What an adorable little town. I have Netherlands on my list and I am going to bookmark this. A town less than 10K are the type of places I love exploring. I’ll definitely be taking the walking tour 🙂
Definitely add this to your list, it is only about 45mins from Amsterdam. It is definitely worth an adventure out of the capital for the day.
I am a cheesy person.. ha ha.. Jokes apart I would certainly love to visit this village. Apart from cheesy motivation the village itself looks like a movie set. Flawless and picture perfect!
I like the joke, very good 🙂 It is a lovely charming place to visit for sure
Wow I have never seen a more charming village. Seriously, scrolling through your blog is like flipping through the pages of a fairy tale book. It does feel like you’re being transported back into a different era.
It was a charming place and so was Broek in Waterland, I think the best bit is it is only about 45mins from the center of Amsterdam 🙂
Wow your pictures are stunning – this place is a picture perfect village! Would love to explore the villages of Netherlands, I have never been! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, it is a lovely place and so it the other place I discussed in my post.
I love the Netherlands but have never visited Edam. It looks absolutely beautiful, and I’d love to spend some time there.
I spent the whole week in the Netherlands travelling to different parts and I just loved everything about it. The food is great and the people were so nice. Definitely, recommend visiting Edam for a half a day.
I visited Edam a few years back and thought it was really quaint. I have to say though, your pictures make me want to go back. You have beautifully captured the essence of the town, say better than I ever managed to
Ah thank you very much, it is a picturesque town to take pictures of and so was Broek in Waterland.
You have found the home of the best cheese in the world! Really i pressed to read that there are so many outdoor activities to do there as well. We are really keen to do the walking tour and learn about this little hidden gem.
I love cheese as well and this is definitely worth a visit out of Amsterdam. You can even learn how to make cheese when you are there. I had a walking tour and I was surprised at how much history the place had.
Wow, it looks like a village out of a storybook. And with all the water and locks, it really gives off that Netherlands feel. Thanks for sharing a glimpse at your visit there!
It was a really pretty and charming village and so was Broek in Waterland which is also where I took some of the pictures. Definitely, visit if you ever get the chance to see it.
I dont have the words to describe the beauty of those cute colorful houses, I must go visit. such a great post
Ah thank you very much it is a pretty place
So picturesque! Love your photos of the colourful houses and how they reflect on the water. Would love to explore this part of the Netherlands someday.
It is a pretty place and so is Broek in Waterland, they looked like paintings. Thank you in regards to the photos
OMG that is the cutest little town I ever did see! I wish I had known about it when I visited Amsterdam last year!! Obsessed with the preservation of such a cute, quaint city.
Now it gives you a reason to go back to the Netherlands 🙂
Gosh how come I never knew about such a gorgeous place so near to Amsterdam. Being a history & nature lover, I am sure this place will be a hit for me!! I like to old Dutch houses, the architecture and the museum in the 400 year old house – thats fascinating!! Thanks for sharing!!
Shibani you will definitely love this little village then and it is only about 45mins from Amsterdam. I loved the walking tour and learning all about the area.
I’ve only been to Netherlands once (to Amsterdam) but I’d love to go back and explore this place! I love charming cities like this! That first photo with the reflection of the houses in the water is stunning!
Now it gives you a good excuse to go back and explore more 😉
Edam is looking so nice. I never knew until now that this place existed. I would love to visit and try their cheese some day 🙂
I love Edam cheese and the village its self looks like a little piece of artwork.
Edam looks like such a charming village and I love the waterside location. I’d definitely like to visit to taste the Edam cheese!
It is definitely worth a visit if you are in Amsterdam, such a charming place.
Visited with family in September 2017. We are from US but have family in Monnikendam, Oosthuizen and Stadshanaal. I enjoyed visiting your country and hope I can return soon! Edam and Volendam are truly wonderful places.
I am so glad to hear that you had a great trip in the Netherlands and I hope that you get to return one day 🙂
Edam is So quaint and very dutch! I’d never have thought to visit here so thanks for the tips. A walking tour sounds fab and I’d definitely be up for trying some dutch edam at the cheese market!
It is a pretty little village and definitely great for a day trip or even over night.
I was going to visit Edam when I passed through Benelux but never did. After reading this I wish I had made the trip! I would love to visit when the market is on during July and August. I guess anytime is perfect for photography, I love your reflection shot and the classic Dutch bike shot.
Ah it is a good excuse for going back to the Netherlands. I not heard of Benelux, I will need to check it out and see what that is all about.
This is a great article! Finally, something different to read about The Netherlands than just Amsterdam. There is so much more to explore 😉 Tweeted your article!
Thank you very much and I am so glad that you like it, so much. I loved being in the Netherlands it is such a pretty place.