Edam Netherlands, A village Preserved in time

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 the 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.

Reflection on the canal water -Edam Netherlands

Edam Netherlands 

Edam Netherlands forms the municipality of Edam-Volendam and approximately 7,380 people live in this charming village. Although Edam is known for its cheese, it was once an industrious shipyard and port. A much much litter version than the Rotterdam 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 a great ambience. 

Take a walking tour around the village, if you have time and learn all the quirky facts about the different buildings.

Things to do in Edam Village

Edam is in the northwest Netherlands (North Holland) and is less than an hour from the capital. Making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam or an 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 an absolute must-visit village.

A hotel along the canal – Edam Village Netherlands

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. Book a full day’s tour to the countryside from Amsterdam, where you will go to Edam and learn about famous cheese.

Visit the 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 a Wednesday morning market held in July and August in Edam. 

If the market is not open when you go, you can always visit the Edam Cheese Museum, located in the centre of the village.  It is open daily and you can purchase tickets online here.

A colourful tandem bicycle display in Edam Netherlands

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 are counted as National Monuments. Some famous landmarks here include the Saint Nicholas church and The Famous House. 

I suggest booking a half a day group bike tour, to experience the charming Dutch countryside that includes Broek in Waterland.

Traditional Dutch houses on the waterfront Broek in Waterland – Day trip from Edam Netherlands

Activities in Broek in Waterland

For those who are interested in other forms of recreation, there are numerous activities like camping, electric boat rides, and canoeing. As well as quaint food places, if you’re in the mood for a little snack. 

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.

Where to have lunch in Broek in Waterland

One of the best places to spot for lunch or afternoon is Theetuin Overleek. It is a charming teahouse along the waterways, which you can only get to via boat. Theetuin Overleek has a small area to sit down inside and a lovely sitting area outside along the water. Everything is homemade and it is only open from Friday to Sunday for weekend visitors. 

⇒  Thinking of taking other popular day trips from Amsterdam, how about getting a Holland Pass.

Taking a boat tour and seeing the homes along the canal in Broek in Waterland Netherlands

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 is 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. 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. Take a small group tour with Viator that will take you to a cheese farm and Zaanse Schans village

Have Dinner in Fort Resort Beemster

Located in de Beemster, an 19th century fortress that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list is the Fort Resort Beemster.  A luxurious and sustainable wellness Resort and Wellness Spa centre with 3 restaurants. Stay at the resort, eat in the restaurants or just enjoy the spas. 

I had a 5-course dinner in the Poterne restaurant which was delicious, every course looked like a little piece of artwork. 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. If you have the time, book into the Spa for half a day and then enjoy dinner in the afternoon.

Local edam cheese shop in the Netherlands

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, just like when I went to Zandvoort known as Amsterdam Beach. 

Here are some other popular day trips from Amsterdam to Edam

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 20-minute 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.

Edam Netherlands town hall is one of the top places to see

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. I stayed at the quaint and quirky L’Auberge Damhotel.

It was located in the centre of the village of Edam, along the Keizersgracht canal. The L’Auberge Damhotel is a historical hotel and none of the rooms were alike. It had a lovely restaurant and bar as well as outdoor sitting. 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 

Top Tips before visiting Edam from Amsterdam

• Hotels in the Netherlands use European adaptors
• 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.

One of the things to do at night in Edam Netherlands is to walk along the canal 

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. 

Houses on the canal in Edam Netherlands

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 and offer so many things to do.. 

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

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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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