24 hours in Old Holland: fishing villages and old time charm

Get cheesy in Edam

From 10:00 to 12:00

Travel to Edam, reachable by bus or car, to uncover the cheese capital of the Netherlands. In the 14th century, the fortress town was one of the country’s most important commercial centres, with thriving shipbuilding, timber and cheese-trading industries. Until 1922, farmers from the surrounding area sailed to the cheese market, where their produce was weighed and sold. You can see these old practices for yourself when the cheese market is revived every Wednesday in July and August (10:30-12:30) or by heading into De Kaaswaag (Cheese Weigh House), which features a permanent exhibition that explains the art of cheesemaking.

Duration: 2 hours

Have lunch in a historic setting

From 12:00 to 13:00

Cosy up at the Restaurant de Fortuna's terrace garden for a delicious lunch. Try some Edam cheese in a classic Dutch sandwich or toast. The garden offers a beautiful view over the waterways, perfect for watching the pleasure boats and kicking back with a refreshing summer drink.

Duration: 1 hour

Become acquainted with local history

From 13:00 to 14:00

The Edam Museum, located in a gorgeous house that dates back to the 1540s, offers visitors a journey into the life of a 17th-century merchant. It's one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands, where you can learn about Edam’s fascinating past. In addition to historical artefacts and paintings, it features only the ‘latest’ in 17th-century furnishings. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that feature personal stories and unique archival material from Edam’s residents. For more insight into a region, venture into Fort bij Edam, a UNESCO-listed fort which was operational during both World Wars. The exhibits inside bring its military history to life as you journey through the barracks and dark passageways to discover what life was like.

Duration: 1 hour

Sample the traditional delicacies of Volendam

From 14:00 to 18:00

Put yourself in the shoes of an authentic Old Hollander with a visit to the charming harbour town of Volendam - known for its traditional costumes, music and fish. The characteristic tiny houses, made incredibly picturesque by the beautiful harbour, create an atmosphere of friendliness and romance. Peek behind the scenes of 19th-century life at the Volendams Museum, and don't miss Foto de Boer, the famous photographic studio where you can transform yourself into a true Volendammer in one of the many costumes. The next stop is the Smit Bokkum eel smokehouse, famous for its smoked eel and traditional Dutch pop music.

Duration: 4 hours

Spend the night in a 19th-century hotel room

The historic Art Hotel Spaander will transport you into 19th-century Volendam. With a choice of both authentic and modern rooms, you can choose the experience that suits you best. Whether you go for a classical and authentically Dutch experience or opt-out for something sleeker, there's no escaping the historic feel of this hotel stay. Looking for something more adventurous? Consider spending overnight on the water. Camping on a raft in Waterland involves sailing through a beautiful (wetland) nature reserve and dropping the anchor wherever you want to spend your night. Check out Experience Waterland for more details on how to book a truly unique stay, or browse all the hotels in Old Holland.

Discover how clogs are made in Marken

From 09:45 to 12:45

The next day, head out to Marken via the VolendamMarken Express ferry, which takes passengers between the picturesque fishing towns of Volendam and Marken in just 30 minutes. The cost is €10 per person, including your bike. The historic harbour town of Marken, with its iconic lighthouse and characteristic green wooden houses, is so picture-perfect it’s like stepping into a 17th-century painting. It was an island in the Zuiderzee until 1957 when it was connected to the mainland by a dyke.

Follow signs to reach the Marker Museum, which gives a unique insight into this fishing village’s extraordinary history. You can also discover how clogs are made, either by hand or machine, at Klompenmakerij Marken. And maybe take a pair home with you! To round off your visit, do not miss the Sijtje Boes Experience, also known as the Original House of Marken. This house on the harbour was preserved by Sijtje as an original, typical Marken house with preserved 1940s interiors, and has been a museum since 1924.

Duration: 3 hours

Picnic on the water at De Leek

From 13:30 to 14:30

This activity is a well-kept secret. Head to Bootverhuur Overleek, a charming boathouse, to rent an electric ‘whisper boat’ and drift silently past the wooden houses and tranquil meadows of the Waterland Nature Reserve. Their picnic special means you can delight in homemade delicacies right on the water, cruising the Leek to your heart's content.

Duration: 1 hour

Explore the fishing town of Monnickendam

From 15:00 to 18:00

Walk the streets of Monnickendam, a 650-year-old city with a rich history of shipping and trade. There is a museum inside the Monnickendam clock tower. The Waterlands Museum The Speeltoren will take you through the area's history as you ascend the tower and discover a traditional carillon in the attic. Its replica can be played by anyone, although it is not as easy as it sounds. The fish smokeries are also worth paying a visit to, especially during Monnickendam Fish days. On several days in the summer season, visitors can watch traders bid for the freshly caught fish and witness the process of smoking the fish. You will also find local clog makers, net menders and local actors crowding the quayside, as well as a street market during the event.

Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy fine dining in Monnickendam

From 18:00 to 20:00

Have dinner at Suitehotel Restaurant Posthoorn in the historic centre of Monnickendam, one of the Netherlands' most cherished culinary hotspots, which has retained its Michelin star since 2008. The eatery offers exceptional value fine dining, with chef Jeroen Bavelaar’s unique five- to eight-course signature menu featuring classic French cuisine using seasonal products and innovative elements. Don’t fancy leaving the region soon? Spend a luxurious final night in one of the suites here and feel the richness and luxury of the Dutch 17th century.

Duration: 2 hours

Pressed for time? Check out these 6 and 12-hour guides to exploring the region.