Step into a storybook Dutch town where tradition meets charm—welcome to Edam, the home of world-famous cheese and centuries-old canals. Nestled in the North Holland province, this peaceful city offers more than just its iconic dairy. With historic town squares, floating cellars, and a cheese market straight out of the past, Edam makes you feel like you've stepped into living history—just 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
Recommended For
History Buffs: Explore centuries-old architecture, churches, and museums, including a floating cellar and medieval town square.
Cheese Lovers: Visit the famous cheese market reenactment and see where Edam cheese was born.
Architecture Fans: Admire Dutch Renaissance and Louis XIV-style buildings, plus the unique Edam City Hall and historic weigh house.
Day-Trippers from Amsterdam: Enjoy a quiet, scenic escape just 30 minutes away by train or bus.
What to Expect
- Historic Cheese Market: Watch a live reenactment of traditional cheese trading during the summer months with vendors in period dress.
- Museums & Exhibits: Visit the Edam Museum, Cheese Weighing House, and the Marker and Volendam Museums nearby.
- Quaint Streets & Squares: Wander around Dam Square and along canals framed by 17th-century buildings and cobbled paths.
- Accessibility: Easily walkable with smooth paths; buses and trains from Amsterdam make travel straightforward for most visitors.
Highlights & Features
- Edam Museum: Step inside the city’s oldest brick home with a floating cellar built by a nostalgic sea captain.
- St. Nicholaaskerk Church: Visit one of Europe’s largest three-ridged churches with stunning stained glass and wooden vaulted ceilings.
- Cheese Weighing House: Learn about Edam cheese’s history in a working museum at the site of its historic market.
- Nearby Villages: Explore Marken’s fishermen homes and lighthouse, or Volendam’s quirky Cigarband House and lively shops.
Tips for Visiting
- Getting There: Take a direct bus or train from Amsterdam; it’s just a 30-minute ride away.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer is ideal for the cheese market reenactments and walking tours in sunny weather.
- Stay Overnight: Try boutique hotels like L’Auberge Damhotel or De Harmonie for an atmospheric and local experience.
- Plan a Day Trip: Pair your visit with stops in Volendam or Marken for a full cultural experience in North Holland.
Visitor Info
- Location: Edam, North Holland Province, Netherlands
- Website: edam-volendam.nl
Tip: Don’t miss the floating cellar at the Edam Museum—it's one of a kind! And if you're there during market season, arrive early for the cheese auction reenactment and beat the crowds. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring Edam’s cobbled streets.
Map:
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