Volendam, what do you need to know?
We would like to tell you briefly about everything to do with Volendam. The history, the traditions and the celebrities. And, of course, what all there is to stay. And that is quite a lot.
The history of Volendam
Volendam was originally called Folle(n)dam. Many Volendammers therefore still call their village that. Volendam owes its right to exist to the town of Edam. In 1357, the peasant inhabitants of Edam dug a water connection.
Edam's old harbour was closed with a Dam and slowly Volendam came into being. Fishermen flocked to the dam, bringing the Netherlands' most famous fishing village to life.
Costume in Volendam, do they still wear it?
You probably know it, that picture in traditional costume on a family member's mantelpiece. If you visit Volendam, a typical photo in Volendam costume cannot be missed. Most famous Dutchmen hang in the windows of one of the many photo studios you can find on the dike.
Why is Volendam clothing so famous?
The famous clothing in Volendam is something you see everywhere in the village. Guides give tours in the clothes, in souvenir shops they have the clothes on. But you also see many paintings hanging with Volendammers in the typical Fullam costume. And it is precisely those paintings that have made Volendam famous.
Want to be in the picture yourself? Click here to buy your tickets at a discount.
Hotel Spaander, the hotel of paintings
In 1854, Pieter Steur's cafe (famous Volendam name) stood on the waterfront. In 1881, it was Mr Leendert Spaander who established a hotel there. Hotel Spaander was born. Leendert loved art and invited painters from all over the world to come to his hotel.
For the many foreigners, Volendam was an attraction in itself.
The artists painted the inhabitants of the village on the white canvas. Not all painters had enough money to pay for overnight stays at the hotel. To compensate Mr Chip, they often gave a painting as a gift. The best paintings were hung throughout the hotel.
The works of art and the family painter
After the death of Leendert Spaander, his daughter took over the hotel. This included the many works of art. These always remained within the family and acted as a true tourist attraction for the hotel's many national and international visitors.
Famous visitors to Hotel Spaander
After local resident Eddy Guyt paid a visit to the attic of Hotel Chip he found a guest book from the past. From this, it turned out that the greatest of all had slept at the hotel. For instance, Franklin D Roosevelt, Emperor Wilhelm of Orange, and queens Wilhelmina and Emma have slept there. Walt Disney too spent a night at the hotel.
Besides these celebrities, the hotel's list of guests is of course many times longer. Think Prime Minister Balkenende, Fanny Blankers Koen, Mohammed Ali and Johan Cruijff.
Noise in the kitchen and Hotel Spaander
In 2015, the hotel was once again on the map because of Herman den Blijker's TV programme "herrie in de keuken". Herman had a tough job to do to upgrade the hotel again and take it to a better level. This led to hilarious scenes during the many discussions with the owners.
The botters out of the harbour
Walking along the harbour, you will see a number of wooden ships. Also called "botters". Built in the early 1900s. They can be recognised particularly by the number on the side. This always starts with VD.
These botters are cultural heritage and pride of the village. Not for nothing do a group of volunteers dedicate themselves to maintaining the botters. The botters, also known as kwakken still sail.
By 2022, a new shipyard will be ready where the boats will be maintained by Odeon Foundation staff.
Volendam and sport
At the sporting level, Volendam has always been very present. Its rich sports history has seen numerous sports. For instance, the handball club is highly regarded, you obviously have FC Volendam. And Volendam has a skating and tennis history.
Football club FC Volendam
Football club FC Volendam was founded in 1977 and was formerly part of football club RKSV. The club with currently Wim Jonk as coach has competed in the KNVB cup and the premier league several times. It even reached the final of the KNVB cup twice. 6th place in the premier league in 1989/90 and 1992/93 was the highest the Volendammers came.
Well-known former players of FC Volendam
Some well-known Volendam footballers are: Gerrie and Arnold Muhren, Wim Jonk, Dik Tol, Andre Ooijer.
Music and Volendam
When you say Volendam, you say music. It is unknown what flows in the water pipes, but it does ensure that there are many golden throats walking around. Everyone knows them. The Cats, BZN, Jan Smit, Nick and Simon and the 3j's.
The eelsound
The Volendam eelsound, characteristic of the sound they make. Every resident grows up with it and knows the songs by heart. Step into the pub and everyone is singing along at the top of their voices.
Funfair in Volendam
Every year in the first week of September, the entire village is turned upside down because it is kerremus! At least that's what residents call it. For four days, everyone takes time off from work and head up the dyke en masse.
All pubs are packed and locals sing at the top of their voices the carnival songs dreamt up by local artists. It doesn't matter who you speak to but everyone knows them.
Traditionally, Friday is company day. Big companies hire certain pubs to treat their staff for a year of hard work. None will be spared and they go on until the last song.
On Monday, the last day of the fair, they start early. How early do you wonder? Some as early as 6am. Although years ago the party went on until noon, these days it is normal if you still see everyone hopping on the famous dyke on Monday evening.
Volendam in the news
Several times the village has been in the news. Unfortunately not always positive but we want to mention it anyway. Even if it was tragic at times, it did make residents stronger.
The weeping Mary statue
It is 1997 when the Netherlands reacts with amazement to the news that there is a weeping statue of Mary in Volendam. The inhabitants are mostly Catholic and are in shock. Their statue has red tears. Further investigation revealed that it was human blood and therefore a hoax.
Drug boat the hunt for the Lammie
It is 1974, drugs are not very well known in the Netherlands. Yet the navy is after a fishing cutter with ten tonnes of hash on it. Near Scheveningen, they shoot at the cutter, causing it to sink. Those on board are arrested just before the ship sinks. Further investigation reveals that Johan S, is one of the main suspects.
The New Year's fire in the sky
It is New Year's Eve 2001 and enormously cosy in the Sky. A well-known café at the top of the dyke. In the same premises is also the log cabin.
Just after New Year, someone lights starlets, causing Christmas decorations to catch fire. Immediately, this leads to a large stinging flame and bright but short fire.
Because too many customers were inside and it suddenly became very hot, there were more than 250 injuries and 14 deaths. The fire had a severe impact on the residents and rest of the Netherlands.
The port and its many shops and pubs
Surely the heart of the village is the port. This is where everyone gathers. Be it the Chinese tourists walking with a camera around their necks. Or the residents walking their weekly (or daily) round the dyke.
This village has many photo studios to which people come from all over the world. The cosiness and sobriety of its inhabitants also attract attention. Strolling among the many nationalities, you walk from noordeinde to zuideinde in no time. A short walk but still everyone wants to experience it.
Did you know that in its heyday, there were even more than 2 million visitors a year?
Shipping company Volendam Marken Express
If you stand on top of the dike and look across, you can see Marken. You can reach this former peninsula by taking the car and driving there via Monnickendam. A much nicer option is to take the Marken Express. This ferry service has existed for almost 100 years.
Previously with nearly 30 small boats, today with only three big boats.
Where once the shipping company was really meant for locals, it has now become a tourist attraction. Busloads full get on board to set sail for a 30-minute cruise.
Would you like to join the Marken Express? You can register here buy boat ticket.
Volendam museum
Unfortunately not located on the dyke but still worth a visit is the Volendam museum. We can tell you everything about the history, but the employees (volunteers) of the museum really know how to tell you everything. These employees do not work there to earn money, but they want to explain everything to you with passion.
In the museum, you will find all kinds of things about the clothing, history and lifestyle of the past. Most special perhaps is the cigar bands section. More than 11 million cigar bands have been placed there in mosaic form. Just replicate that.
Other fun outings
If you want to visit Volendam for a day, there are many other fun things to do besides the aforementioned excursions. At Rent & Event, we are happy to give you the best advice. If you want to discover the village together with children, we recommend these treasure hunt for children to play.
Rather discover something of the surrounding area? Choose a cycling package or scooterarrangerment, This total package includes a boat trip and visit to syrup waffle experience Woltje's backery. Take a look at the other activities and corporate events In Volendam.
Hotels and holiday parks
Holiday park Roompot Marinapark
Upon entering, you see it right away. The typical cottages in Waterland style. This is holiday park Roompot Marinapark. The mainly 6 to 8 person cottages are full almost all year round and attract many visitors to the village.
Hotel van der Valk Volendam
The van der Valk Volendam hotel is located just outside Volendam. The hotel is characterised by its friendly staff and typical van der Valk style. Previously, it was also called motel Katwoude.
Landal Volendam
Since 2000, a new but small-scale holiday park has been added, Landal Volendam. With about 35 cottages, it is nothing compared to Roompot Marinapark in terms of size. In terms of location, it is just a bit closer to the old harbour.
Parking in Volendam
After reading the piece, would you like a visit the fishing village? We definitely recommend it! If you come by car, you don't have to pay parking fees at most places. So do you want to park your car for free? Click here to see where you free parking.