This is how you explore Volendam (and it really is your best local trip of 2026)
You can call us silly, but we—despite, or perhaps because of, all our wanderlust—secretly consider it a gift to discover our own country. Beautiful places just around the corner from home. Silly us again: (almost) nothing beats a classic photo in Volendam traditional costume (sorry, but if you’ve never done that before, you really *must* do it now), in our opinion. Volendam is worth visiting not just for that photo: the small town is a Dutch picture-perfect and is surrounded by water and other beautiful, quintessentially Dutch towns. Hop on over to Volendam.
And where do we sleep then? At Van der Valk Hotel Volendam. You come here for what they so beautifully call 'the total experience'. The fully renovated hotel is very modern, but with a deep-rooted connection to the region (yes!The hotel is located in Katwoude, a stone's throw from the famous harbor of Volendam with its dike, fishing boats, and colorful facades. From the entrance in the lobby to the wallpaper in your hotel room: everything has been significantly upgraded and is sleek. Yet the service remains pleasantly familiar, as this hotel and its hospitality have been around since 1973. The hotel is easily accessible by public transport (25 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station by bus) and parking is free. Oh, and you won't go hungry there. At restaurant ZYLT You can visit the hotel from breakfast to dinner. In between, there is Café & Patisserie Zoetwaeter for coffee and pastries, and Bar 1480 for drinks and bitesPlaying out the region starts at Van der Valk Hotel Volendam.
E-scooter tour? More oui! You start your day in the morning in Volendam at Rent & Event (Port 45) and pick up your E-scooter(s) there. That's a piece of cake and after that you don't really have to think at all: the people of Rent & Event They are (naturally) from the area themselves, know the region like the back of their hand, and know exactly where the good, fun, and tasty places are. Like cheese farm De Jacobshoeve in Katwoude (= beautiful!). A classic cheese farm where you can taste more than 30 different types of cheese. And you can take a look behind the scenes in the cowsheds. Sweet, you can even cuddle with the calves. A great start to the day if you ask us.
From Katwoude you continue to Monnickendam, for your second stop at Bob & Co, food shop Bob & Co In the old harbor of Monnickendam, to be precise. Definitely one of the nicest spots in the area (also great if you're with a little one: everything you need has been thought of; there is even a small kitchenette, just so you know). This upscale cafeteria has something for everyone. Take the food to go and be sure to save it for later (after all, you're probably still full from the cheese) and take a stroll through the historic, picturesque center of Monnickendam. For such a small town, you can count no fewer than three church towers, one cozy old harbor, and countless charming houses.
We'll stay in for a while Monnickendam, because there is plenty to do in this little place. That Monnickendam is a charming village and worth a visit for its location by the water alone has long been beyond dispute, but Strandvier, a beach bar by a lake that is just right, is one of the reasons why we like going even more and go more often. You can play beach volleyball, SUP, kayak, and so on here. So, it is also the perfect place for kids to really let loose. Strandvier (yes, that is written as one word) is located in Hemmeland, a large green area right next to Monnickendam, and was built entirely by the owners themselves. A real labor of love, if you will. The products the chefs work with are largely local and attention is paid to sustainability: no large-scale production here. tourist trap but a lovely, honest place with Mediterranean food.
From Monnickendam you continue to Marken: there is still water everywhere, so it cannot be difficult to choose a picnic table, or on one of the hidden private beaches for a picnic overlooking the water (ask the Rent & Event team where they are hidden). If you sit down, they will mark them on the map for you - which will save you another marital quarrel).
Finished? Scooter on to the Marken lighthouse to stop at Het Paard van Marken. That's fun, because you can make a nice photo stop here – great for posterity. Promised. A quarter of an hour further on, you arrive at the harbor of Marken where the Volendam-Marken Express departs. The Netherlands at its best, if you ask us. You can take your e-scooter onto the boat and sail from Marken to Volendam.
Around four o'clock you drop off your scooters at Rent & Event and then walk to the terrace Restaurant Lotje Wine & Dine (so that’s Jan Smit’s restaurant – we secretly just think it’s delicious) on the dike in Volendam. A beer, an eel snack – live's good.
Also a great moment to look at photos from along the way; the typical Dutch landscapes with meadows and farms, kilometers of dikes with grazing sheep and lambs, picturesque villages with the most charming houses and cozy old harbor towns with nice places to stop. Oh, and forget your Volendam family pic not!
You will not miss the Volendamers' love for fish during your trip. Do you want to end your trip with a real fish restaurant in Volendam? Then you must visit Smit-Bokkum be. It might sound a bit touristy, but this place is also very popular among the locals. So it must be good. What should you order then? The house specialty is smoked eel. You can even get a tour of the eel smokehouse of the restaurant. Not a fan of eel? Then the salmon or cod is also highly recommended. And they even serve meat and vegetarian options, so there is really something for everyone. Already made a reservation at Lotje for dinner? Then you can simply have lunch here as well.
