Well well well – I’m back at it – sightseeing my new home of The Netherlands. This time, I ventured with some friends and the Hunk to Volendam to check out a cute little Dutch town, in all of it’s ‘Dutchness’.
Getting there
We drove to Volendam from Amsterdam, just a 30 minute drive (though long enough for some of our group to get solid naps in). After arriving, we made our way as close to the harbour as we could and found some free parking – score! Once we parked, we walked towards the harbour, only a couple minutes on foot.
Getting Lucky
As soon as we arrived, it was a hive of activity, with many people walking around in traditional attire. After getting the Hunk to have a chat with one of the people in costume we found out we were super lucky and happened to be in Volendam for Volendam Day!
There were people everywhere enjoying delicious beers in the pubs lining the harbour, a live brass band that were clearly drunk and just having a wild time, as well as many people smoking eel in strange tower cookers, and of course your fair share of tourists.
Oh, and the cheese. There were a few cheese stores where you can try ALL THE CHEESE! This is great for when you get a little bit peckish or if you just love cheese.
Two Peaks
One of the peaks of the day was a 14 person band that performed on a boat facing shore. I say they were a peak, but really – this is only because the band was laughable at how bad they were! They were too old to be singing raunchy songs and the woman kept saying sexual things to the lead male singer like it was normal – but it was just plain awkward! The male singer was also just as awkward, when he tried his best at rapping. Yes, he rapped. *Cringe*
The REAL peak of the day was getting in costume! After I saw a store which allowed you to dress up in traditional Volendam wear for a photograph, I had to do it! I love doing stuff like this because it is silly and fun and I never take myself seriously. My girl friend that was there was also quite happy to get involved with the photograph – she too loves doing silly things like this! It was the boys who fought the idea.
After realising that we weren’t going to leave Volendam without the photograph, they succumbed and we went into one of the stores ready to get costumed up! Within a couple of minutes we were all in our outfits, looking hilarious, and ferried into the photo room. After each being handed a prop (see giant wheel of cheese, flower basket, teapot and teacup and the saxaphone..!) and being told where to stand, we, the Volendam Fam, took our photograph! The best part was that the boys absolutely loved getting involved and realised that being silly was in fact not embarrassing!
What do you think? We look pretty damn good I think!
Volendam
All in all, our day out in Volendam was an awesome one! We enjoyed soaking in the fun and happiness that Volendam Day brings, seeing traditional dress, and wearing it, and trying Kibbeling for the first time.
If you are on a visit to Amsterdam, Volendam is super easy to get to if you want to see somewhere that isn’t a capital city, but an interesting look at life in a harbour-side town, clinging to its roots in the best way possible. Thanks for the fun, Volendam!
Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
0 thoughts on “A Day Out in Volendam, Netherlands”
Volendamn good…
Oh you ?
This town looks so cute!! I love the shops but really the peak was undoubtedly that photo. You all nailed it.
Haha!! Please come here so we can play Dutch dress ups again!