8x activities Edam

History, charm and conviviality

Are you already familiar with one of Holland's best-kept secrets? A thriving trading town on the former Zuiderzee, Edam is a true delight. The town is embraced by the old peat meadow area of Zeevang. An allotment area with long strips and narrow ditches. Besides the beautiful nature, Edam has a lot of history and hidden gems. Therefore, we are happy to share 8 activities worth doing in Edam. Discover the best places to walk or cycle in Edam or go on an adventure on historical sights. Have fun!

1. The Edam Museum

One of the oldest museums in North Holland

The 'Steenen Coopmanshuys', the city's oldest stone house and Town Hall next to the VVV, houses the Edam Museum. Imagine yourself in the Golden Age and be taken into Edam's history, shipbuilding, architecture and notable families.

While at the museum, be sure to check out Edam's 'floating cellar'. This is the only publicly accessible floating cellar in the Netherlands. This unique phenomenon used to be created by the tidal action of the Zuiderzee. As this had a great influence on the groundwater level, it was necessary to make the basement move with it. This made it impossible for it to be flooded.

Edam Museum - Damplein 1 Edam

2. Fort near Edam

Part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam

Discover what it was like during World War I at the Fort near Edam. This fort is one of 46 forts of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, which is over 135 kilometres long and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the other forts, the Fort near Edam is relatively modern. This is because reinforced concrete was used instead of unreinforced concrete. Visit the fort's various rooms or explore the kitchen.

The fort is a hidden gem that many people drive past. This is because it is located in a protected nature reserve of the Forestry Commission. A beautiful area where history and nature go hand in hand. It is wonderfully peaceful here.

Fort near Edam - Oorgat 10 Edam.

3. Edam cheese

The spherical gold

Who says Edam, says Edam Cheese. You can hardly ignore it. Get to know the world-famous regional product in The Story of Edam Cheese. An interactive experience that tells you stories from the past and present about Edam cheese.

Of breng een bezoekje aan de Kaaswaag Edam. De waag uit 1778 werd vroeger gebruikt om kaas te wegen en is nu ingericht om jou te inspireren over de kunst van het kaasmaken. Ben je benieuwd hoe er destijds werd verruild? Tijdens de zomermaanden spelen vrijwilligers de voormalige handel na op de kaasmarkt in Edam. Bewonder hoe de kazen worden aangevoerd met wagens en boten of proef de kaas op de markt van Edam.

Tip: Ontdek Edam op een originele manier met de Kaaswandeling. Je gaat zelfstandig op pad en beleeft het verhaal van de Edammer kaas met leuke weetjes.

4. Exploring by bike & on foot

Stap op de fiets of trek je wandelschoenen aan

Fiets langs de oude Zuiderzee, over dijken en historische bruggen, of start in Edam met de LF Waterlinieroute door het landelijke Zeevang vol kogen, braken en vogels. Onderweg zie je waarom zoveel kunstenaars zich lieten inspireren door dit landschap.

Prefer walking? Join a city walk with VVV guide on Saturday or do the Puzzeltocht Gevelstenen: a fun treasure hunt through the old centre, full of hidden details and historical gable stones. A surprising way to get to know Edam in a different way.

5. The best shopping tips

Shop till you drop

From gift shops to jewellers and cheese shops to bakeries. Edam offers great shopping in its cosy shopping streets. The authentic town has a unique range of shops and cosy restaurants located in centuries-old, characteristic buildings.

Looking for great shopping tips? Brighten up your day and step inside Sas Florist for the most beautiful flowers and plants. Or explore at Dwars, a shop full of interior decoration, vinyl and gifts where entrepreneurs collaborate with each other.

6. In & on the water

Splash, splash, splash!

Edam without water is like a bee without honey. It is inseparable. This is why Edam is home to so many diverse activities in and on the water. Join a tour by cow boat and see the old facades, overhead lights and warehouses from the water.

After a wonderful day on the water, Edammers like to plop down at Pavilion Strandbad Edam, near the Marina. A fine place to enjoy a well-earned beer and cheeseboard, overlooking the water.

7. Grote Kerk Edam

History under one roof

Aan de stadsrand van Edam vind je de Sint Nicolaaskerk, ook wel de Grote Kerk genoemd. De monumentale hallenkerk behoort tot de top 100 rijksmonumenten van Nederland en staat bekend om haar 32 gebrandschilderde ramen, prachtige orgel en mooie Librije.

Tijdens openingstijden is de kerk gratis te bezoeken, behalve voor het beklimmen van de toren. Dwaal door het imposante gebouw en luister naar de verhalen van de gids. Beklim de toren en kijk uit over historisch Edam. Groep of gezin? Boek een rondleiding of speurtocht. Neem een kijkje in de winkel vol tweedehandsboeken, handwerk en unieke items en rust daarna uit in de koffiehoek met een drankje en iets lekkers.

8. Food & drink

Enjoy different cuisines

All those activities and sights in Edam naturally make you crave something tasty. Luckily, the town has plenty of choice for that too. Sit down for a cosy lunch at De Beurs in the heart of Edam. Besides a full belly, you can also go home with a little souvenir here. On the walls hang all kinds of trinkets that are actually for sale.

For drinks, De Harmonie is the place to be. Toast together and listen to live performances they regularly organise here. Prefer to go straight for dinner? Then try the Italian specialities at Pizzeria La Galera.