Monnickendam
in Laag Holland
Discover Monnickendam - A port city steeped in history, water and monuments
Monnickendam combines the atmosphere of a historic town with the openness of the water. In the old town centre, you can stroll past facades, little bridges, churches, warehouses and traces of former trade. The harbour connects the town with the Gouwzee, the Markermeer and the maritime history that made Monnickendam great. It is precisely this blend of town, water and history that makes Monnickendam a compelling destination for visitors who enjoy exploring, walking and learning more about Waterland.
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Living with the water
Living with the water
Today, Monnickendam's relationship with water is still unmistakable. Consequently, there is plenty of entertainment for water lovers here too.
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Museum the Play Tower
Museum the Play Tower
The Waterlands Museum De Speeltoren tells the story of Waterland and Europe's faintest carillon.
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Historic Monnickendam
Historic Monnickendam
You can also discover the history of Monnickendam via a walking route! Which route will you choose today?
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Food & drink
Food & drink
Settle down in the town centre or by the harbour and enjoy a coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner in a historic setting.
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Overnight
Overnight
Stay a little longer and discover Monnickendam, the harbour and Waterland at quieter times of the day.
Historic Monnickendam
Thanks to its location on the water, Monnickendam developed into an important trading and fishing town. Ships sailed to and from Amsterdam via Monnickendam, carrying goods such as salt, herring, timber, grain and other commodities. To preserve the herring and other fish for long periods, they were processed in Monnickendam, which has been renowned for its fish smokehouses since time immemorial. The history of this trade and fishing industry is reflected in the old buildings, commemorative plaques, harbours and stories about fish smoking. Anyone strolling through the town will discover a piece of history behind many of its façades.
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Gable stones
Monnickendam is known for its façade stones: small pictorial stories that tell of crafts, residents, trade and everyday life in days gone by. On the Façade Stones Route, you’ll stroll past these unique details in the historic town centre and, step by step, discover the story behind the façades.
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Museum the Play Tower
In this museum, you’ll discover the history of Monnickendam and Waterland. You’ll also learn more about the famous Speeltoren and the unique carillon. It’s a lovely place to give your stroll through the town some extra context.
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Walking routes through the town centre
Follow a route through the historic centre and discover monuments, commemorative plaques, traditional crafts and places that evoke the history of shipping and fishing. This way, you’ll see Monnickendam not only as a beautiful town, but also as a place brimming with stories about water, trade and history.
Port, water and Hemmeland
Water is inextricably linked to Monnickendam. In the harbour, you can see traces of trade, fishing and shipping, whilst Hemmeland offers space for nature, recreation and views over the Gouwzee and the Markermeer. Stroll along the quays, gaze out over the water or head further into the recreational area to combine the town with the countryside.
Hemmeland
Hemmeland is a green recreational area for anyone wishing to spend a day enjoying nature, open spaces and water. Access to the area is free, and you can go walking, cycling, swimming, surfing, sailing or simply enjoy the peaceful views over the Gouwzee.
Port of Monnickendam
The harbour is one of Monnickendam’s most distinctive spots. The picturesque inner harbour is home to the historic ships of the Zeilvloot Monnickendam, which set sail from here on sailing trips across the IJsselmeer, the Markermeer, the Wadden Sea and sometimes even further afield. Together with the marinas, the restaurants and cafés, and the view over the Gouwzee, the harbour clearly illustrates just how closely Monnickendam is connected to the water.
Even more Waterland
Broek in Waterland is centrally located in a water-rich area full of historic villages, routes and landscapes. Combine your visit withBroek in Waterland, Marken, Zuiderwoude, Uitdam or Watergang. Each place has its own charm and, thanks to their cultural and historical background, they are certainly well worth a visit.
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Broek in Waterland
Broek in Waterland is a historic village with wooden houses, little bridges and a peaceful setting by the water. Take a stroll along the Havenrak, admire the characteristic facades or explore the village from the water in an electric boat or canoe. The combination of the village’s charm, history and the open Waterland landscape makes Broek a special place. A lovely spot for those who love peace and quiet, water and a historic atmosphere just north of Amsterdam.
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Marken
Marken is a former island where wooden houses, shipyards and stilt houses tell the story of life on the water. Stroll through the historic neighbourhoods, visit the Marker Museum or admire ‘Het Paard van Marken’ from the dyke. Thanks to its location on the Gouwzee, the island atmosphere remains very much in evidence. A special place for those who love walking, heritage and open water.
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Discover Waterland
Waterland consists of characteristic villages and towns where water, dykes and timber-framed houses define the landscape. Think of Monnickendam, Marken, Broek in Waterland, Zuiderwoude, Uitdam, Watergang and Overleek: each with its own atmosphere and story. You’ll find historic centres, walking and cycling routes, canals and open meadows
Frequently asked questions
Monnickendam is situated in the municipality Waterland, on the Gouwzee and the Markermeer, just north of Amsterdam.
Monnickendam is known for its historic town centre, harbour, façade stones, the Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren, its fishing heritage and its waterfront location.
Hemmeland is a recreational area on the Markermeer near Monnickendam. There, you can go for walks, cycle, swim, canoe, surf, sail and enjoy the views across the water.
Yes, from Monnickendam you can, amongst other things, go sailing or boating on the Gouwzee, the Markermeer and the IJsselmeer.
In the historic town centre and around the harbour, you’ll find various places to enjoy a coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner. Check out the restaurants in Monnickendam!