Husband and I are thinking of doing the Waterland trio recommended by RS (Edam-Marken-Volendam) as a day trip from Amsterdam. We are also spending time in Delft. We love small-town Europe (more than bigger cities) but prefer to avoid the super-touristy places. In early August, does Edam fall into the category of "super-touristy?" The Wednesday market sounds fun, but will that be even more touristy? Is it worth carving off time from Amsterdam to visit Waterland, or would our time be better spent in Amsterdam (or elsewhere in our itinerary)? Thanks for any help!
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
I love these three smaller towns. Of the three, Volendam is the most touristy. However, it is from this town that you take a short boat ride to get to Marken. We went to the Edam cheese market when it first started several years ago and really enjoyed it because it takes place in a smaller town. It's a delightful, small town. One afternoon, we even rented bikes in Volendam and rode them along the top of the dikes to Edam and back. We are very similar to you in that we enjoy the small towns in Europe better than the bigger cities. We actually stayed in the Edam/Volendam area and took a shuttle into Amsterdam. One day in the city was enough to see and do the highlights. Have fun in this area.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33628 posts
A quick question prior to my chipping in here,,, how are you getting around? Car? Happy to rail and bus (and treintaxi) it about?
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL
46 posts
Thanks for the information, Denise! Nigel - we will not have a car, just public transportation.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33628 posts
Hi Tiffany Getting to Marken, Edam and Volendam by bus is pretty easy. Yes, in the height of summer it will be busy around there. One advantage is that large numbers of Dutch go on holiday in August leaving a bit more space for the tourists. Are they "touristy"? You bet. Edam perhaps a bit less as it is a bit bigger and is quite residential. Parking can be quite interesting so its good you're on the bus. Edam is good at partying, there are sometimes music festivals in the summer. I'm afraid I can't cast any light on the Wednesday market as I've never experienced it. Go, enjoy....