The charming Dutch town of Edam is known worldwide for its famous Edam cheese. Explore the wonderful 17th century architecture with step-gabled rooftops, old cobblestone streets and squares, canals, bridges and cheese warehouses.
Edam is located in North Holland, on the banks of the IJsselmeer river and not far from Amsterdam.
Top things to do in Edam
- Take a historic walking tour (offered for a fee) from Edam Tourist Information Centre.
- Stroll along the cobblestone streets and alleyways on your own.
- Either take a canal tour or rent a canoe or small electric-powered boat.
- If you visit on a Wednesday during the summer, go to the morning Cheese Market. The market runs from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Discover the top things to do in Edam, Holland. Visit the Cheese Market and taste a variety of delicious cheeses.
Discover the top things to do in Edam, Holland. Visit the Cheese Market and taste a variety of delicious cheeses.
- Discover one of the largest churches in the Netherlands. The Great Church has been standing on the same spot since the early 15th century. Lightening strikes to the church tower are said to have caused extensive fires in Edam in 1602 and 1699. It has impressive 17th century stained glass windows. The church is open to visitors from April through October.
Discover one of the largest churches in the Netherlands. The Great Church, has been standing on the same spot since the early 15th century. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
- Listen for the bells of the leaning Carillon tower. The tower was once part of a large gothic Church of Our Dear Lady. The clockworks in the tower are the oldest in the Netherlands. The bells were designed in 1566. The bells usually chime at every quarter of the hour.
The historic 16th century Carillon tower, bells and clock of the former Church of Our Dear Lady, Edam, Northern Holland. This is possibly the oldest clockworks in the Netherlands. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The historic 16th century Carillon tower, bells and clock of the former Church of Our Dear Lady, Edam, Northern Holland. This is possibly the oldest clockworks in the Netherlands. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Taste cheese and learn about the history of cheesemaking at the Cheese Weigh House. Built in 1788, it is open daily from April-September.
A visit to the Cheese Weigh House is one of the top things to do in Edam, North Holland. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
- The Dam Square, laid in 1624, is the centre of town.
Visit the Dam Square. The picturesque town of Edam has 17th century architecture along its historic streets and canals. Once a shipbuilding town, Edam is world famous for its cheese. Edam is located in northern Dutch countryside near Amsterdam. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
- The Dam bridge was built in 1544. Its lock gates were removed in 1829.
The picturesque town of Edam has 17th century architecture along its historic streets and canals. Once a shipbuilding town, Edam is world famous for its cheese. Edam is located in the northern Dutch countryside near Amsterdam. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Edam City Hall dates from 1737 and was built mostly in Louis XIV style.
- The Edam Museum is housed in the oldest brick house of Edam, dating from about 1540. It features a floating cellar.
The Edam Museum is the oldest brick house in Edam. It has 17th century furnishings and the famous floating cellar. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Taste more cheese in 18th-century restored cheese warehouses. Since 1916, Gestam has been storing, packing and exporting cheese.
Fast Facts about Edam
- The area was first settled by fishermen and farmers in the 12th century.
- The first dam was built in 1230.
- Edam was once home to about 33 shipyards.
- Many famous ships have been built here. One of these was explorer Henry Hudson’s ship, the Half Moon.
- Edam cheese today is different from the original recipe. It is no longer made from whole milk, contains less fat content and doesn’t have as strong a flavour.
- The Great Church is one of the largest churches in the Netherlands. The Great Church, also known as Saint Nicholas Church, reduced the height of its church tower to avoid future lightning strike.
- The leaning Carillon tower clockworks are the oldest in the Netherlands.
- Cheese is still stored in traditional cheese warehouses to mature.
- Beautiful hollyhocks bloom during the summer months.
The picturesque town of Edam has beautiful blooming hollyhocks in the summer months. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Getting to the Dutch town of Edam
Edam is located about 23 km or 35 minutes drive from Amsterdam.
Consider a great day trip from Amsterdam, to also combine a visit to Volendam (8 kms from Edam) and Zaanse Schans (25 kms further).
Explore the Dutch town famous for Edam Cheese
Learn about historic Dutch windmills of Zaanse Schans.
Photos: Picturesque 17th century streets and canals of Edam
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National PD Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW & NATJA.
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