Volendam: A Hidden Gem, Volendam, Netherlands

As Holland’s famous and best-known fishing village, delightful Volendam is an excellent one-day jaunt from Amsterdam and a hidden gem.

Sadly, after losing my photos of Volendam, I can only share these four images with you. Not great, I know, and nothing like the plethora of images that I usually share with you in my posts, but apologies in advance.

Fronting the 3 to 5-metre-deep and expansive Markermeer lake in north Holland and speckled with quintessential Dutch windmills…

…Volendam’s stunning waterfront is enriched with traditional and colourful pretty houses that almost kiss the water.

Used as a freshwater reservoir and a buffer against floodwaters and droughts, the Markermeer’s lovely picturesque feature instantly draws you when in Volendam.

Feast on the traditional Dutch herring enjoyed with chopped onions and pickles. Or, savour a little eel on the side. The Dutch go crazy for this snack. If this doesn’t sound appetising, then you’re wrong. This local and authentic Volendam dish (Hollandse Nieuwe or Dutch herring) enjoyed along the waterfront is truly delicious - if you’re a lover of fish.

The herring is first frozen, then spends its time in salt for a couple days, which ripens the fish (soused herring). For a fishing village, herring was nutritious, inexpensive, and also has a reasonable shelf life. The fish was kept in barrels of salt for longevity, which could then be eaten during the long cold winter months. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).