Just a short trip from Amsterdam, the adorable village of Edam is a lovely getaway from the city’s fast pace. While it’s world famous for its cheese, Edam has so much more to offer than just culinary delights. Imagine picturesque canals, stunning 17th-century buildings and a laid-back, genuine Dutch vibe. Whether you love wandering through charming cobblestone streets, relaxing at a canal-side café, or tasting the very best Dutch cheese, Edam is a great place to visit.
How to get to Edam, The Netherlands?
- It’s really easy to get from Amsterdam to Edam. From Amsterdam Central Station regular busses leave to the central bus station of Edam.
- Catch bus 314 (in the direction of Edam – Hoorn) and within half an hour you’ll reach the bus station of Edam. From the bus station it’s only a short walk towards the historical city centre. Use the 9292ov.nl website to plan your trip.
- You can use your debit card to check in and out of the bus.
- If you’d rather book a tour and see some more Dutch villages in one day, this day trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam and Marken is for you.
About Edam, The Netherlands
Ever since the 17th century Golden Age, Edam has been synonymous with cheese, but its history runs much deeper. Once a bustling port along the Markermeer, the town thrived on timber trade and cheese exports. Farmers from the surrounding countryside would ferry their prized wheels of cheese to the lively weekly market, while the shipyards brought prosperity, shaping the town’s iconic streets. Today, Edam is a picture-perfect maze of gabled Dutch houses, quaint wooden-roofed homes, and white drawbridges that arch gracefully over the canals.
The best way to experience Edam is simply to wander and soak in its rich history, beautiful architecture, and timeless charm.
Hotels in Edam, The Netherlands
If you’re looking for a quieter and budget-friendly alternative to staying in Amsterdam, Edam is definitely worth considering. Just a quick bus ride away from the city, this charming Dutch village provides an authentic atmosphere and cozy accommodations, all without the hustle and bustle or steep prices. After a day of wandering through Amsterdam, you can escape to the peaceful streets of Edam, enjoy a meal by the water, and wake up to the soothing sounds of birds instead of the clamor of trams.
Hof van Holland
If you’re looking for a delightful and cozy getaway in Edam, Hof van Holland is an excellent pick. This hotel blends modern amenities with traditional Dutch allure, featuring snug rooms with views of the canals. Located right in the center of Edam, you’ll find yourself just a short stroll from the renowned cheese market, lovely bridges, and welcoming cafés.
L'Auberge Damhotel
L’Auberge Damhotel is set in a wonderfully restored 17-th centuru building in the heart of Edam. A stylish hotel that marries elegant interiors with a cozy, intimate vibe. The on-site restaurant comes highly recommended, offering exquisite dishes in a romantic ambiance. With its prime location, luxurious accommodations, and rich historical charm, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay in Edam.
Top things to do in Edam, The Netherlands
Edam Museum
Since the glory days of Edam go back to the 17th century a visit to the Edam Museum is highly recommended as a journey into the Dutch golden age. First if all, the museum is set in a stunning 16th-century mansion which gives you a look into the lavish life of a rich Dutch merchant of those days. The period furniture, paintings and the (floating!) cellar provide a one-of-a-kind glimpse into Edam’s rich past.
Cheese Market & Kaaswaag
Edam’s charming cheese market square, framed by its lovely gabled houses, is steeped in the rich history of its long-standing cheese trade. From the early 1600s until 1920, this spot was the center of Edam’s cheese commerce, where farmers and traders would come together for the weekly market. Today, a bronze statue of cheese carriers stands as a nod to this heritage, and every Wednesday during the summer, the town brings its history back to life with a lively reenactment of the traditional cheese market. Just a stone’s throw from the square, the Kaaswaag (cheese weighing house), built in the 18th century, now operates as a museum dedicated to the beloved Edam cheese.
Are you into Dutch cheese? Also visit the beautiful town of Gouda and
its historical cheese market and cheese weighing house.
The Bridges of Edam
Edam is one of the most beautiful Dutch villages and seems to be decorated with white drawbridges that link its winding streets. The oldest and most recognizable bridge, a classic see-saw design, welcomes visitors as they make their way from the bus station to the heart of the town. Wander through Edam’s intricate network of bridges and canals and you’ll stumble upon countless spots that showcase the town’s charm.
Edam from the water
Edam’s canals flow through the town like a picturesque postcard, and there’s truly no better way to soak in its charm than from the water. A one-hour boat tour gives you a fresh viewpoint on the historic gabled houses, delightful bridges, and age-old cheese warehouses. Whether you opt for a guided tour or decide to rent your own boat, drifting along Edam’s serene canals is an experience you won’t forget.
Carillon Tower
As you make your way into town from the bus station, you can’t help but notice the leaning Carillon Tower of the old Church of Our Lady, tilting over Kleine Kerkstraat. The tower was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries and the tower is a remnant of the church that was taken down in the 18th century. Even though the church itself is no longer standing, the tower continues to ring out with a lovely carillon, bringing the echoes of history to life.
Edam, The Netherlands
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8 Comments
Sammie
February 20, 2019 at 4:14 pmI went to Amsterdam in the early 2000’s and I wish I’d known then what I know now! Edam looks utterly charming and of course, you had me at CHEESE! I can’t believe it’s so close to and so accessible from Amsterdam. I definitely need to come back to the Netherlands 🙂
Katherine
February 20, 2019 at 5:05 pmGorgeous architecture, an interesting history AND cheese? What more could a girl want? I’m so disappointed that I didn’t visit Edam when I was in Amsterdam (soooo many years ago). I think I’m due a trip back for cheese-eating purposes! #WanderfulWednesday
Dorothy
February 22, 2019 at 7:48 pmEdam appears to be an easy side trip that’s well worth the visit. The ornamental brick buildings are charming, and the cheese shop looks like a must-visit. I have to ask, who buys those large wheels of cheese or are they for display?
Angie
February 28, 2019 at 3:55 amI never thought of visiting Edam before, silly really considering it’s so famous for its cheese and isn’t far from Amsterdam. I will definitely check out this quaint little town next time I am in the Dam. #feetdotravel
Sharon
February 28, 2019 at 7:50 pmCanals, old Dutch buildings, bridges, and cheese — my kind of town! I would love to visit Edam!
Kate
March 5, 2019 at 7:56 pmHow interesting. I didn’t know it was a place as well as a cheese!
Ewald Klaver
May 15, 2025 at 9:22 pmNice overview of Edam! Do you think one day is enough to see the main spots there, or would two days make it more relaxing? I’m planning a quick trip soon.
Esther
May 22, 2025 at 9:34 amHi Ewald. Edam is not so big: a morning or an afternoon should be enough!