Edam

Edam is a town in the Dutch province of North Holland. Its main claim to international fame is Edam cheese. Edam is part of the Zaanstreek-Waterland.



Understand
This town with about 7500 inhabitants is located in the municipality of Edam-Volendam, some 20 km northeast of Amsterdam. Historically a chartered town since 1357, thriving on trade and agriculture, it has nevertheless remained relatively small. The town has nowadays grown together with neighbouring Volendam.



Get in
Edam is close to Amsterdam and some 25 km away from Schiphol International Airport. The main road to Edam is via the N247.

There is no train station, but from most major places in the country you can take a train to Amsterdam, Purmerend or Hoorn and take the bus from there. From Amsterdam you can take a regional bus to Edam, lines 110, 112, 114,116,117 or 118. From Purmerend you can take the 113 (to Volendam, but stops in Edam) and from Hoorn you can take the 114 (to Amsterdam, but stops in Edam). As Edam is situated on the banks of the IJsselmeer (IJssel lake) and has its own harbour, the village can be reached by boat.

A great way to get to Edam is by bike. There are many cycle routes that will take you there:
 * From Purmerend train station - Volendam Cycle Route (45 or 37 km).

Get around
Edam is best explored on foot or by bike. For bike rental, try:

See
Although Edam is small there are quite some things to see and do.

Buy
As Edam is home to a major kind of cheese, a piece of the real thing makes a good souvenir. You can buy it in several stores and of course at the cheesemarket.

Drink
De Harmonie Cafe is a wonderful music bar on Voorhaven situated on the canal.

Go next
Nearby destinations of interest include:
 * the adjoining village of Volendam
 * Hoorn, to the north
 * Marken
 * Monnickendam
 * Zaandam, with the famous Zaanse Schans