Edam &
history

A beautiful historical city

Surroundings of Apartments Waterland in Monnickendam near Amsterdam

Taste history in Edam

Monnickendam is a great starting point for many trips within the area. Think about a visit to Edam, for example. The town offers a treasure trove of historical buildings and is well worth a visit. Edam has a rich history of dock yards, wood traders, a merchant spirit and the famous cheese market which operated until 1922 bringing cheeses direct from the farmer to the dealer.

The focal point of this colourful spectacle were the cheese bearers who brought the round yellow cheeses to the market on wooden stretchers. The industrialisation of cheese production brought an end to the market, but the old tradition is restored to its former glory for tourists. The Cheese Weigh House dates from 1778, and now houses a permanent exhibition of cheese making. You can sample and buy cheeses here.

Edam is a city with a very authentic Dutch centre: convincing evidence of its rich history. Stroll though the old streets and along quiet canals and take yourself back though the centuries. Edam also has inviting shopping streets and sociable café terraces. If you are a lover of jazz, then don’t forget to visit Mahogany Hall, one of the oldest Jazz clubs in the Netherlands.