Visit this charming city in Holland: Edam
Just above Amsterdam, you’ll find Laag Holland; a unique part of the Netherlands. Last year, I had the privilege of exploring this beautiful area for a few days, and I was surprised by the versatility of the surroundings. Stunning tulip fields, beautiful landscapes, and charming old Dutch villages. I decided to return to Edam with my friends to enjoy a day of wellness, Old Dutch Cheese Fondue, cow cuddling, a terrace in Volendam, and an extensive lunch in Monnickendam.
A Day of Relaxation at Fort Beemsters
What could be better than a day of chilling in the sauna, enjoying drinks, and catching up with friends? Real quality time with my dear girlfriends. And we chose to do this at the eco-chic Fort Resort Beemster. Once an old fort where soldiers were stationed, it is now a unique Spa & Wellness facility—a sustainable and stylish wellness resort. Rainwater is reused, and the baths are heated by the saunas. It’s a delightful place to completely unwind. There are 6 saunas, various baths, and also several relaxation areas outdoors. A perfect place to recharge.
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Cheese Fondue & Games
Usually, during a weekend getaway, we go out for a long dinner and often end up dancing in a pub afterward. But after a day of wellness, we felt like doing something different. We chose to rent a cozy cottage via Airbnb, make fresh cheese fondue, enjoy drinks, chat, and play some games. A delightful, cozy evening.
Volendam
If you’re in the area, a visit to Volendam is a must. Very touristy, but still very enjoyable to see. We skipped the photos in traditional costumes but did enjoy a delightful drink on a sunny terrace. When we stumbled upon a cheese shop, as true cheese fans, we had to go inside. There they were, the cheeses of Henri Willig. Last year, I visited this cheesemaker’s farm and found it so incredibly enjoyable that I spontaneously started promoting why we should buy cheese at the farm, with the most important reason being: cuddling calves. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Volendam. So, off we went to Kaasboerderij Jacobs Hoeve.
Cow Cuddling at Henri Willig
In Katwoude, you’ll find the cheese farm Jacobs Hoeve where Henri Willig’s cheeses are made. Here, you can see how the cheese is made, and you can also visit the Organic Jersey Farm. As a true animal lover, it’s fantastic to take a look here and cuddle the cows. Yes, I know it might sound a bit silly, but it makes me so happy. Of course, we also went home with a mountain of cheese.
Monnickendam
If Volendam is a bit too touristy for you, then Monnickendam is a great recommendation. In summer, the atmospheric terraces are bustling, and you can relax by the water. It’s an incredibly charming, cozy village full of nice restaurants and boutiques.
We decided to enjoy a very tasty lunch at da Piera here. A small lunch café with the most delicious organic dishes on the menu. Highly recommended.
Also Worth Visiting in Laag Holland:
- If you’re not in the mood for cheese fondue or just want to dine out, then restaurant Dijks is an absolute recommendation. The restaurant is located in a beautiful location and serves the most delicious dishes.
- Theetuin Overleek is a fantastic place to enjoy a fresh lemonade and a homemade pastry in good weather.
- Visit the smallest candy store in the Netherlands. At the cute candy store of Bram & Aagie, you can still buy real old Dutch candy.
- Broek in Waterland and de Rijp are also very nice to visit.
What are nice places to stay in Edam?
Via Airbnb (dit doe ik eigenlijk veels te weinig) boekten we een erg schattig huisje midden in Edam. Veel leuker eigenlijk dan een hotel. Het huisje was klein, maar fijn. In het huisje zat een badkamer, zithoek, eettafel, badkamer en een aparte slaapkamer. Na onze wellnessdag was dit een hele fijne plek om terug te komen.
