Harbor Area (Haven)

The harbour of Edam lies in the middle of a small town in North Holland that is known around the world for its round, red-waxed cheese, though the town has other claims to attention. Edam sits on the former Zuiderzee, at the point where the river Ye flowed into the sea, and its name comes from the dam that was built across the Ye in the Middle Ages, in the same way that Amsterdam and Rotterdam are named for their dams. The harbour area is a good place to start a walk, with its quays, bridges and old houses.

In the seventeenth century, Edam was one of the most important ports of Holland. Its shipyards built ocean-going ships, and its merchants traded in cheese, butter, timber and other goods. The wealth of the period is visible in the gabled houses along the canals, many of which are still in excellent condition. The harbour, the Dam and the old drawbridges evoke the days when sailing ships lined the quays and traders did business on the wharves. Over time, as the harbour silted up and trade moved elsewhere, the town became quieter, which is partly why it has remained so well preserved.

The canals and bridges are a highlight. The Kwakelbrug, a picturesque wooden drawbridge, is one of the most photographed spots, and the quiet canals, lined with trees and old houses, make for a pleasant stroll. The Speeltoren, a tilted tower with a carillon, stands near the harbour and adds a distinct note to the skyline. The Sint-Nicolaaskerk, a large Gothic church, and the Edam Museum, housed in a merchant's house with a floating cellar, are close. Edam's windmills and the cheese makers who still produce Edam in the traditional way offer further interest.

The cheese market is a summer attraction, when traders in traditional dress carry and weigh the cheeses on the square, and visitors can taste and buy. The Edam Museum, which has two locations in the centre, is open on certain days, with hours that differ between summer and winter, so check the schedule. The harbour offers cafes with terraces, and boat trips run in the season.

The harbour area suits couples, families and anyone looking for a quiet and picturesque Dutch town. It is easily reached from Amsterdam by bus, and neighbouring Volendam and Marken can be added for a day trip. Early morning and evening are the quietest times.