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11 Best Things to Do in Monnickendam (Netherlands)

The small but photogenic town of Monnickendam was a big-hitter at the turn of the 17th century, pulling in trade from across the Baltic Sea.

A cosy old tangle of streets survives from that time, on the harbour are smokehouses and shipyards, two of Monnickendam’s signature industries.

Since the Zuiderzee was dammed, becoming a set of freshwater lakes in the 1930s, Monnickendam’s seafaring days are consigned to the past, but are remembered during the Monnickendammer Visdagen in summer.

On these special days there’s a restaging of an old-time fish auction, old livelihoods are re-enacted on the harbour and the scent of smoked fish fills the air.

1. Walking Tour of the Town

As soon as you get to Monnickendam’s old centre you’ll be charmed by the snug cityscape of historic merchant’s homes and warehouses, as well as fine old monuments like the Grote Kerk, Waag (weigh house) and former town hall.

You’ll find the city easy to navigate, as Monnickendam’s 70-odd Dutch heritage sites are mostly clustered on Kerkstraat, Nordeinde and Zuidende, three streets that converge at the foot of the Speeltoren bell tower.

Afterwards make your way east to the harbour, which is lined with more than 30 old smokehouses, as well as shipyards that have stood the test of time.

2. The Belltower

The bell tower for Monnickendam’s now demolished former town hall was erected between the 14th and 16th centuries and contains the oldest playable carillon in the Netherlands.

It is thought that the lower sections of the tower belonged to a lost Medieval parish church.

The chime is made up of 15 bells cast mostly in the 1590s.

A melody plays on the stroke of the quarter-hour, while mechanical horsemen appear on the hour and a pheme blows out the time (number of hours) on a trumpet.

3. Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren

Inside the Speeltoren is a museum exploring the history and culture of Waterland, shedding light on topics like cheese-making, peat-cutting, pottery, bell casting, the arrival of a light railway line in the late-19th century and the smokehouse industry in coastal towns like Monnickendam and Marken.

Special attention is paid to Waterland’s relationship to the sea, in trades like fishing and shipbuilding, as well as the construction of the Waterlandse Zeedijk seawall in the Middle Ages.

The chime is also central to the museum’s exhibition, and you can learn all about the complex clock mechanism and exactly how the carillon was made.

4. Grote Kerk

Put up in the 15th century Monnickendam’s principal church is on De Zarken, on the western edge of the town.

Work was done in phases, and the choir was completed in 1450, while the tower would take another 100 years to be completed.

In the steeple is a bell cast in 1641. People with an eye for historical church fittings will find lots to admire.

The baptismal font, rendered from a block of Bentheim sandstone is Gothic and may even predate the church.

By the baptismal font are fine 17th-century wooden pews, intended for important figures like the mayor (this pew has a canopy). The pulpit was carved around 1695, while the rood screen separating the choir from the nave originated in the 15th century and features panels and tracery from the mid-16th century.

5. Monnickendammer Visdagen

Something to mark in the diary is Monnickendammer Visdagen, several dates in July and August when the town’s old fishing industry is revived.

On these days guides offer tours around more than 30 old smokehouses in the town, and a boat from Volendam moors at the harbour, laden with herring, mackerel and smelt, ready to be auctioned off the old-fashioned way.

You can also watch fish being smoked, both in the historic houses and out on the street in portable smoke tanks, and try a piece of course.

Other old trades are brought back to life on the Visdagen, like clog-making and basket and net-weaving.

There are fun activities for younger members of the clan and a market selling products from around Waterland.

6. VVV Informatiepunt Monnickendam

In a cosy old town like Monnickendam, there’s nothing like a bit of local insight.

The tourist information office is in an adorable gabled house across the Damsluis lock from Monnickendam’s old weigh house, now a brasserie.

The centre is open year round, all week except Sunday, with reduced hours in the off season from October to March.

If you need a map for hiking, cycling and even sailing, this is the place to come, while the friendly shopkeepers will inform you about the sights in Monnickendam and the wider Waterland area.

Children who complete the self-guided trail around the town will be given special medals by the tourist office to signify that they’re “honorary residents”.

7. Bierderij Waterland

In summer 2018 a craft brewery opened in a large hut by one of the marinas on Galgeriet.

Bierderij Waterland has quickly become a go-to for Monnickendam locals and the visitors who flocked to the town during the sweltering summer in 2018. Seven organic beers are brewed throughout the year at Biederij Waterland, among them a Belgian-style tripel, a wheat ale, an amber ale, two pale ales, a bock and a white beer.

The slickly designed tap room is open all week and serves hunger-stomping food like pizzas and flatbreads, made with local ingredients where possible.

8. Boat Trips

One of Monnickendam’s biggest draws lies in the range of maritime activities available from the harbour.

Sailing is the main activity here, whether you hire your own boat, let someone else take the wheel or visit for some training.

In summer the operator Zuiderzee will whisk you out onto the Markermer and IJsselmeer for an eight-hour botter (sail-barge) trip, with lunch on the water (depending on conditions), and the option to call in at picturesque former Zuiderzee harbour towns like Edam, Marken or Volendam.

For experienced sailors who want a bit more independence Waterland is a charter company with yachts from six to 13 metres, all equipped with the latest navigation and kitchen equipment.

You can also book lessons at Waterland, whether you’re making your first voyage or working towards Dutch CWO certification.

9. Oude Raadhuis

Monnickendam’s Rococo former town hall is on Noordeinde 5 and was most likely built in the middle of the 18th century.

This property was town hall from 1814 and will catch your attention for the highly theatrical frieze with acanthus leaves, flower and other plant motifs.

This is beneath a carving of a monk, as appears on Monnickendam’s coat of arms.

After being sold off in the 1990s the Oude Raadhuis is now kept as a museum.

Check the Museumhuizen website as opening times are limited.

But if you do get the chance, go in for the decorative stuccowork, the Rococo gilded woodcarving, the grand fireplaces and the splendid staircase.

The great hall is especially opulent, with stunning leather wall hangings, with gold floral patterns.

Monnickenam’s historic weigh house is a few doors down from the Speeltoren, in front of the Damsluis lock.

The town has had a weigh house since 1382, though the current building was raised in 1668 following a fire two years earlier, and using material from its predecessor.

In those times this building was the city’s economic heart, where cheese, butter and grains were weighed, but also where goods were traded under the porch, which is supported by Doric columns.

The Waag now houses a brasserie, with a terrace under the porch, and if you go inside you’ll see Monnickendam’s original scales.

11. Cycling

One of many neat things about Monnickendam and its environs is that the distances between towns is manageable by bike.

There’s a system of traffic-free cycle lanes that allows you to ride to the places like the former island of Marken, loved for its weatherboard houses on stilts and colourful style of traditional dress, or the quaint fishing town of Volendam.

Edam, known the world over for its eponymous mild cheese, is only a 20-minute ride away, and has a picture perfect old quays and wooden bascule bridges.

You can rent your own set of wheels from Ber Koning, right on Nordeinde in Monnickendam, for as little as €55 a week.

From there one of the prettiest patches of the Netherlands will be your oyster, and you can use “nodes” (knooppunten), junctions in long-distance cycle routes to plan your trip through Waterland.

11 Best Things to Do in Monnickendam (Netherlands):

• Walking Tour of the Town
• The Belltower
• Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren
• Monnickendammer Visdagen
• VVV Informatiepunt Monnickendam
• Bierderij Waterland
• Oude Raadhuis

MONNICKENDAM: A HIDDEN GEM IN THE AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE

Monnickendam is one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands, located biking distance, in the Amsterdam countryside .

If you are looking to experience the Dutch local culture in a historical setting in the middle of the stunning Dutch countryside , Monnickendam is the place for you.

I am a local in the Amsterdam and have biked to the village in the Summer time for pleasure as well as driven my car also for personal leisure and it is one of my favorite places to unplug in a relaxed and beautiful setting and connect with the real Dutch culture. I worked for several months as a tour guide also bringing tourists to this hidden gem in the heart of the Amsterdam countryside. A village where most tours will not bring you and all my groups loved the experience of visiting this amazing village.

I am sharing in this guide all my knowledge about Monnickendam and some photos I took during my several visits to the place so that I can help you making the best of your visit.

Table of Contents

ABOUT MONNICKENDAM

Monnickendam is small village in the Amsterdam countryside with a population of around 3700 people. The village was founded by monks in the year 1355 and that is where its name comes from.

The name literally translates to Monk’s dam. The village was an important port in the earlier centuries although it has become a small fishing village full of culture and charm, nowadays.

The village features also a nautical cente r where people from the surrounding areas, including Amsterdam keep their yatchs.

Monnickendam is also famous for its delicious smoked eels so do not forget to try one of these delicacies when you visit the village.

MY EXPERIENCE IN MONNICKENDAM

As an Amsterdam local who finds the hectic city center overwhelming I can simply say I love Monnickendam. It is the perfect setting to just sit on a terrace and enjoy the pure Dutch atmosphere and history with views over the Markermeer lake and Katwoude polder.

Walking its empty cobblestone streets and feeling the history filling every corner of the village crossing bridges to arrive to the stunning nautical centre and the close Katwoude village is one of the most soothing experience you can have as a local in the Spring and Summer season.

I have biked several times from Amsterdam to Monnickendam, just seeking for some peace of mind and a beautiful landscape as brought there several friends and family members visiting me. There was a period when I had a car and I also used to visit Monnickendam in the Winter time to feel the wild Winter Dutch winds blowing in the Markermeer lake and feeling the rage of nature when most people stay inside.

And my last experience with Monnickendam was bringing tourists with a big van for a few months when I worked as a tour guide in for a Dutch company.

I love Monnickendam and every single person I brought to the village loves it as well. Monickendam and Broek in waterland are my favorite places in the Dutch countryside and I am sure you will love them as well.

MONNICKENDAM LOCATION

Monnickendam is located in the Dutch province of North Holland and forms a part of the larger municipality of Waterland. It lies along the coast of the Markermeer lake, it sits approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) to the southeast of Purmerend.

Find here a pin with Monnickendam location:

HOW TO GET TO MONNICKENDAM

You can reach Monnickendam by bus from Amsterdam Central Station, line 610 or you can use a taxi if your budget allows. There is even a half day trip where you can visit Monnickendam by boat.

There are also a few tour companies that will bring you to this magical village.

If you are feeling adventurous and the weather is good I recommend taking the bike and visiting Monnickendam and Broek in Waterland in one day as they are both pretty close.

Find here the itinerary:

WHERE TO STAY IN MONNICKENDAM

If you are visiting Monnickendam and would like to have a real taste of the place you can stay one night in the village. The village is an oasis of tranquility in the Amsterdam countryside and you will for sure enjoy some peaceful times out of the Amsterdam busy center. But hey! If you do not want to miss out on what is happening in Amsterdam take a day tour that will include Monnickendam.

Hotel Monnickendam : These are some recently renovated apartments in the center of Monnickendam with a bar and a lovely terrace in the complex. There is air-conditioned that can be very handy in Summer time as the temperatures can get pretty high and humid. The hotel is located 9 Km from Amsterdam so it can be also a relaxed alternative for sleeping while you visit the center during the day.

Harbour Suites Boutique Hotel : This top rated hotel by travelers in Monnickendam has stunning decoration in the rooms and features private bathroom.

Polar Stern boat stay : If you fancy a boat stay find here this gorgeous boat with a garden, ideal to enjoy the Summer and Spring evenings in the Netherlands.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONNICKENDAM

Walking tour of the town.

Upon arriving at Monnickendam’s historic center, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque scenery of vintage merchant residences, warehouses, and notable landmarks such as the Grote Kerk, Waag (weigh house), and the former town hall.

Exploring the city is easy as it is pretty small and has an easy layout to navigate. Monnickendam boasts around 70 Dutch heritage sites, primarily situated along Kerkstraat, Nordeinde, and Zuidende—three interconnected streets converging at the base of the Speeltoren, the bell tower.

Venture eastward toward the harbor, where you’ll encounter a charming display of over 30 aged smokehouses and enduring shipyards, each steeped in historical significance.

THE SPEELTOREN ( CLOCK TOWER )

This history of the Clock Tower in not known in entirely. The lower brick part probably dates from before 1500. The tower’s current shape was built its current shape at the end of the 16 th century. Then came the spire, the gait and the carillon. As well as a new bronze hour clock and four click dials with one hand each and the chimes are very out of tune. It dates back to the 17 th century. The clock tower plays a melody every 15 minutes. On the hour you can see the horsemen spinning around and the Fame blowing its horn. The Speeltoren carillon is said to be the oldest and most out of tune in the world.

WATERLAND MUSEUM DE SPEELTOREN

The Speeltoren museum delves into the rich history and culture of Waterland, offering insights into diverse subjects such as cheese-making, peat-cutting, pottery, bell casting, the introduction of a late-19th-century light railway line, and the flourishing smokehouse industry in coastal towns like Monnickendam and Marken.

Emphasis is placed on Waterland’s deep connection to the sea, exploring its involvement in trades like fishing and shipbuilding, as well as highlighting the construction of the Waterlandse Zeedijk seawall during the Middle Ages.

At the heart of the museum’s exhibition lies the chime, a focal point where visitors can explore the intricate clock mechanism and discover the meticulous craftsmanship behind the carillon’s creation.

Built in the 15th century, Monnickendam’s primary church stands proudly on De Zarken, situated at the town’s western edge.

The construction unfolded in stages, that took 250 years in total, with the choir’s completion marking 1450. However, it took another century to finish the tower.

Inside the steeple resides a bell cast in 1641, a treasure for those fascinated by historical church adornments.

The baptismal font, carved from a single block of Bentheim sandstone in Gothic style, possibly predates the church itself.

Nearby stands remarkable 17th-century wooden pews, notably reserved for dignitaries such as the mayor (the pew adorned with a canopy). Carved around 1695, the pulpit adds to the church’s allure. Additionally, the rood screen, originating in the 15th century and adorned with panels and tracery from the mid-16th century, separates the choir from the nave.

While the church was originally build as a Catholic church it become later a Protestant church in 1572. The church has a stunning “Swallow’s Nest Organ “ dating back to 1780. The church opening hours vary on the weekdays.

MONNICKERDAMMER VISDAGEN

A noteworthy event to mark in your calendar is the Monnickendammer Visdagen, spanning several dates in July and August, celebrating the town’s historic fishing industry.

During these days, knowledgeable guides conduct tours encompassing over 30 ancient smokehouses in the town. Additionally, a boat sails in from Volendam and docks at the harbor, carrying herring, mackerel, and smelt ready for auction in a traditional manner.

Visitors have the chance to witness fish being smoked, both within the historical houses and using portable smoke tanks out on the streets, and even taste a sample of these delicacies.

The Visdagen also revive other traditional trades like clog-making, basket weaving, and net crafting. For younger attendees, there are engaging activities, while a market offers an array of products from across Waterland.

TOURIST INFORMATION POINT MONNICKENDAM

In a charming old town like Monnickendam, local knowledge adds a special touch to your visit.

The tourist information office resides in an adorable gabled house, conveniently situated across the Damsluis lock from Monnickendam’s former weigh house, now a brasserie.

Open year-round throughout the week (excluding Sundays), with reduced hours in the off-season from October to March, the center is your go-to for maps tailored for hiking, cycling, and even sailing. Meanwhile, the welcoming shopkeepers are ready to enlighten you about Monnickendam’s attractions and the broader wonders of the Waterland area.

For young explorers, completing the self-guided trail around town earns them special medals from the tourist office, marking them as “honorary residents.”

600 YEARS OLD SLUIS DAM

Upon leaving the information center ( tourist office ) you will arrive at the Dam lock which dates back to 1424. You will find a board close to the lock with some information about it.

The lock is used to control the water level in the village but also to let the leisure boats pass through it. You can see sometimes some volunteers operating the lock if you are lucky on beautiful Sunny days when Dutch people come out with their boats to enjoy the sunshine.

A stone’s throw from the Speeltoren, Monnickendam’s historical weigh house stands proudly in front of the Damsluis lock.

The town has housed a weigh house since 1382, although the existing structure was erected in 1668 after a fire ravaged its predecessor, utilizing salvaged materials.

During those times, this building served as the bustling economic hub of the city, where cheese, butter, grains, and various goods were weighed and traded beneath the porch, supported by sturdy Doric columns.

Today, the Waeg has been transformed into a brasserie , offering a terrace nestled under the porch. Inside, visitors can marvel at Monnickendam’s original scales, a testament to its rich history.

The harbor in Monnickendam offers a plethora of maritime activities, drawing visitors in with its diverse options.

Sailing takes the spotlight, whether you opt to rent a boat, enjoy a guided excursion, or seek training sessions.

During the summer, Zuiderzee organizes captivating eight-hour botter (sail-barge) trips on the Markermeer and IJsselmeer. These trips, weather permitting, include lunch on the water and the opportunity to visit charming former Zuiderzee harbor towns like Edam, Marken, or Volendam.

For seasoned sailors seeking independence, Waterland provides charter services with yachts ranging from six to 13 meters. These vessels come equipped with cutting-edge navigation and kitchen amenities.

Moreover, Waterland offers lessons tailored for beginners or those pursuing Dutch CWO certification, catering to individuals embarking on their maiden voyage or aiming to enhance their sailing skills.

MONK STATUE

There is a statue of a monk in the bridge on top of the Sluis Dam and in front of the “Waegh”. The statue is monk carrying a ruling stick. This is in commemoration that the city was founded and ruled but monks.

Position yourself close to the statue and look at the top of the “Waegh” facade and you will see also a monk carrying a ruling stick.

FISHERMAN STATUE

At the bridge over the harbor in Monnickendam there is a bronze statue, made by artist Rob Cerneus, of an eel smoker and fisherman wearing the typical Dutch clogs.

This craft has almost disappeared from Monnickendam, but in the past the town was full of eel smokehouses. Smoking and trading fish was an important professional branch in Monnickendam.

THE OLD TOWN HALL

The former town hall of Monnickendam, embodies Rococo architecture and likely dates back to the mid-18th century. Initially serving as the town hall from 1814, its striking features include a dramatic frieze adorned with acanthus leaves, flowers, and assorted plant designs. Notably, a monk, part of Monnickendam’s coat of arms, is intricately carved above this ornate frieze.

Following its sale in the 1990s, the Oude Raadhuis has been transformed into a museum . Visitors should note that the museum has limited opening hours, which can be checked on the Museumhuizen website. However, if the opportunity arises, exploring the premises unveils an array of exquisite details—from decorative stuccowork to Rococo gilded woodcarvings, majestic fireplaces, and an impressive staircase.

The grandeur of the great hall stands out, boasting magnificent leather wall hangings adorned with intricate gold floral patterns. A visit to this hall promises an immersion into opulence and craftsmanship characteristic of the Rococo era.

The street in front of the white bridge is popularly called “ De Krim”. This part of the city was the first extension of Monnickendam. It was built during the Crimean war ( 1853-1856) hence the nickname. The official street name is Nieuwe Zijds Burgwal. The houses were built for the workers of the gas factory that once stood there.

Monnickendam is an strategic point for visiting the Amsterdam countryside. Its close location to some of the best villages in the area makes ideal to go and explored the stunning meadows while reaching famous villages such as the former island Marken , the fisherman village Volendam, the cheese market village, Edam and even the world wide known Zaanse Schans if you are in good shape.

I have done myself all of this bike routes and I highly recommend you doing it if you have time to explore this beautiful area of the Netherlands. On the way to Monnickendam from Amsterdam you will pass by also by the stunning Broek in Waterland , do not forget to stop by and check it out.

MORE AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE GUIDES

I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to Monnickendam!

While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other articles below, where I go into more detail on some of the places mentioned in this article.

• 13 cool things to do in Volendam
• 9 awesome things to do in Broek in Waterland
• 13 top things to do in Edam
• 14 best things to do in Marken
• Monnickendam: a hidden gem in the Amsterdam countryside

Monnickendam is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in The Netherlands and one of the few places still untouched by mass tourism where you will really be able to enjoy the local culture.

If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam do not forget to include at least half a day in your itinerary you will get home proud to say that you got to know the heart of the Dutch culture far away from the hectic Amsterdam crowds. It will for sure not disappoint you.

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