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Famed for its cheese of the same name, the Dutch town of Edam is an attractive place. Situated on a series of canals bound by drawbridges and lined with pretty canal houses and gardens, the town is quaint and leisurely. Naturally, cheese plays a large part in the local culture and a regular cheese market is held. Originally started in the 16th century, this event was reinstated in the late 80s mainly for touristic purposes and sees townspeople wearing traditional clothing and playing music and games.
Edam
Cheese market, Edam
Cheese market, Edam
Kwakelbrug, Edam
Kwakelbrug, Edam
Waterland, Netherlands
Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
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Edam cheese has been a famous Dutch export product for centuries and continues to be transported to every corner of the world. Even a short meander around Edam shows how the cheese warehouses help keep history alive. The Edam cheese market was the hub of the town in the Middle Ages; farmers brought their cheeses to be weighed, sold and exported all over the world. The cheese market was restored in recent times and historic re-enactments are held there on Wednesdays during the summer months. Cheese is brought in by horse-drawn cart or boat, just as it was back in the Renaissance. Eight morning markets are held each year in July and August and one evening market on a Saturday throughout the year.
Edam is part of a larger region in North Holland called Waterland which is well-known for its farmland and luscious landscapes. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the town and admiring the scenic Dutch countryside is a fantastic way to spend your time here. Only a short trip outside of Edam is Zaanse Schans, one of the best places in the Netherlands to experience coloured windmills and canal houses beautiful lined up against canals.
Edam is full of many amazing things to see including the Kwakelbrug which is a hand-operated drawbridge and a treasured national monument. A popular hot spot for tourists and locals alike, this drawbridge is an iconic spot which needs to be captured on camera.
Grote Kerk, otherwise known as St Nicholas Church, is a late Gothic cross-basilica which was restored in the 60s. An elaborately decorated organ sits inside the church adding to the atmosphere and grand surroundings as well as an array of impressive works of art. The outside of the building is equally impressive with numerous dazzling stained glass windows.