Volendam (Markermeer)
Volendam haven · Markermeer · North Holland
52°29.8'N 05°04.3'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on mud/clay in 2–4m. Non-tidal. Marina provides full shelter. Outer anchorage needs 80m if anchoring off the main harbour in exposed conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for your arrival time using Waddengids or Rijkswaterstaat tidal tables
- Plan arrival at HW -2 for tidal locations; IJsselmeer anchorages are non-tidal — arrive any time
- Navigate daylight only in all Wadden and coastal channels; IJsselmeer night sailing permitted with care
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — before going below or sleeping
About This Anchorage
Volendam (population 22,000) is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Netherlands — the colourful fishing harbour on the dike (Dijk), traditional dress (Volendammer klederdracht), smoked eel, and herring make it a quintessential Dutch experience. The Catholic town has retained its distinct character despite the tourism: the fishing fleet still operates, the dialect is unique, and the Dijk (boulevard) is genuinely attractive. Famous as the birthplace of a remarkable number of Dutch pop musicians (including the vocal group BZN). The Markermeer provides good sailing access, and Volendam serves as the ferry departure point for Marken in summer. Edam (the cheese town) is 3km away by bicycle.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · NW
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina approx €18–24/night; outer anchorage free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Non-tidal (Markermeer); speed limits in harbour approaches; no anchoring in marked shipping channels; busy tourist harbour — use VHF Ch 16 to request a berth.
Hazards
- !Very busy tourist harbour July–August — marina often fully occupied by midday; arrive early or pre-book
- !Exposed to W and SW across the Markermeer — outer anchorage uncomfortable in any westerly conditions
- !Tourist crowds on the Dijk (boulevard) can make the immediate waterfront very busy — plan for crowds in season
- !Smoked eel vendors and herring stalls create a busy, bustling harbour environment — not a tranquil anchorage
- !Shallow margins in approaches — use marked channels and electronic charts
Skipper's Tips
- →Smoked Volendam paling (eel) from the harbour stalls is one of the finest Dutch food experiences — eat fresh at the stall
- →Cycle the 3km to Edam for the cheese market (Tuesday mornings, July–August) — a classic Dutch double: harbour fish and inland cheese in one morning
- →The traditional costume photographs at harbour stalls are a tourist institution — embrace them or arrive early to beat the queues
- →Arrive by water and walk the Dijk at sunset — the light on the harbour and traditional buildings is excellent for photography
- →Take the summer ferry to Marken (20 minutes) while crew watches the boat — cheaper and more atmospheric than the bus
Facilities
The Dijk (boulevard) has dozens of restaurants and fish stalls. Smoked eel (gerookte paling) is the local speciality. Full supermarket in Volendam town (0.5km). Edam cheese market (Edam, 3km by bicycle).
Nearest provisions: Volendam town (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Busiest tourist destination in North Holland. Peak July–August extremely crowded. Best in May–June or September for a more relaxed experience. Year-round services available.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Texelstroom and North Holland waters, tidal currents can drag your anchor without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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