A solid 2 hour drive from Oslo you’ll find a very well know Norwegian city called Lillehammer. With a population of around 20.000 it sure ain’t in the top of Norway’s biggest cities. Yet it’s well known among most of us as the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. I’ve set out to have a look and discover this city.

Located in the district of Gudbrandsdal within the Oppland county, Lillehammer is not only a town. It’s also the name of the municipality of which the town itself is the administrative center.

The, for most of us, small city center mostly consist of a concentration of 19th-century wooden houses. It’s location is wonderful. Surrounded by mountains and with views over the northern part of lake Mjøsa and the river LÃ¥gen picturesque scenes are guaranteed.

Strolling Lillehammer city center

Lillehammer’s city center is quite small, but it sure gives it’s authentic and cozy atmosphere. I’m here during the winter, so I do have to watch where I set foot as it can be slippery. As Lillehammer has been an important trading area since 1300s it does not only offer your average kind of stores.

In the wooden buildings you will find specialized stores with craft products, interior and souvenirs. Besides that, you can visit galleries and museums. But don’t rush! Make sure you visit one of the many cozy and warm cafes or restaurants as well.

Throwback to the 1994 Olympics

Up the hill, not far away from Lillehammer center, you find a place called LysgÃ¥rdsbakkene, the ski jumping hill used during the 1994 winter Olympics. Whether it’s summer or winter time, this is a must visit if you ask me. The fact that sportsman are crazy enough to launch them from these ski jumps is impressive.

Best of all though is that you are more than welcome to walk the 954 steps to the top of the Ski jumping arena. It’s though, but the views over the city and surroundings are very rewarding.

With time to spare

If you have more than a day to spend in Lillehammer, there is actually a lot more you can get out of your trip. During winter time there are loads of winter sports and activities for you to try. The summer ain’t much different, though the type of activity is most likely to be different.

While most of the activities available are on a small to far distance for the actual city of Lillehammer, many of them are must do’s! How about going down the Olympic bob- and lunge track? Or test yourself on the Olympic 50km cross country trail? It’s all possible in this beautiful region by the name of Lillehammer.

Yes, Volendam, even though highly touristic, is often referred to as “pearl of the Zuiderzee”. Not far from Amsterdam you find yourself in a traditional Dutch town where costumes, wooden shoes and clichés are evident. It is though telling the story of a small town with a long history.

No matter when you find yourself in Volendam, it’s always busy with tourists from all over the world. Only 20 km away north of Amsterdam, it’s also one of Noord Holland’s most visited attractions. Yes, it’s a good place the get an idea of the past. The small, rather isolated fishermen’s village has a lot of characteristics reminding of it. There are still a quite a few local inhabitants that dress up in traditional costumes. In fact, it’s one of the best known ancient clothing in the Netherlands.

Over 600 years of history

Before 1357, Volendam was actually the harbor of nearby Edam, in which the mouth of the IJ bay was located. The inhabitants of Edam then dug a shorter canal with a separate harbor to access the Zuiderzee and the original harbor was dammed and used for land reclamation. For this reason, the new community of local fisherman and farmers that formed at this new land called it ‘Vollendam’, which would translate to ‘filled dam’.

Nowadays lots of tourists find their way to Volendam to get a glance of the ships, costumes and local shop. Others take the boat to the peninsula of Marken, a really nice trip in good weather.

Smell & taste Volendam

Besides visiting the Cheese Factory for a more traditional Dutch taste, you should definitely try some typical Volendam fisherman bites. Put your teeth in, for example, raw herring accompanied by freshly chopped onions and pickles. Eat it traditional style by taking the fish by the tail and lower it down in the mouth.

Or what about ‘kibbeling’? This Dutch snack consists of battered chunks of diep fried fish, commonly served with a mayonnaise-based garlic or tartar sauce. Originally made of cod, and in the nineteenth century mainly the salted waste of the cod fishery, rising cod prices changed modern kibbeling to be made of other fish, such as pollack, hake, whiting or coal fish.

Last but not least, don’t miss out on some ‘Poffertjes’, mini pancakes server with powdered sugar and a good lump of butter. All of this can be bought at one of the many stands across the promenade.

Discover the traditions & history

Other than smells and tastes, the rich tradition and history assures there is a nice variety of museums, expositions and touristic attractions to visit. Besides taking the boat to Marken, where you will end up in another fisherman’s town, there are many options in Volendam itself.

Experience Volendam

Right in the middle of the harbor of Volendam you can visit ‘experience Volendam‘. A modern attraction to tell the history of the town. Using holographic technology with the Oculus Rift, you get to experience the wild waves of the Zuiderzee in the year 1916. In this 360 degree spectacle for the young and old, you will meet a young fisherman out sailing, surviving the flood and looking for his bride, all in traditional Volendam.

Volendams museum

The Volendams museum opened its doors in 1977 and had a rough start. Almost 40 years later it’s one of the best museums where you can get an idea of the history of Volendam. With a huge collection of art, ancient clothing, jewelry and much, much more, there is enough to see. You won’t find the museum on the promenade though. Trough a few local streets you find the museum on the Zeeweg, as can be found on the map above.

How to get there

Volendam is a small town 20 km north of Amsterdam. The quickest to get there would be by car. And with sufficient and free parking space available, it’s only in high season it might be hard to park. The nearest train station is in Purmerend from where you can take a bus or cab to Volendam. If you’re not up for using Dutch public transport, a bus tour from the center of Amsterdam will bring you directly to and from Volendam.

Where to stay

We have made a selection of 3 properties either in or close to Volendam where you can stay over for the night. Depending on your budget and wishes, you can get an idea of how a basic, proper and luxurious stay could look like in Volendam. Check out our selection on the right (desktop) or below (on mobile devices).

Considering to visit Volendam?

We at Live & Explore love to help you out creating your custom itinerary. Listing to your wishes and demands we will keep our eyes open and compliment your visit with tips, advises and excursions.

Contact us and let us know your wishes, or leave your details and we will get it touch with you to discuss your itinerary.