Summary
The small yet picturesque town of Monnickendam played a significant role during the late 17th century, attracting trade from throughout the Baltic Sea.
A charming network of streets from that period still exists, featuring smokehouses and shipyards, which are two of Monnickendam’s notable traditional industries.
Since the Zuiderzee was dammed and transformed into freshwater lakes in the 1930s, Monnickendam’s maritime activities have become a memory, although they are commemorated during the summer Monnickendammer Visdagen.
During these special occasions, an authentic fish auction is reenacted, traditional livelihoods are demonstrated at the harbour, and the aroma of smoked fish pervades the atmosphere.
1. Walking Tour of the Town
Upon arriving at Monnickendam’s historic center, visitors will find themselves captivated by the snug cityscape of ancient merchant homes and warehouses, alongside remarkable monuments such as the Grote Kerk, Waag (weigh house), and the former town hall.
The town is easy to explore, with approximately 70 heritage sites predominantly located on Kerkstraat, Nordeinde, and Zuidende—all three streets converging at the base of the Speeltoren bell tower.
Subsequently, proceed east towards the harbour, which is bordered by over 30 traditional smokehouses and enduring shipyards.
2. The Belltower
The belltower, which once belonged to Monnickendam’s now-demolished town hall, was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries and houses the oldest playable carillon in the Netherlands.
It is believed that the lower portions of the tower were part of an absent Medieval parish church.
The carillon consists of 15 bells, primarily cast in the 1590s.
An enchanting melody plays every quarter-hour, while mechanical horsemen appear on the hour, accompanied by a pheme that announces the time on a trumpet.
3. Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren
Within the Speeltoren is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Waterland, illuminating subjects such as cheese-making, peat extraction, pottery, bell casting, and the introduction of a light railway line in the late 19th century, along with the smokehouse industry in coastal towns, including Monnickendam and Marken.
Particular emphasis is placed on Waterland’s connection to the sea, encompassing trades like fishing and shipbuilding, as well as the construction of the Waterlandse Zeedijk seawall during the Middle Ages.
The carillon is also a focal point of the museum’s exhibition, providing insight into the intricate clock mechanism and the carillon’s creation.
4. Grote Kerk
Constructed in the 15th century, Monnickendam’s main church is situated on De Zarken at the western edge of the town.
The building was completed in stages, with the choir finished in 1450, while the tower took an additional century to complete.
Within the steeple lies a bell crafted in 1641, and those who appreciate historical church fittings will discover many noteworthy features.
The baptismal font, made from a block of Bentheim sandstone, exemplifies Gothic design and may predate the church itself.
Nearby, visitors will find elegant 17th-century wooden pews reserved for esteemed figures, such as the mayor, identifiable by a designated canopy. The pulpit, intricately carved around 1695, adds to the church’s beauty, alongside the rood screen, dating back to the 15th century, adorned with mid-16th century panels and tracery.
5. Monnickendammer Visdagen
A notable event to remember is Monnickendammer Visdagen, occurring on several days in July and August when the town’s traditional fishing industry is showcased.
On these occasions, guides lead tours through more than 30 historic smokehouses in the town, while a boat from Volendam arrives at the harbour loaded with herring, mackerel, and smelt, prepared for auction using traditional methods.
Additionally, visitors can witness fish being smoked in the historic houses and on the street in portable smoke tanks, allowing them to sample the offerings.
Other traditional trades are revived during Visdagen, including clog-making and the weaving of baskets and nets.
Activities for children and a market featuring products from across Waterland add to the festivities.
6. VVV Informatiepunt Monnickendam
In a charming old town like Monnickendam, local insights are invaluable.
The tourist information center is located in a quaint gabled house across from Monnickendam’s historic weigh house, now a brasserie.
This facility operates year-round, with exceptions on Sundays and reduced hours during the offseason from October to March.
Visitors can obtain maps for hiking, cycling, and sailing, while the accommodating staff can provide information regarding attractions in Monnickendam and the broader Waterland region.
Children who complete the self-guided trail throughout the town will receive special medals from the tourist office, designating them as “honorary residents.”
7. Bierderij Waterland
In the summer of 2018, a craft brewery opened in a spacious hut by one of the marinas on Galgeriet.
Bierderij Waterland has rapidly gained popularity among locals and visitors during the notably warm summer of 2018. It features a selection of seven organic beers brewed throughout the year, including a Belgian-style tripel, a wheat ale, an amber ale, two pale ales, a bock, and a white beer.
The modern taproom operates daily, offering hearty food options such as pizzas and flatbreads, utilizing local ingredients wherever feasible.
8. Boat Trips
One of Monnickendam’s primary attractions is the variety of maritime activities available from the harbour.
Sailing is the focal activity here, whether one opts to hire a boat, allow a captain to take the helm, or participate in training sessions.
During the summer months, the operator Zuiderzee offers an immersive eight-hour botter (sail-barge) trip on the Markermer and IJsselmeer, complete with lunch on board (conditions permitting), and the opportunity to visit charming former Zuiderzee harbour towns such as Edam, Marken, or Volendam.
For seasoned sailors seeking greater autonomy, Waterland is a charter firm offering yachts ranging from six to 13 meters, all outfitted with modern navigation and kitchen facilities.
Lessons are also available at Waterland, catering to both novice sailors and those working towards Dutch CWO certification.
9. Oude Raadhuis
Monnickendam’s Rococo former town hall is located at Noordeinde 5 and was likely constructed in the mid-18th century.
This structure functioned as the town hall from 1814 and is notable for its highly decorative frieze featuring acanthus leaves, flowers, and other botanical motifs.
It is adorned with a carving of a monk, which is depicted on Monnickendam’s coat of arms.
After being sold in the 1990s, the Oude Raadhuis is now maintained as a museum.
For updated visiting hours, consult the Museumhuizen website, as access may be limited.
Should the opportunity arise, visitors will appreciate the exquisite decorative stuccowork, the Rococo woodcarving gilded with gold, grand fireplaces, and the magnificent staircase.
The grand hall, in particular, is breathtaking, featuring stunning leather wall hangings adorned with intricate gold floral patterns.
10. Waag
Monnickendam’s historic weigh house is situated just a short distance from the Speeltoren, in front of the Damsluis lock.
The town has maintained a weigh house since 1382, although the current structure was erected in 1668 following a fire two years prior, utilizing materials from its predecessor.
Historically, this building served as the economic hub of the town, where cheese, butter, and grains were weighed, and goods were traded under the porch supported by Doric columns.
Today, the Waag serves as a brasserie, featuring a terrace beneath the porch, and visitors can view Monnickendam’s original weighing scales inside.
11. Cycling
A remarkable aspect of Monnickendam and its surroundings is the ease of cycling between towns.
The region boasts a system of traffic-free bike paths that facilitates travel to destinations such as the former island of Marken, renowned for its stilted weatherboard houses and colorful traditional dress, as well as the picturesque fishing town of Volendam.
Edam, famous worldwide for its namesake mild cheese, is just a 20-minute cycling distance away, featuring scenic old quays and charming wooden drawbridges.
Bicycles can be rented from Ber Koning, conveniently located on Nordeinde in Monnickendam, for as little as €55 per week.
From this point, a stunning portion of the Netherlands awaits exploration, utilizing “nodes” (knooppunten)—junctions in long-distance cycling routes—to effectively plan your journey through Waterland.
