Volendam: 2-Hour Clogmaking Workshop and Cheese Tour

Introduction

If you’re visiting the charming town of Volendam and want to dive into a hands-on Dutch experience, the Volendam: 2-Hour Clogmaking Workshop and Cheese Tour offers a delightful mix of craft, culinary treats, and local insights. This tour, run by Simonehoeve Cheese, Clogs, and Restaurant, combines the ancient art of wooden shoe making with a taste of some of Holland’s finest cheeses and snacks. It’s a fun way to learn about Dutch traditions while creating your own souvenir.

One of the things we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances interactive activities with informative tours — you don’t just watch; you get to carve your own clog and taste authentic products. However, a word of caution: the reviews suggest that the guides may sometimes seem a bit hurried, and there’s a chance to encounter some pricey souvenirs. Still, if you’re curious about Dutch craftsmanship and cuisine, this experience offers real value and charm.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy DIY activities, authentic food tastings, and cultural insights — perfect for those looking for a memorable, educational stop that’s both fun and genuinely Dutch.

Key Points

• Hands-on clog making with the chance to take home your own crafted shoe
• Tasting Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam, along with biscuits and local fruit wine
• Guided tour providing insights into both cheese production and clog craftsmanship
• Opportunity to decorate your own clog and bottle opener, adding a personal touch
• Location easily accessible from Amsterdam by bus, very close to the main bus stop
• 2-hour duration making it a manageable addition to a day trip

What to Expect from the Tour

The experience kicks off at the Simonehoeve farm, a well-known site in the heart of North Holland. You’ll meet your guides here, usually fluent in multiple languages including Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, which means language barrier shouldn’t be a concern. The tour starts with a detailed demonstration of traditional clog making.

Making the Clogs: You’ll start with a block of poplar wood, which is traditional in Dutch clog craftsmanship. The guide will walk you through each step — shaping the outside with a large knife, carving out the inside with a sharp spoon, and finally, decorating your shoe with paints and engraving tools. Expect to spend about 30-40 minutes creating your own unique clog, which you can take home as a souvenir. One reviewer praised the staff, calling them “brilliant and helpful,” which is important when tackling a craft that’s as old-fashioned as making wooden shoes.

Decorating your Clog: As part of the workshop, you also get a decorated clog, which you can personalize further with paints and engravings. Plus, you’ll receive a beer opener that you can decorate too — a fun bonus that adds a practical touch to your souvenir collection.

Cheese Tour: After your woodworking session, you’ll head into the cheese factory for a guided tour. Here, you’ll learn how Dutch cheese is made from milk, including the traditional techniques used for Gouda and Edam. The guides will explain the different types of cheeses and show you the tools used in slicing and aging cheese. The tasting part is especially enjoyable — expect to sample several varieties of Dutch cheese, often accompanied by crackers and sometimes wine or other local drinks.

Additional Tastings and Shopping: The shop is a highlight for many visitors, offering souvenirs, local biscuits like stroopwafel and speculaas, and a selection of Dutch fruit wines. One reviewer noted that the cheese and wine tasting was “absolutely wonderful,” praising the welcoming staff and cheerful atmosphere. Be aware that some souvenirs might be pricey, so it’s worth browsing with a critical eye if you’re on a budget.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $83 per person, this tour offers a combination of interactive craft, guided insight, and tasting, which makes it quite competitive, especially considering you leave with both a handmade clog and a decorated version. The value lies in the personal experience — carving your own shoe, learning from knowledgeable guides, and sampling authentic Dutch products.

While the price might seem high for just an hour or two, remember that you’re also getting unique souvenirs and a memorable story to tell. For travelers craving a hands-on cultural activity rather than just a sightseeing pass, this workshop provides both education and entertainment.

The Practicalities

Timing & Logistics: The tour generally starts between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and it lasts approximately 2 hours. It’s advisable to check availability and start times beforehand. The meeting point is at Simonehoeve, located at Wagenweg 2, Katwoude, just a short ride from Volendam’s main areas. From Amsterdam, you can take bus 316 from Amsterdam CS (IJzijde), which is easy and straightforward. The bus stop “Hotel Volendam” is nearby, marked by a windmill.

Group Size & Guides: The experience is typically conducted in small groups, allowing for more personalized attention. Guides speak multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors.

Accessibility & Suitability: This experience is not suitable for children under 16, likely due to the use of sharp tools during the clog-making process. Arriving between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM is recommended to ensure you have enough time for the activities.

Additional Costs: Transportation, additional food, and drinks are not included. The shop’s souvenirs and snacks are optional but can add to the overall experience.

Reviews and Common Insights

One notable review described a less positive encounter, mentioning the guide as “very hurried,” and a tour that felt rushed and somewhat chaotic. Some visitors found the souvenirs expensive and initially misunderstood the activity, thinking they’d be painting or decorating rather than making clogs from scratch.

Conversely, many praised the staff as “extremely welcoming, brilliant, and helpful,” especially highlighting the joy of carving the shoes and the quality of the cheese tasting. The opportunity to carve a personalized clog was a highlight for several, along with the chance to decorate bottle openers, making it a creative and memorable activity.

The Sum Up

This combined clogmaking and cheese-tasting tour in Volendam packs a lot into two hours. You’ll leave with a handcrafted souvenir, a good understanding of Dutch cheese production, and a taste of local treats. It’s a lively, interactive way to connect with Dutch tradition, especially if you enjoy hands-on activities, culinary sampling, and learning about local crafts.

While some might find the guides a little brisk or the souvenirs pricey, the overall experience offers genuine insight and fun. It’s best suited for curious travelers, craft lovers, and foodies eager to take home a piece of Dutch culture in a very tangible way.

For a memorable, authentic taste of Dutch craftsmanship and cuisine, this tour delivers excellent value and a memorable story.

FAQ

Is transportation included? No, transportation to and from the meeting point must be arranged separately, but it’s easily accessible from Amsterdam by bus.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, so language barriers should be minimal.

Can I join with children? No, the activity is not suitable for children under 16 due to the use of sharp tools for clog making.

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a quick but rich experience.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing; you might get a bit of wood shavings or paint on your clothes during the clog-making.

Can I buy souvenirs? Yes, the shop offers a range of souvenirs, including cheeses, biscuits, and decorative items, but some items can be pricey.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, small group settings make it easy to join and meet others.

What do I get to take home? You’ll receive your own handmade clog, a decorated clog, and a decorated bottle opener, plus the memories.

Are drinks included? Not typically; tastings such as wine are part of the shop experience but are usually extra.

How do I book? You can reserve your spot online, with options to pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

In essence, this tour offers a delightful mix of Dutch tradition, fun craftsmanship, and tasty samples — perfect for those wanting an authentic, engaging experience in Volendam.