Volendam: Traditional Costume Photo with Cheese & Clog Tour

If you’re visiting North Holland and want a taste of real Dutch tradition, this Volendam experience offers a charming blend of costume fun, cheese tasting, and clog making. While it’s a short tour—lasting around an hour—it packs in enough authentic moments to make it memorable. From snapping a picture dressed in traditional Volendam costumes to exploring the art of cheese making, this activity is a playful yet educational glimpse into Dutch culture.

One thing we really appreciate is how approachable and lively the guides are. They help you step into the local traditions with enthusiasm, making the experience feel genuine. The cheese tastings—featuring Dutch classics like Gouda and Edam—are a highlight, especially if you’re a cheese lover. However, keep in mind that the tour is quite structured and doesn’t leave much time for wandering on your own. Still, if you’re after a fun, cultural snapshot with a souvenir photo, this tour hits the mark.

This experience works best for those looking for a light-hearted, family-friendly activity that combines photo opportunities with tasty treats and cultural insights. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a quick but meaningful taste of Dutch heritage, especially if you’re short on time but want to leave with a souvenir and some lovely memories.

Key Points

• Authentic Dress-up: Get your photo taken in traditional Volendam attire, perfect for fun family photos or social media.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about clog making and cheese production from knowledgeable guides.
• Tasting Experience: Sample Dutch cheeses like Gouda, Edam, and specialty varieties with biscuits and local fruit wine.
• Value for Money: At just $11 per person, including a high-quality photo, it offers good value.
• Convenient Location: Starts at Simonehoeve, easily reachable from Amsterdam via bus.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The guides and staff create a friendly, familial environment that enhances your experience.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting at the scenic Simonehoeve farm, the tour welcomes you with a friendly atmosphere and clear instructions on how to participate. For around an hour, you’ll be immersed in Dutch traditions through a combination of dressing up, tasting, and learning. The costumes are quite distinctive—warm, baggy trousers for men and a high, pointed bonnet for women—designed to give you an authentic Dutch look. The professional photographer captures this moment, and you’ll receive a 15 x 23cm high-quality photo as a keepsake, which many reviewers have praised as a lovely souvenir.

The photo shoot is more than just silly costumes—it’s a chance to step into local culture and create a fun memory. Reviewers like Kayla described it as “really great fun,” noting that the staff is friendly and helpful. Joanne also mentioned, “The dress-up was really good fun,” and highlighted the pleasant atmosphere created by the staff, including the guide Martin, who is recognized for his knowledge.

Following the dress-up, the tour shifts to a guided demonstration of clog making. Watching a piece of wood transform into a pair of traditional Dutch clogs is surprisingly fascinating. You’ll also learn about the different types of clogs and what makes each one unique. This part of the experience provides meaningful insight into Dutch craftsmanship that you might not get elsewhere, making it more than just a touristy photo-op.

Next, the focus turns to cheese tasting. This part is a highlight for many, with a variety of Dutch cheeses—like the aged two-year-old cheese or cumin seed cheese—to sample. The tasting is complemented by biscuits such as stroopwafels and a local fruit wine, adding to the authentic Dutch flavor experience. Reviewers like Luciana noted that it’s more of an outdoor photo shoot, but friendly staff and the beautiful setting make it worthwhile.

In the shop area, you’ll find an array of souvenirs, from traditional clogs to cheese-related gifts, plus the chance to sample more cheese varieties. This is a good place to pick up a unique memento of your trip. Afterward, your photos are ready at the checkout, making it convenient to take home a tangible memory.

Practical Details and Tips

• Pricing: At only $11 per person, including one professional photo, this experience is affordable and offers significant value, especially considering the personalized souvenir.
• Timing: The tour lasts about an hour, with start times available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Check availability to find a slot that fits your schedule.
• Location & Accessibility: Starting at Simonehoeve in Katwoude, it’s easily accessible from Amsterdam by bus (bus 316). The site is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.
• Guides: The tour is offered in several languages, including English and Dutch, with friendly guides like Martin receiving praise for their knowledge and approachable manner.
• Group Size: The experience is designed for private groups, which makes it suitable for families, couples, or small groups wanting a personalized touch.

Authenticity and Value

This tour balances entertainment with education. The guides are well-informed, sharing insights into traditional Dutch crafts that add depth to the fun. The cheese tasting, in particular, offers a genuine taste of Holland’s famous dairy products, with the opportunity to sample traditional varieties that are not always easy to find elsewhere.

Most reviews agree that the value for money is excellent, especially when considering the quality of the photo and the variety of experiences packed into a short hour. The friendly staff and authentic atmosphere, as described by Joanne, create a warm environment that feels welcoming rather than commercialized.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re after a light-hearted cultural activity that’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers interested in Dutch traditions, this tour is a great pick. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy interactive experiences, such as trying on costumes and learning traditional crafts. Cheese lovers will also find it satisfying, thanks to the generous tasting options.

Keep in mind that if you prefer more extensive sightseeing or a longer, more in-depth cultural tour, this might feel a bit rushed. But for a quick, fun, and memorable snapshot of Dutch heritage—especially if you want a souvenir photo—this activity checks many boxes.

The Sum Up

This Volendam Costume and Cheese Tour offers a cheerful, authentic glimpse into Dutch tradition packaged into an hour-long experience that’s ideal for travelers wanting fun, educational, and tasty moments. With knowledgeable guides, a welcoming atmosphere, and great value—including your personal souvenir photo—it’s a charming way to add a cultural touchpoint to your Netherlands trip.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy interactive, family-friendly activities with a focus on local customs and crafts. The combination of costume dressing, cheese tasting, and clog making makes for a memorable mini-adventure that leaves you with delightful photos and a little more insight into Dutch life.

While it’s a short experience, it’s packed with genuine hospitality and authentic elements that make it worthwhile. If you’re in the area and want a fun, cultural souvenir with a touch of humor, this tour will likely become a highlight of your visit to Volendam.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and designed for all ages, including children and babies. The costumes and activities are fun for kids, and the price is the same regardless of age.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Simonehoeve in Katwoude, which is easily reachable from Amsterdam by bus (bus 316 from Amsterdam CS). The bus stop is near the windmill, just a few meters from the farm.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is fine, but be prepared for outdoor parts and possibly weather changes. The costumes are provided on-site for the photo opportunity.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the costume photo (15 x 23cm), the guided tour, cheese tastings, and access to the souvenir shop. You can purchase additional items if you wish.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable option for visitors with mobility needs.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately one hour, including photos, walking, and tasting.

What languages are available?
Guides speak Spanish, Dutch, English, French, and German, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Will I get all my photos taken during the tour?
You will receive one high-quality photo as part of the experience. Additional photos are not included but may be available for purchase.

Is the cheese tasting authentic?
Yes, the tasting features Dutch Gouda, Edam, and other local varieties, giving you an authentic flavor of Holland’s dairy tradition.

This tour offers a playful, authentic way to connect with Dutch culture. With friendly guides, tasty samples, and a fun dress-up, it’s a delightful choice for anyone wanting a quick cultural fix with a memorable photo to take home.