Experience the Charm of Volendam: Costume Photo, Cheese & Clog Tour
A visit to Volendam offers a wonderful glimpse into traditional Dutch life, and this $11 tour provides an engaging way to step into that world. Lasting about an hour, the experience combines a bit of dress-up, local food, and craft demonstrations, all led by friendly guides. You’ll find this tour at the Simonehoeve farm, with convenient options from Amsterdam via bus, and it’s suitable for all ages—including families with children.
What we really love about this experience are the high-quality photo opportunity—a chance to don authentic Dutch costumes and capture a memorable souvenir—and the authentic cheese tasting that lets you indulge in Holland’s famous dairy products. The guided clog-making tour adds a hands-on touch that makes the experience both fun and educational.
A small potential drawback might be the outdoor nature of the photo shoot, which depends on the weather: be prepared for wind, sun, or rain. Also, since the activity is quite compact, those seeking a very in-depth culture might want to supplement it with additional tours. Overall, it’s best suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager for a quick taste of Dutch traditions with plenty of photo opportunities.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Dutch Costumes: Dress in traditional Volendam attire, perfect for memorable photos.
- Culinary Delights: Taste world-famous Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam, plus local biscuits and wine.
- Hands-on Craft: Watch and learn how traditional Dutch clogs are made.
- Guided Tour: Enjoy insights about clog making and local cheese production from knowledgeable staff.
- Affordable Price: At only $11, this short experience offers great value.
- Memorable Souvenir: One high-quality photo per person to take home, capturing your Dutch moment.
A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
The Volendam Costume Photo with Cheese & Clog Tour is designed to give visitors a quick yet delightful peek into Dutch traditions. Starting at Simonehoeve, a location that’s easy to reach from Amsterdam by bus, the activity begins with a chance to try on traditional costumes. For men, oversized baggy trousers, and for women, a high, pointed bonnet are the main features of the outfit. Naturally, no Dutch costume is complete without a pair of classic wooden clogs, which are a highlight of the experience.
We loved the way the staff made everything easy and fun. The photo session is professional, and several reviews mention how friendly and helpful the staff are—creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages everyone to join in. As one reviewer, Luciana, noted, “We reach 9am. It’s more an outdoor photo. Staff are friendly and helpful.” The outdoor setting, combined with the traditional costumes, offers a brand of authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
After dressing up, you’ll head outside for your photo shoot. The pictures capture that perfect Dutch moment—standing in front of a windmill, in a charming village, or just having fun with friends. This is a highlight for many visitors, as documented in the enthusiastic reviews that describe the experience as “really good fun” and “a very familial and authentic Dutch atmosphere.” The professional photographer ensures you get a high-quality souvenir—one 15x23cm picture—to take home, which many find a charming reminder of their trip.
Following the costume photos, the tour transitions into a guided demonstration of clog making. It’s a fantastic way to see how a wooden shoe transforms from a block of wood to a wearable piece of art. The guides explain the different varieties of clogs, and you get to see this traditional craft in action. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, like Joanne, who said, “Martin was very knowledgeable,” making the experience both educational and entertaining.
No Dutch experience would be complete without sampling the local flavors. You’ll have the opportunity to taste Dutch Gouda and Edam cheeses, including two-year-old hard cheese and cheeses infused with cumin seeds—a Dutch delicacy. The cheese shop offers plenty of options, along with local biscuits like stroopwafels and a variety of fruit wines. Visitors love to indulge, as Kayla put it, “the tour was amazing! My friends and I had a really great time talking with the staff and taking the photos.” The quality of the cheese and the friendliness of the staff make this tasting session both enjoyable and tasty.
Before concluding, guests can browse the souvenir shop, which offers a selection of Dutch-themed keepsakes. Many appreciate the value for money, especially since the tour includes the photo and tasting. As Joanne mentions, “It’s excellent value for money,” and the upstairs restaurant provides a nice spot for a relaxing meal after the tour.
This experience balances fun, education, and taste, offering a well-rounded taste of Dutch culture in just an hour. The small group size and private setting ensure a personalized feel, enriching the fun and making it great for families or groups of friends.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick, authentic snapshot of Dutch traditions without much fuss. It’s especially good for families with kids, thanks to the playful dress-up and engaging demonstrations. If you’re a cheese lover, the sampling alone could justify the price. Those interested in craftsmanship will find the clog-making demonstration a highlight, and anyone looking to capture a unique souvenir photo will walk away with a memorable keepsake.
On the practical side, it suits travelers who appreciate small group experiences for a more personal touch. Since it’s only about an hour long, it can easily fit into a busy itinerary, providing a fun and culturally enriching break from sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is designed to be family-friendly, and children will enjoy trying on costumes and taking photos. The price for all ages is the same, making it a great family activity.
What should I wear for this tour?
There’s no specific dress code, but casual comfortable clothing is fine. Just be prepared to wear the costumes during the photo session—think layers if the weather is cool, especially since it’s partly outdoor.
How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about one hour, making it a quick but memorable activity. Check availability for exact start times.
Do I get to keep the photos?
Yes, each person receives one high-quality printed photo (15x23cm) to take home as a souvenir.
Can I buy additional photos or souvenirs?
The tour includes one photo, but there is a souvenir shop where you can browse Dutch-themed keepsakes and possibly purchase more items.
Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.
What is the price for this experience?
The cost is $11 per person, which is quite affordable considering the photo, tasting, and craft demonstration included.
How do I get to Simonehoeve from Amsterdam?
From Amsterdam CS, you can take bus 316 to “Hotel Volendam”. The location is easy to recognize by the windmill nearby. Tickets are purchased at the station or from the bus driver (no cash on the bus).
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
Final Thoughts
This Volendam: Traditional Costume Photo with Cheese & Clog Tour offers an accessible, authentic slice of Dutch culture packed into a fun hour. It’s a small but meaningful experience—combining photo opportunities, delicious cheese, and craftsmanship—that’s perfect for anyone wanting a quick, engaging, and memorable stop. The friendly staff, quality souvenirs, and interactive demonstrations make it stand out among typical tourist activities.
If you’re eager to capture a perfect photo, learn about traditional Dutch shoes, or simply enjoy some tasty cheese in a charming setting, this tour is a solid choice. It particularly shines for those who appreciate personalized experiences and value for money. Just keep in mind the weather if you’re counting on outdoor photos, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful taste of Holland’s beloved traditions.
Whether you’re in Volendam for a brief visit or want a light cultural interlude, this tour will leave you with a handful of authentic memories—and perhaps a new appreciation for Dutch craftsmanship and cuisine.
You can check availability for your dates here: