Edam

Edam, (pronounced A-dom) a municipality in northwest Netherlands, seems small, and these days it is geo-politically affiliated with its neighbor, Volendam. Back in the day it was as essential to the Dutch economy as Delft, Haarlem, Rotterdam, or Amsterdam eventually became. These days it remains home of the internationally known cheese of the same name.

Although it has none of the grandeur of its rich cousins, it more than compensates with charm. Originating as a settlement with a dam of the river E, the origin of its name is not hard to understand. Around 1230, Edam became a toll stop for goods entering Holland. The town grew as a result of shipbuilding and fishing, and in 1357 Count Willem V of Holland gave Edam city status.

A new harbor was dug and Edam featured some 33 wharfs, which serviced international traders. In 1544 Emperor Charles V ordered the city gates closed to protect the region from flooding caused by the large harbor and direct access to the open sea. His decision caused massive silting and the shipping industry went into decline by the end of the 1600’s.

As compensation for lost revenue the right to conduct a weekly cheese market was granted. At the weekly market, local farmers would arrive in small boats after which cheese carriers would lift the heavy wheels onto the wharves. The commercial cheese market existed until 1922. Since 1989, the cheese market has been revived as a tourist attraction. Every Wednesday during July and August between 10:30-12:30, men in traditional costumes recreate history for the delight of many.