Perhaps it tickles your imagination how monks founded a town. That town is Monnickendam. Monnickendam is a hidden gem in the Netherlands. It is located in the province of North Holland. This charming town sits on the coast of Markermeer.
Monnickendam’s name means Monk’s Dam. Monks founded it long ago. Monnickendam was once an important port. It had access to the Zuiderzee. The Afsluitdijk cut off its sea connection.
Merchants used the seventeenth-century weigh house. It reminds us of the town’s trading past. Today, the port is a beautiful marina. It attracts people for sailing and water sports. In summer, the marina buzzes with activity. Locals swim at a small beach.
Monnickendam is quiet. You can hear bumblebees buzzing. The carillon tower announces the hour. It is one of the oldest carillon towers in the world.
Visit Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren to learn about Monnickendam’s history. The historical center is an open-air museum. Old houses line cobbled streets. Admire the architectural details. Don’t miss the Grote Kerk. It is also known as St. Nicholas Church.
Monnickendam is great for a weekend trip. Stay in a cozy B&B. Explore the area. Rent a boat or bike. Enjoy the peaceful life of a Dutch town.
Monnickendam transforms during the Jan Haring weekend. An amazing boat race takes place. The town celebrates with music. There is even a smoked fish competition.
Monnickendam received city rights in 1355. Fires damaged it in 1500 and 1513. Warships were built at Monnickendam’s port during the Anglo-Dutch Wars.
Monnickendam was a separate municipality. It merged into Waterland in 1991. Today, it is a small fishing village. However, it was once an important port. The bell tower dates from 1591. The St. Nicholas church was renovated in 1602. The synagogue was built in 1894.
Royal Hakvoort Shipyards is located here. It built fishing vessels. Now it makes luxury crafts. Leguit + Roos restores historical buildings in Waterland.
Monnickendam had 9,546 residents in 2001. It is the main town of Waterland. This includes Marken and Broek in Waterland.
Monnickendam is off the beaten path. It is not easily accessible for big tour buses. It also lacks a train station. The center of town is a protected cityscape. Old houses, churches, and shops fill the area.
Monnickendam depended on fishing. The Zuiderzee became a freshwater lake. The fishing industry suffered. Monnickendam built a big harbor to revive itself.
The harbor is now a marina. It has old ships converted into pleasure boats. These ships are flat-bottomed. This allows them to navigate shallow waters. They can rest on sandbanks at low tide. These ships have “swords” instead of a keel. The “swords” help them keep course. As we explore Monnickendam’s narrow streets, notice the lock systems. They keep Holland dry. See the difference in water levels. Marvel at Dutch engineering. Monnickendam shows the ingenuity of the Dutch.