Edam was a pleasant town to visit. It is built on canals and walking around town, following the quiet canals and photographing the picturesque buildings is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Back on Tenaya we sampled an herb cheese we'd bought on our walk. Yum!

Edam is a town with a rich history. It began in the 12th century when farmers and fishermen settled along the little Ye river and built a dam. With that 'Yedam' became a town. It was once a flourishing shipbuilding town but the harbor silted up and by the 16th century it had become a cheese-making center.

For more information, check the Edam Town website available in English. You may enjoy reading the wealth of information of 8 centuries of Edam with a little wine and cheese next to the computer.

In the distance is the Gothic Carillon Tower of Edam, built in the 15th century. The famous bells were made by Pieter van den Ghein. You can't see it from this photo, but the tower slants slightly. In 1972 it threatened to fall, but they found a way to keep it standing. It continues to play a melody every 15 minutes.