The little town of Edam, in the Dutch province of North Holland, used to be the centre of Dutch cheese exports. Nowadays Edam cheese is produced all over The Netherlands. Its round shape and red colour are very distinctive. Edam's red appearance is obtained by dipping or spraying with wax which at the same time gives the cheese a protective coating. Today Edam is a town with authentic 17th century architecture, convincing proof of its rich past. When walking along the old streets and quiet canals, one can easily imagine how it must have been in a Dutch town centuries ago. Well preserved gables, squares, bridges and monuments capture and hold the attention of the visitor. A stroll takes one past the tea-houses on the 'Schepenmakersdijk', the leaning Carillon tower (1561), the museum with the floating cellar and the Tourist Information on the Dam square -once the town hall of Edam- to the 'Grote Kerk' (Great Church). This church is one of the largest churches in the Netherlands. It has an extraordinary collection of richly coloured stained glass windows dating from the 17th century. Edam has more to offer: cosy shopping streets and convivial terraces where once can enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and the local colour. There is the 'Strandbad', a campsite on the edge of the IJsselmeer. Countless water-sport fans from far and near have found their way to this campsite and public swimming area, just outside of Edam.