Day Trip from Amsterdam to Volendam & Marken - Netherlands (with Video)

March 23, 2019

Amsterdam has everything to keep every visitor engaged all through the year; however, travellers who don’t explore the charming neighborhood of Amsterdam are definitely missing out on some of the best experiences of the Netherlands!!. 

Watch a sneak preview of Volendam & Marken👆

Volendam and Marken – two serene fishing villages of north Holland are something not be missed. Volendam was once a famous harbour of “Old Holland”, located on the banks of the Ijssel Lake. Marken was previously an Island, but now turned into a peninsula in the Zuiderzee.

Both these waterlands are so beautiful, tranquil, and picturesque that no one can take a bad photograph!. But they’re notably small, don’t have any big monuments or world popular attractions. Set your expectations clear to cherish the serenity of nature, and to enjoy the age-old authentic Dutch fishing life.


HOW TO REACH VOLENDAM FROM AMSTERDAM 

There are several guided group tours from Amsterdam to Volendam. Typically, all of these tour companies start from/near Amsterdam Central station, would charge around € 60 for full trip. But these villages are well-connected through public transport as well. 


Just take the bus route# 316 from Amsterdam Central station (Amsterdam Central Bus station is just behind the trains station on the IJ lakeside). The trip is approximately 30 minutes. You can see the bus schedules and fares at 9292.nl 
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THINGS TO DO IN VOLENDAM


  • Walk along the waterfront harbor; the street has a beautiful view towards the sea with a lot of small to giant boats and luxury yachts tied-up along the dike.
  • Try a photo shoot in traditional Volendam costume: It’s one of the things almost every tourist does here. There are many photoshops, all of them charge about the same €15 for a photo. It’s a fun-filled experience will stay in your memory for long.
  • Visit Cheese factory museum: This is actually a cheese making factory + shop, which demonstrates the evolution of authentic Volendam cheese. There’s also a shop on the other side; you can taste and buy a variety of cheese. The entrance and cheese making demonstration are FREE.
  • Volendam Museum: Small local-history museum with reproduced scenes, including mannequins in traditional dress. If you’re not so into history stuff, you may skip this, nothing great to regret. (WATCH OUR 1-MINUTE VIDEO TOUR - LINK HERE)
  • Eat Dutch mini pancakes called ‘poffertjes’, Snack on fish dish at any of the fish vendors – eel, herring or kibbling (fried fish)., Shop for souvenirs such as wooden clogs, wooden tulips, postcards, Volendam T-shirts, etc.
All the above might hardly take a day or half; then you can proceed to Marken. 


HOW TO GET FROM VOLENDAM TO MARKEN? 
Marken was once an Island, but now a peninsula (Dutch laid a road to the island in 1957). From Volendam, you can take the same bus #316 (towards Amsterdam) and get down at “Dorp” bus stop. From here, you need to take another bus, route# 315 towards Marken.

The bus is not so long or not-so-complicated; however, I would recommend you to take the Ferry to Marken. This is one of the most pleasant and scenic experiences ever (Check out the video for a sneak preview of the ride).

Basic tickets for return are €9.95 for adults and €6.95 for kids age 4-11 years old. 


THINGS TO DO IN MARKEN 
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  • Marken Port : It was once a primary fishing port, now caters for the tourist gateway to this pretty small village. This port is surrounded by beautiful old wooden houses.
  • Marker Museum & Sijtje Boes Souvenirshop: Some of the historical fisherman’s houses are recreated to Marker Museaum to display the olden days living and history of the region. Sijtje Boes that sells typical Dutch souvenir, is known to be the first ever souvenir shop of the Netherlands.
  • Walk around Kerkbuurt (Church quarter): This charming neighbourhood is situated on a little hill around the village’s church. The narrow alleys, the old wooden dwellings, the labyrinth of passageways and the occasional glimpse of “real” (i.e. not tourist-focused) life, makes de Kerkbuurt a special.
  • Visit the Clog factory: This is something common in every Dutch tour, if you have time go and witness the live clog shoes making. The clog making workshop demonstration is FREE.
  • Paard van Marken: The Paard van Marken is a lighthouse on the Dutch peninsula Marken, on the IJsselmeer. It was built in 1839 and is still in use today. Its located ~9 KM from the Marken port, you may choose to walk or bike; it’ll be a beautiful and a pleasant experience either way.

Hope you found this post interesting and useful.If you enjoyed it, please share & subscribe. It helps my blog a lot. Thanks again and see you next time!

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19 comments

  1. Looks like a great trip and also fun filled trip. I just love that there are so many things to do down there.

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  2. Love your travel videos. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time.

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  3. Seems lovely! I've always wanted to visit Amsterdam. I'm from the PH :)

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    Replies
    1. Sure, you should visit. You'll not be disappointed!

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  4. This place looks so fun. Love the costume idea!

    Amsterdam is a gorgeous city, so I'd love to go back and visit here.

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  5. What a fun daytrip! This is on my bucketlist and someday when I go here I will visit some of those places!

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  6. Looks like you found a great place to enjoy! I haven’t been to Amsterdam but interesting destinations like this are definitely on our list!

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  7. It is indeed a lovely place to explore, Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely.

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  8. absolutely awesome. It is pretty obvious you had an awesome time with your trip. I am quite jealous actually.

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  9. Nice article. I travel a lot and I need such informations to keep me ready. Thank for sharing

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  10. Loved reading your Netherlands experience. You have captured the essence beautifully. I would love to visit this place soon.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kalyan. Netherlands is awesome during spring and summer. Plan you visit accordingly.

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  11. What a beautiful site seeing. I’ll love to visit the cheese museum. So much fun!

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  12. Great travel video. The place looks so beautiful. Amsterdam is such a great place to explore, hope I can visit someday.

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  13. Such a picturesque place. Definitely worthy of a visit. I wish I could bring my Mom there.

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  14. My beautiful country that has so much to offer. It is fun being tourist in own country. I love Amsterdam and Volendam. Haven't been in Marken.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon, thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, when you're next time in/around Volendam you should spend half a day for Marken!.

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  15. Such a fun trip! I'm looking forward to visiting Amsterdam one day.

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