Volendam and Marken: The Perfect Day Trip From Amsterdam

Planning a trip to the Netherlands? If so, then a day trip to the Dutch fishing villages of Volendam and Marken is an absolute must!

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, a visit to the charming villages of Volendam and Marken is a must. Nestled along the shores of the IJsselmeer lake, these picturesque Dutch fishing villages offer a glimpse into a world where tradition meets timeless beauty. Just a short journey from Amsterdam, this day trip promises stunning scenery, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.

Volendam, famous for its colorful harbor and iconic costumes, is a vibrant spot full of life. Wander along the waterfront, sample traditional Dutch delicacies like herring or stroopwafels, and take in the postcard-perfect views. A short boat ride across the calm waters brings you to Marken, a quaint island village known for its wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and serene atmosphere. Both villages provide a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Amsterdam, making them an ideal escape.

Getting to Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam couldn’t be easier, whether you choose to travel by bus, car, or join a guided tour. With so many unique things to do—from exploring local culture to marveling at the historic lighthouses—this is a destination that caters to every kind of traveler.

In this guide, I’ll go over the best way to spend a day in Volendam and Marken, including must-see attractions, hidden gems, and the tastiest local eats. I hope that this post inspires you to add Volendam and Marken to your Netherlands bucket list!

This post is all about Volendam and Marken!

FAQs about Volendam and Marken

Is there a ferry from Volendam to Marken?

Yes, there is a ferry connecting Volendam and Marken, known as the Marken Express. This scenic boat ride across the IJsselmeer lake takes about 30 minutes and operates regularly during the tourist season. It’s a popular way to travel between the two villages while enjoying beautiful water views.

Is Volendam worth visiting?

I think that Volendam is absolutely worth visiting! Volendam is renowned for its charming harbor, traditional Dutch houses, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore its vibrant market, try local delicacies like smoked eel, and even dress up in traditional Dutch costumes for photos. Its lively atmosphere and unique character make it a worthwhile stop for travelers.

Can you walk from Volendam to Marken?

While you can technically walk from Volendam to Marken, I wouldn’t recommend that you do so. If you wish to walk, you must follow the same path as the bikes going through Monnickendam. This means walking from Volendam to Marken will take several hours. However, you can easily travel between them by ferry, bike, or car. Cycling along the dedicated path around the lake is particularly popular for those seeking a scenic adventure.

How long do you need in Marken?

You can explore Marken comfortably in 2–3 hours. This gives enough time to stroll through the quaint streets, visit the iconic Paard van Marken lighthouse, and admire the traditional wooden houses. If you’re a photography enthusiast like me or plan to relax by the water, you might want to stay a little longer. If possible, I recommend planning for around 4 hours in Marken.

When to visit Marken and Volendam

The best time to visit Volendam and Marken is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is mild, and the villages are at their most vibrant. Spring brings blooming tulip fields nearby, while summer offers sunny days perfect for strolling along the harbors, taking a scenic ferry ride between Volendam and Marken, or enjoying traditional Dutch snacks at outdoor cafés. This is also when the local markets, souvenir shops, and cultural attractions are in full swing, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, early autumn (September to October) is also a fantastic time to visit. The crowds begin to thin out, yet the weather remains pleasant, making it ideal for exploring at a relaxed pace. Winter, while peaceful, can be chilly and less lively, though it offers a unique charm with crisp air and festive decorations. Regardless of the season, Volendam and Marken promise a picturesque escape filled with Dutch heritage and stunning waterside views.

How to visit Volendam and Marken

There are a few ways to get to Volendam and Marken for a day trip. Below are a few different ways to get to the two charming villages. Please note that the directions below will be from Amsterdam, which is the most common departure spot. 

By car:

If you are planning to do a road trip around the Netherlands then you can easily visit Volendam and Marken by car. It only takes around 20 minutes to drive here from the city center of Amsterdam. The main reason I would recommend visiting by car is to have flexibility if you want to visit more spots in this region. Some popular attractions nearby include Edam, Monnickendam, and Broek in Waterland. This means that you can spend a full day or two exploring this charming region at your own pace. 

If you’re coming by car then I would recommend parking at the parking lot in Central Volendam. It is conveniently located and offers underground parking. A day ticket here costs €9 which is fairly ticket for The Netherlands. The only thing to note is that the parking garage is open between 07:00 – 21:00! If you want to visit Marken by car as well, then it takes around 20 minutes to reach this (almost) island. Although Marken is surrounded by water, it does have a single road connecting it to the mainland. If you drive here then you can park at the main parking lot however prices are a little steep at €3 per hour. Alternatively, you can keep your car in Volendam and take the ferry to Marken (more on that below!). 

Renting a car in the Netherlands:

When it comes to car rentals I am a huge fan of using Sunny Cars! I have been using their services for years and have always had such a positive experience. Sunny Cars operates in most countries and always has the cheapest rates that I can find. In addition, they include unlimited mileage, cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and the most comprehensive insurance package I have seen. Best of all, if you end up needing to pay your deposit for the car, Sunny Cars will refund it to you! 

Book your rental with Sunny Cars here!

By public transport:

Since Volendam and Marken are so close to Amsterdam, this is the route we chose to take. Amsterdam and Volendam are very well connected making it super easy to take a bus whenever it suits you. To get to Volendam you need to get to Amsterdam Noord which is easily accessible with the city metro (line 52). You will find several bus platforms outside of the metro station. Simply look for line 110 to Volendam-Edam which departs roughly every 30 minutes. It takes just around 20 minutes to reach the city center of Volendam and I recommend getting off at “Julianaweg-Centrum”. 

When it comes to visiting Marken from Volendam, I recommend taking the local ferry. This is a great way to enjoy the views of both villages as well as a nice breeze. The Volendam Marken Express sails daily with the first ferry departing from Volendam at 11:00, and the last ferry coming back from Marken at 17:30. A return trip costs €16 per person and if you want to bring a bike with you it costs another €4 return. 

By guided tour:

The last way you can visit Volendam and Marken is by visiting on a guided tour! Taking a tour is a wonderful way to have a guide explain the history of these unique Dutch villages and appreciate the culture better. Tours at these villages often include guided walks which is a great way to ensure that you get to see all of the highlights, making it a stress free visit!

In addition, if you’re only visiting the Netherlands for a few days, then it can be a good idea to combine a visit to Volendam and Marken with another spot. This way you maximize your time and ensure you see as much as possible! The most common combinations are trips to Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans, or Volendam, Marken, and Edam. Below are some of the best-rated tours for you to consider for your visit!

Where to stay when visiting Volendam and Marken

Since it’s very easy to visit Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam, I recommend making it your base. Not only does it allow you to explore the beautiful Dutch capital city, but also explore some fantastic day trips!

Best things to do in Volendam and Marken

We visited Volendam and Marken before our late afternoon flight, and so our time here was limited. Since we spent a few hours in Volendam before planning our ferry to Marken, we could only budget an hour on Marken to ensure we were on time heading back to Amsterdam. Since we both enjoyed Marken more than Volendam, I would recommend heading to the island first and then exploring Volendam after. 

Things to do in Volendam

Doolhof

Doolhof is the oldest area in Volendam and makes for one of the most charming neighborhoods in the village. The streets in Doolhof are incredibly picturesque, making it a must-see for anyone who wants to snap some beautiful images. In addition, the buildings are built randomly without any clear structure. This makes it super fun to explore the little streets and courtyards. Personally, Doolhof was my favorite part of Volendam! 

Volendam Cheese Factory

The cheese factory in Volendam is both a museum and shop making it the perfect one-stop shop for traditional Dutch cheese! You can visit the factory to learn more about how Gouda cheese is made and you can even be lucky to get some tastings. The demonstration only takes around 10 minutes making it easy to add to your itinerary for the day. In addition, the cheese factory is located right by the harbor which is very convenient and easy to find! The entrance is free and you can find more information about opening hours here. 

Volendam Harbor

As Volendam is situated on the Ijsselmeer Lake, taking a stroll along the harbor is a must when visiting this fishing village. The harbor is very picturesque and clearly one of the most popular attractions in the village. You can find great meal options here, however, I would recommend waiting and dining in Marken as I think the harbor there is even cuter! 

Wander the streets

As with most villages, I highly recommend allocating some of your time in Volendam to wander around the streets and see what you discover simply. I find that often some of my favorite memories and spots come from this activity. Specifically in Volendam, I loved exploring random streets and admiring the unique Dutch architecture!

Things to do in Marken

Wooden Shoe Factory

One of the best activities in Marken is to visit the Wooden Show Factory. Here you can watch how they transform a simple block of wood into a clog! The machines here are from 1906 preserving the traditional way of making clogs. In the factory, you can both enjoy a live demonstration as well as enjoy a display of unique clogs from various time periods. If you would like to visit, then demonstrations cost €7.5 for adults and €3.5 for children. You can read more about how to visit and opening hours here. 

Paard van Marken Lighthouse

The Paard van Marken, also known as the Marken Lighthouse, is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The lighthouse is located on the far side of the island from where the ferry drops you off. If you’re traveling by bike then it’s a quick 11-minute ride to reach the lighthouse. Otherwise, it will take roughly 40 minutes (3 km) to walk to the lighthouse each way. Unfortunately, our time in Marken was limited so we didn’t have the chance to check out the lighthouse, even though it was on my list. 

Make some furry friends! 

One thing that really surprised me about Marken was how many animals we saw on this little island. We managed to see sheep in several locations as we walked around and even a few horses! Marken is an incredibly picturesque place (even more so than Volendam in my opinion) and the animals make it even better. 

Explore the island

Lastly, as with Volendam, ultimately the best thing to do in Marken is to walk around and see what you find. Both my boyfriend and I actually preferred Marken over Volendam so I highly recommend planning to spend at least 3 hours here to explore without feeling rushed. Since we had to catch a flight we couldn’t spend more than an hour here, but it was enough for us to enjoy some incredible views! My favorite area was the harbor (which is SO cute!) and the neighborhood right behind it! So many of the houses there have really cute backyards which are fun to look at as you walk along. 

Nearby Attractions

In addition, while I think Volendam and Marken have plenty to do for a day trip, below are a few other recommended spots in the area. You can either choose to add one or two of these to your day trip or plan another trip to the area to enjoy the other places this beautiful region has to offer. Edam is the most commonly combined village together with Volendam and Marken. Since it has a very similar vibe, if you only had to choose one spot to add, I would recommend one of the below options. 

You could stop at Monnikendam – specifically at Stranvier – for a fun way to end your day. This beach bar offers great vibes and even some activities such as beach volleyball. Alternatively, you can check out Theetuin Overleek. This is a cute tea garden located on a farm. From here you can even rent whisper boats to explore the nearby nature! Lastly, I highly recommend checking out Broek in Waterland! This is a spot that I really wanted to visit but unfortunately didn’t have time for. While you can squeeze a few hours in here, I would personally recommend making this a day trip of its own! 

That concludes my guide for visiting Volendam and Marken. This really is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam so I hope you decide to visit these picturesque fishing villages on your trip! 

This post was all about Volendam and Marken: The Perfect Day Trip from Amsterdam.