Day Tours Volendam & Marken

Volendam and Marken day trips from Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Go on an excursion to the fishing villages of Volendam and Marken in the Netherlands and experience traditional Netherlands life on the shores of the Markermeer, the ideal day trip from Amsterdam.

Excursion to Volendam and Marken

An excursion to Volendam and Marken is one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, and after my visit I completely understand why. These two distinctive villages on the Markermeer introduce you to traditional life by the water, each in its own unique way. From Amsterdam, you can reach Volendam in no time, making it an ideal destination for either an organized excursion or an independent day trip. During my day trip, I discovered that Volendam and Marken are not only highly photogenic, but also tell a rich story of fishing, community, and living with the water. Volendam is world-famous and is often the first stop on the excursion. The former fishing village attracts millions of visitors each year who come for the harbor, traditional costumes, and lively atmosphere. Yet I quickly noticed that Volendam is more than just a tourist attraction. Beneath the crowds lies a strong village identity, deeply rooted in tradition and history.

^{The harbor of Volendam}

^{Marken is a short boat trip from Volendam}

Volendam: the harbor, the dike, and its fishing heritage

The heart of Volendam is without a doubt The Dike, the boulevard along the harbor where restaurants, souvenir shops, and fish stalls alternate. Here, you can literally and figuratively taste the atmosphere of the village. As I walked along the water, I looked out over the Markermeer, where fishing boats once set sail for their catch. Today, the harbor is mainly filled with pleasure boats, but the maritime character is still clearly visible. For those who want to learn more about the village’s history, the Museum of Volendam is highly recommended. This museum offers a vivid picture of daily life in Volendam through the centuries, with attention to traditional costumes, religion, and the role of fishing. What I personally appreciated most was the contrast between the lively dike and the quiet streets behind it. As soon as you leave De Dijk, you enter a more authentic part of Volendam. Narrow alleys and old houses provide a more realistic glimpse of village life, far away from the souvenir shops.

What to do in Volendam?

A visit to Volendam is not complete without tasting the local specialties. Fresh kibbeling, herring, or a sandwich with eel are simply part of the experience. I opted for a simple lunch by the water, which immediately provided a moment of rest during the excursion. By sitting down and observing for a while, you really get a better feel for the place. Volendam manages to combine tourism and tradition remarkably well. Although it can be busy at times, the village never feels soulless. The local community is clearly present and actively contributes to preserving its culture. This makes Volendam not only enjoyable to visit, but also interesting to understand on a deeper level.

^{The street scene in Volendam}

^{Eating fish in Volendam: kibbeling}

Marken: a former island with a timeless character

From Volendam, you can easily take the ferry to Marken, a former island that is connected to the mainland by a dike (more information and ferry tickets). The contrast between the two villages is striking. While Volendam is lively and commercial, Marken feels calm and almost frozen in time. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the unique architectural style: wooden houses on stilts, painted in shades of green, blue, and white. This method of construction was necessary to protect the village from flooding. Marken remained isolated for a long time, resulting in a close-knit community with its own traditions and customs. During my walk through the village, I felt that life here moves at a slower pace. Narrow bridges, small harbors, and quiet streets make Marken especially well suited for exploring at your own pace.

Things to see on Marken

Marken also offers several interesting things to do. The Marker Museum provides insight into life on the island through the centuries. You learn how residents dealt with the water, how families lived, and the role religion played within the community. This museum truly adds depth to the excursion and makes it clear why Marken feels so different from Volendam. Another well-known landmark is the lighthouse Het Paard van Marken. The walk towards the lighthouse is well worth it, not least because of the views over the Markermeer. The landscape around Marken feels open and expansive, creating a sense of calm that I experienced less in Volendam. It is precisely this contrast that makes the combination of both villages so appealing.

^{The former island of Marken seen from above}

^{Authentic houses in the harbor of Marken}

Combining Volendam and Marken: the ideal day trip

Looking back, I found the excursion to Volendam and Marken particularly successful. The villages complement each other perfectly and showcase two very different sides of life by the water. Volendam demonstrates how a fishing village has grown alongside tourism, while Marken shows how traditions and tranquility can be preserved. For those who want to get to know the Netherlands better, a day trip to Volendam and Marken is highly recommended. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply want to enjoy a typically Dutch setting, this excursion offers it all:

Volendam and Marken day tours from Amsterdam

Where is Volendam located in the Netherlands?

In terms of distance, it is about 20 kilometers from the center of Amsterdam to Volendam. By car or bus, the journey takes on average 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Many people also combine a visit to Volendam with Marken, as both villages are located on the Markermeer and are easily accessible from Amsterdam.