Our most recommended things to do in Marken

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip

1. Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip

Enjoy the picturesque Dutch countryside on a day trip by comfortable bus. Encounter the famous windmills, and learn about Dutch traditional crafts.Take advantage of free WiFi on board the bus as you travel. Discover the unique village of Zaanse Schans. Stroll around at your leisure and admire the well-preserved historic windmills and houses. Explore the fishing village of Volendam, visit a cheese shop still making cheese using a traditional Dutch method, and join a demonstration about Volendam cheese. Enjoy lunch at a traditional fish restaurant at your own expense, before exploring more of Volendam. Select the all-inclusive tour option for more activities including a boat ride to Marken, a visit to an operating windmill, and a clog-making demonstration.

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour

2. Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour

Visit Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken on a guided bus tour from Amsterdam. Admire the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans, attend a clog-making demonstration, and sample Edam and Gouda cheese. Depart Amsterdam by luxury bus on this exciting tour and head north of the city to see the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans on the banks of the river Zaan. Explore the traditional 17th-century houses and a collection of beautifully preserved windmills from the nation’s industrial heritage. Continue on to visit Edam, a beautiful town known worldwide for its cheese. Enjoy a cheese tasting and an exciting clog demonstration. Before the end of the day, go to Volendam and Marken, passing many authentic polders, the name given to land reclaimed from the sea. Wander down narrow streets, past colorful houses and visit the harbors full of fishing boats. You will have some free time to shop for souvenirs and sample the local fish specialties. Back in Amsterdam, you will be dropped off at the meeting point.

From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, & Marken Full-Day Trip

3. From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, & Marken Full-Day Trip

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Netherlands on a tour through the jewels of the Dutch countryside. Visit a cheese producer, a clog factory, a fishing village, and see the iconic windmills. Start your tour at Amsterdam’s Central Station and head in the company of your guide to the first destination of the day, Zaanse Schans. Admire the typical Dutch windmills of the town, and learn about how they are still used today. Next, drive to the Waterland area to arrive at the second stop of the tour, Edam. Walk around some of the town’s most historical sites, including the town square where the famous cheese market used to take place. Then, head to Volendam to visit a local cheese producer, learn about the production of Edam and Gouda cheeses, and try a cheese tasting. Head towards a clog factory next to discover the secrets of this typical Dutch shoe. Finally, travel back in time to the 17th century as you wander through the fishermen’s houses in the Marken, and explore this quintessential fishing village.

Volendam: Guided Cruise on Gouwzee Lake + 1 free drink

4. Volendam: Guided Cruise on Gouwzee Lake + 1 free drink

Enjoy the Volendam area best way possible jumping on an exclusive, culturally historic lake cruise on the Gouwzee. During this 50-minute boat tours, we will be highlighting the rich history of Volendam and its surrounding fishing harbors on the IJsselmeer coast more than ever before. Let our experienced local skipper and tour guide take you on this fascinating journey through the past and step aboard! Its our pleasure to have you and your family/friends on board to give you a unique experience.

Volendam: Express Boat Cruise to Marken Island

5. Volendam: Express Boat Cruise to Marken Island

Make the most of your time in the Netherlands and visit the traditional harbour villages of Volendam and Marken with a one-way or return trip ticket. Hop onboard the vessel from Volendam Harbour, then begin the tranquil 30-minute cruise to Marken where plenty of sightseeing and scenic views await. You can start your trip from Marken as well. As you sail, marvel at stunning views of the coastline and learn about the former Zuiderzee area from an insightful audioguide. Along the way, admire the colorful rows of fishermen’s houses that line the shore and get a sense of local life in the village. Upon arrival in Marken, disembark the boat then head off to explore the island at your own pace. On the island, be amazed by the differences between Volendam and Marken despite their close proximity. When the adventure is over, make your way back to the vessel for the return journey to Volendam. We sail from 9:45 on busy days, on other days from 10:30 - until 19:00. Please see the Marken Express website for the latest departure times.

Marken, Volendam, and Edam Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam

6. Marken, Volendam, and Edam Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam

Enjoy a scenic full-day coach tour of North Holland, and discover a charming landscape of windmills, canals, picturesque villages, and locals in traditional costume. Choose the all-in option to add a few extras to your tour, including a clog-making demonstration and a boat trip. Depart from Amsterdam station for the small fishing town of Marken, renowned for its preservation of traditional Dutch culture. Take a walking tour through streets full of colorful houses. If you've chosen the all-in option, stop at a shoemaker’s studio to watch how wooden clogs are made. Next, head to Volendam by coach if you've chosen the standard option or board the Marken Express if you've chosen the all-in option for a boat trip across the beautiful IJssel Lake. On arrival in Volendam, enjoy free time to explore the shops or try on a traditional costume for a souvenir photo.  Then, enjoy a tasting at a traditional Holland cheese factory and learn how cheese is made before continuing into the heart of North Holland to Edam. Discover the history of the former shipyard and see Grote Kerk, the largest church in the Netherlands, as you stroll the cobbled streets. Next, take in the last stop on your tour, the open-air museum of Zaanse Schans. Admire its magnificent collection of historic windmills. If you opt for the all-in ticket, you can go inside one of the operating windmills to learn more about this Dutch icon of industrial architecture. Finally, marvel at the picturesque homes, wooden barns, and scenic meadows of North Holland as you travel back to Amsterdam by coach. If you prefer a smaller group, like to take your time and explore all the best of this tour, then opt for the Charm of Holland guided tour. Available on Fridays. The tourguide takes a small group to all the inclusions in the all-in tour. The Charm of Holland also includes lunch at a traditional Dutch fish taverne.

Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

7. Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

Travel easily in Amsterdam and the surrounding area by purchasing an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT).  You can use the ARTT for unlimited travel by train (2nd class) between any of the following stations in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Region: Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, Amsterdam Central station, Amsterdam Holendrecht, Amsterdam Lelylaan, Amsterdam Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam Sciencepark, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid, Duivendrecht, Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Halfweg-Zwanenburg, Haarlem, Haarlem Spaarnwoude, Overveen, Zandvoort aan Zee, Zaandam, Zaandam Kogerveld, Purmerend Weidevenne, Purmerend, Purmerend Overwhere, Koog aan de Zaan, Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, Hoofddorp, Diemen, Weesp, Almere Poort, Almere Centrum, Almere Muziekwijk, Almere Parkwijk, Almere Buiten, Almere Oostvaarders, Lelystad Centrum, Diemen Zuid, Naarden-Bussum, Hilversum, Hilversum Mediapark, Hilversum Sportpark, Bloemendaal, Santpoort Zuid, Santpoort Noord, Driehuis, Uitgeest and Beverwijk. The ticket is also valid on all trams, buses, night buses, metros and ferries run by the Amsterdam Transport company GVB, EBS and Connexxion in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Region including the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 and N97 (operated by Connexxion). During Keukenhof Season this ticket is valid: From Amsterdam (Europaplein) to Keukenhof on bus route 852 operated by Arriva From Schiphol Airport to Keukenhof on bus route 858 operated by Arriva From Hoofddorp station to Keukenhof on bus route 859 operated by Arriva From Haarlem station to Keukenhof on bus route 50 operated by Connexxion

Tour to Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam from Amsterdam

8. Tour to Zaanse Schans Windmills and Volendam from Amsterdam

Start your tour with a convenient, pick-up service from your accommodation. Here is where your driver will be to pick you up and after a short meet and greet you will hop in your private car and set off on your adventure.  Firstly you will visit the Zaanse Schans, a residential area in which the 18th and 19th-centuries are brought to life. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh bread, or take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made. You should be sure not to miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and, the various windmills. The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of wooden houses, mills, barns and, workshops. Enjoy a cycling or sailing trip, browse the shops or treat yourself at the pancake restaurant. A day out at the Zaanse Schans in North Holland is fun and educational. After the windmills, you will visit Volendam, a small fishing village with 22000 citizens. Walk along the beautiful harbor and marvel at the typical Volendam shops and enjoy lunch at one of the best seafood restaurants in Holland. After a day full of adventure and excitement you driver will return you back to your accommodation for an evening of well-deserved rest. 

Villages & Windmills Zaanse Schans Small Group Tour

9. Villages & Windmills Zaanse Schans Small Group Tour

The first stop on your tour from Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, an old industrial village where windmills were used for a variety of purposes. The few windmills that have survived have been restored to their original function. You’ll see a water mill, an oil mill, a paint mill, and a spice mill. Near Zaanse Schans the area is famous for its traditional green timbered houses and warehouses. See the famous fishing village of Volendam, visit the famous harbor, take a stroll on the dike, and have a photo taken in traditional Volendammer costume. Visit a cheese factory, where you’ll see a demonstration about Dutch cheese and learn everything there is to know about making it. You can taste and smell the different cheeses produced at the factory. Get to know the famous fish dishes of the village by having lunch at one of the restaurants by the harbor (not included in the tour price). Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a walk through Broek, one of the most charming villages of the Waterland area. This former island is one of the few villages in the Netherlands where traditions are well preserved. Visit the wooden shoe factory and see how craftsmen quickly transform blocks of wood into wooden shoes, known as klompen. Witness this craft that only 28 people in Holland have mastered.

Marken, Volendam and Edam: Private Full-Day Tour

10. Marken, Volendam and Edam: Private Full-Day Tour

Explore the beautiful Dutch countryside with this full-day tour from Amsterdam. Meet your local guide at your hotel in Amsterdam and enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride to the island of Marken. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Marken and enjoy stunning views over the Markermeer, then have visit a local mini museum to discover how the people of Marken used to live. Continue your tour with a lovely 30-minute boat ride across the lake towards Volendam, where you will embark on a short walking tour of the famous fisherman village. Explore its labyrinth, see its unique former fish auction building, and then make your way to a local cheese shop to sample some local cheese. After some free time to explore Volendam, set off for the next stop on the tour: the charming medieval village of Edam. Visit Edam's former town hall, the floating cellar, as well as the oldest wooden house in town before you catch a local bus back to Amsterdam bid farewell to beautiful Dutch countryside.

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What people are saying about Marken

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 9,210 reviews

I had a wonderful experience, learned a lot both from the audio recordings and our guides. The motor coach was very large, double decker, comfortable. I didn’t expect it to be that large and packed with fellow tourists in mid-February. If I went by myself I’d probably spend more time in each place, I guess I felt slightly rushed. We covered a lot of ground in short period of time. Our guides were extremely kind, helpful and knowledgeable! Very funny, too! Our driver was also super professional and supportive of all our needs. I’m not sure I could take care of everyone the way they did! Many thanks to the entire team, they were brilliant. If I went again, I’d have an early lunch before the trip or be prepared with some healthy snacks until the 3-4 pm. meal.

This tour was very well organized, hitting all the key spots within the 7 hours we were together. The star of the tour would be hands down our 2 tour guides, Stef and Pia. They made this tour so light and enjoyable; I’ve never laughed so much from a tour before. Stef with his electronic piano playing, his singing with Pia, and their jokes was so fantastic. They truly worked like the perfect duo, and they whole heartedly took care of every customer with care and respect. I wish every tour had a Stef and Pia in it. I would recommend this tour in a heartbeat because of them. It also helps that the sites were all very picturesque and lovely.

A must do when in Amsterdam. Tony and Merriam were our great host. They are very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Great trip and nice team. You must do during your visit to Amsterdam.

The best choice for your three day stay within Amsterdam.