Daytrip to the historic villages Volendam and Marken Museum

Traditional Dutch Architecture in the villages of Marken and Volendam

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands, the quaint villages of Marken and Volendam beckon visitors with their unique charm. Both villages can easily be visited from the city of Amsterdam. Marken Museum is a most wonderful sightseeing trip you don’t want to miss.

Daytrip from Amsterdam to traditional villages

At a stone’s throw from Amsterdam, you find the former island of Marken. Dams and polders now connect the island with the mainland. The island is a tourist hotspot in summer. We went there mid-winter and the village was deserted. But Marken surely embraced us with its charms. We walked around for a couple of hours and visited a wooden shoe factory, the Marker Museum, and the Reformed Church. Unfortunately, it was too cold and rainy to walk to the lighthouse “Het Paard”. This long-distance walking route on a dam is ideal for a summer picnic. Well, it was a winter day and we stayed indoors and finally had a hot chocolate and apple pie in one of the cafes along the harbor.

Roundtrip from Amsterdam to Marken and Volendam

The Bus to Marken leaves from behind the Central Station in Amsterdam. If you go on a day trip to Marken you could get off the bus in Monnickendam. A friendly village on the lakeside of the “Ijsselmeer”. From Marken, you can jump on a boat to Volendam. There is a regular hourly service from March until late October. From Volendam, you catch the bus back to Amsterdam. On the way back you might want to jump off the bus at the village of Zuiderwoude and dine at a local scenic restaurant. The best way to plan your trip is by the public transport www.9292.nl
➔ READ MORE – Travel advice from Amsterdam CS to Marken by 9292

Lighthouse Marken

If you are in Marken walk over the dike to the Lighthouse of Marken. Everyone calls the Lighthouse the Horse of Marken. This lighthouse was designed by Jan Valk and built in the year 1839. The Lighthouse is located on the eastern tip of the island of Marken and has a light height of 16 meters and a light range of 9 nautical miles. The light keeper’s house next to the tower is inhabited. The house of the lighthouse keeper is not open to the public so respect their privacy.

From Marken, you can jump on a boat to Volendam. There is a regular hourly service from March until late October. From Volendam, you catch bus 312 back to Amsterdam. On the way back you might want to jump off the bus at the village of Zuiderwoude and dine at a local scenic restaurant.

Volendam

Volendam is a village located in the municipality of Edam-Volendam, in the Dutch province of North Holland. Volendam is the most famous fishing village in the Netherlands, located near Amsterdam and on the west side of the IJsselmeer. The fact that Volendam is a fishing village is one thing, but what makes the village special is that there are a lot of famous singers of the Dutch song from there. Well-known singers from Volendam are Jan Smit, Nick and Simon, BZN Band Without a Name, and the Cats. So if you are interested in their music? Look them up on YouTube or Spotify.

Volendam is a nice place with very friendly residents. All year round there are fishing boats in the harbor of Volendam. The harbor is cozy and there are plenty of cafes to enjoy a coffee with apple pie. A delicious freshly baked fish or a herring with onions is also always available. If you are lucky you meet a local dressed in traditional clothing.

Marken and Volendam in wintertime

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands, the quaint villages of Marken and Volendam beckon visitors with their unique charm and winter wonderland beauty. As the mercury drops and the water’s surface transforms into a glistening sheet of ice, these two enchanting destinations come alive with the magic of winter.

When the frigid embrace of winter descends upon the region, a captivating transformation unfolds. The crystalline IJsselmeer becomes a vast, frozen playground, inviting locals and tourists alike to partake in a variety of traditional Dutch pastimes. With the ice thick and sturdy, the iconic Dutch tradition of ice skating takes center stage. Glide gracefully along the frozen expanse, the crisp winter air filling your lungs as you enjoy the sheer freedom that comes with each stroke of your skates.

Ice Sailing IJsselmeer

For the more adventurous souls, ice sailing provides a thrilling and slightly daring experience. Harnessing the power of the icy winds, ice sailors race across the frozen surface, their sails billowing in the breeze. It’s a display of both skill and courage, where the beauty of the icy landscape serves as the backdrop to this exhilarating spectacle.

Marken and Volendam, with their charming, centuries-old architecture, become a cozy refuge during the colder months. The quaint houses and inviting cafes exude warmth and hospitality, making them the perfect places to escape the winter chill. Inside, you can savor steaming mugs of hot cocoa or indulgent Dutch pastries, all while basking in the glow of a crackling fire.

As the sun sets, the villages take on a different kind of magic. The soft glow of lanterns and the twinkle of holiday lights cast an enchanting ambiance, setting the stage for memorable winter evenings. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights, adding a touch of celestial wonder to this already captivating landscape.

In Marken and Volendam, winter is a season of serene beauty, where the IJsselmeer’s frozen embrace creates a world of enchantment. So, bundle up, lace up your skates, and prepare to experience the joy and tranquility of these charming Dutch villages when the water turns to ice.