We spent an entire day exploring three charming villages in the Waterland region: Volendam, Edam, and Marken. These picturesque spots offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life and make for a fun escape from the city.
While we stayed in Edam while exploring North Holland, including Amsterdam, Volendam, Edam, and Marken are easy to visit in one day by bus or bike from Amsterdam if that’s where you choose to stay. I recommend starting early and spending about 2-3 hours in each village. The best time to go is on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.
In Volendam, we strolled along the harbor and though we didn’t, we could’ve tried on traditional Dutch costumes for photos! Edam was perfect for cheese tasting and wandering quiet canals. Marken felt frozen in time with its wooden houses on stilts. We loved seeing the famous green-painted homes and exploring about the island’s history.
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Volendam, Edam and Marken: Waterland Villages at a Glance
What sets Waterland apart from Amsterdam and other towns in North Holland are the quaint villages. These picturesque spots give you a glimpse into traditional Dutch life and culture. Together, the villages are easy day trips from Amsterdam by bus or tour.
Overview of Volendam, Edam, and Marken
Volendam is a lively fishing village known for its colorful wooden houses and harbor. While it’s very touristy, you can spend a fun afternoon strolling the waterfront promenade and checking out the souvenir shops. The museum gives you a taste of the history and culture of the village.
Edam charmed us with its peaceful canals and historic architecture. The town is famous for its cheese, and we got to sample some at a local cheese museum and market. We learned about its past as a shipbuilding center and major cheese trading port. The town’s cheese-weighing house dates to 1778.
Marken was isolated until the 1900s, helping preserve its unique culture and dialect. A highlight for us was seeing the decorative gables and preserved green-painted wooden houses on stilts. A former island, it’s now connected to the mainland by a causeway. I recommend taking the ferry from Volendam and returning to Amsterdam by bus.
Volendam and Marken are known for their distinctive folk costumes, which some older residents still wear.
Volendam vs. Edam vs. Marken: Which Should You Visit First?
All three villages are easy to combine in a single day, but if you’re short on time or want to know what makes each one different, here’s the quick version:
| Village | Best For | Vibe | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edam | Cheese, canals, historic architecture | Quiet, storybook, low-key | 2-3 hours |
| Volendam | Harbor views, souvenirs, seafood | Lively, touristy, bustling | 2-3 hours |
| Marken | Traditional wooden houses, clogs, lighthouse walk | Slow, remote-feeling, photogenic | 2-3 hours |
If you only have time for one, Edam rewards visitors who want quiet canals and genuine Dutch history without the crowds, while Volendam is the better pick if you want a livelier atmosphere with more shops and restaurants. Marken splits the difference: it’s quieter than Volendam but has a stronger “step back in time” feel than either of the other two.
Start your journey to Waterland early on weekdays to beat the crowds. Allow at least 2-3 hours per village.
Getting to Waterland
Waterland is easy to reach from Amsterdam. There are a few ways to get there, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do.
I found that the most efficient way for us to visit all three villages in one day was to start with Edam and end with Marken with Volendam in the middle. You may even have time to make a quick stop in Broek-in-Waterland on the way back to Amsterdam. It’s a really cute village that’s even smaller than the main ones.
How Far Is Volendam from Amsterdam?
Volendam is about 20 km (12 miles) northeast of Amsterdam. By bus it takes roughly 35 minutes direct from Amsterdam Centraal; by car it’s a quick 25-30 minute drive; and by bike it’s a flat, scenic 20-30 km ride depending on your route. Edam is a few kilometers further on the same bus route, and Marken is reachable either by a separate bus or by ferry from Volendam.
If you’re not driving, the bus is cheap and simple. As of late 2024, EBS bus routes to Waterland run directly from Amsterdam Centraal again rather than requiring a transfer via Amsterdam Noord. Bus 316 runs roughly every 15 minutes and takes about 35 minutes to reach Volendam before continuing on to Edam. Bus 314 also connects Amsterdam Centraal to Edam. For Marken, bus 111 is your route. Routes and stops around Waterland have changed more than once in recent years, so it’s worth double-checking the current timetable on the EBS journey planner or 9292.nl before you go.
Bus, Ferry, Bike or Car: Getting from Amsterdam to Waterland
A single fare to Volendam runs about €5.80-6.50 (tap a contactless card or OV-chipkaart on board – paper tickets aren’t sold on the bus). If you’re visiting more than one village, the Waterland Day Ticket (around €12.50) covers unlimited bus travel between Amsterdam, Edam, Volendam, Marken, Monnickendam, Purmerend and Broek in Waterland for the day. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (from around €23 for one day) is worth considering if you’re also planning to visit Zaanse Schans, Zandvoort or Keukenhof on the same trip, since it covers all of them.
There’s an enjoyable ferry service, the Volendam Marken Express, that runs between Volendam and Marken in about 30 minutes. Round-trip tickets run roughly €16.50 for adults and €8.25 for children, with boats departing every 30-45 minutes from around 9:00am. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the kiosk near the Volendam harbor, and bikes are welcome on board.
Renting a bike is a great way to explore, as it’s a flat, scenic 20-30 km ride from Amsterdam with well-marked routes through the countryside, and you can bring your bike on the ferry too.
For more freedom, rent a car, as it’s a quick 25-30 minute drive. Parking can be tight in the small villages, and if you want to use the ferry, you’ll need to loop back to Volendam to collect your car.
Getting Between Edam, Volendam and Marken
You don’t have to route everything back through Amsterdam. Edam and Volendam sit on the same bus line, just a few minutes apart, so hopping between them takes no planning at all. To get to Marken from either village, your best options are the Volendam Marken Express ferry (about 30 minutes from Volendam) or a bus connection via Monnickendam. Most visitors find the most efficient loop is to start in Edam, continue to Volendam, and finish in Marken by ferry, returning to Amsterdam by bus from there.
Guided tours are a good option if you’re short on time, as many depart from Amsterdam and cover Volendam, Edam and Marken (often alongside Zaanse Schans) in a single day. This one covers all 4 of these destinations and is highly rated, and so is this guided tour. E-bike tours from Amsterdam to Waterland are very popular too.
Best Times to Visit
Spring is magical in Waterland. The fields burst with colorful tulips from mid-April to early May. Summer brings warm weather, perfect for boat trips and outdoor cafes.
Choose a weekday if possible. The villages are less crowded, and you can really soak in the peaceful vibe. Avoid Dutch school holidays if you can. The villages get packed with local tourists.
Early morning is best for photos. The light is soft, and you’ll beat the tour buses. But stick around for sunset – it’s stunning over the water.
Winter can be chilly, and it will get dark pretty fast, but it’s the most peaceful time of year.
The villages of Waterland aren’t the only picturesque locations in the Netherlands. Why not scout for some cool photos in Amsterdam too?
Exploring Edam Village
Edam charmed us with its quaint canals, historic buildings, and of course, its famous cheese. This small town packs in enough to see and do as part of a day trip from Amsterdam.
Edam’s Historic Village Center
We loved strolling through Edam’s peaceful center. Narrow brick streets wind past gabled houses and arched bridges. The Kaaswaag (cheese weighing house) stands out with its striking façade. Dating back to 1778, it now houses the tourist office and has a permanent exhibition on cheese-making. Nearby, The Story of Edam Cheese shows you how Edam cheese became world famous.
Don’t miss the picturesque Damsluis, a lock built in 1544. We watched boats pass through while enjoying a coffee at a canalside café. The best views are from Cheese Market Square – snap some photos of the colorful houses reflected in the water.
Edam Cheese Market
The cheese market only takes place on Wednesdays in July and August, so we couldn’t catch it during our visit. But if you do happen to be in the Netherlands during these months, arrive in Edam early to watch costumed traders haggle over wheels of Edam cheese. The spectacle includes traditional cheese carriers racing with heavy loads.
Even outside market days, you can sample and buy Edam cheese year-round at local shops. We picked up some tasty aged varieties to bring home.
Museums and Churches
The Edams Museum takes you into 17th-century Dutch life. Set in a 400-year-old merchant’s house, it’s packed with period furniture and artifacts. I especially liked the floating cellar – a clever way to deal with high water levels.
The impressive gothic Grote Kerk (Sint Nicolaaskerk) from the 15th century towers over town with its spire. The ornate interior features beautiful stained glass windows and a massive 18th century pipe organ. However, this church is only open from 1:30 pm everyday, but if you can’t visit the inside, it is still worth examining the architectural details on the outside.
Fort Near Edam
Just outside town sits Fort Edam, part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Built in the early 1900s, it protected the capital city. Unlike a standard museum, the fort now opens on a set schedule of guided open days rather than every weekend. Check the current open-days calendar before planning your visit, as this changes from year to year.
On open days, admission is a few euros and includes a guided tour of the old barracks and gun emplacements; the earthen walls offer nice views over the surrounding polders any time you happen to pass by.
Discovering Volendam Village
Volendam is the most popular of the three villages and the most touristy. It’s where people come to experience its rich maritime heritage firsthand. Despite this, Volendam is worth at least a couple of hours. We enjoyed the bustling harbor and a nice seafood lunch, but we were surprised to find that the inner picturesque streets were much quieter.
The Harbor Front
The harbor is the heart of Volendam. Colorful wooden houses and boats line the waterfront, creating a postcard-perfect scene. You can stroll along the promenade, watching fishermen tend to their boats and locals going about their day.
Grab a fresh herring from one of the food stalls – it’s a Dutch specialty. You can rent a boat here for a short trip from the harbor to get amazing views of Volendam from the water.
Cheese Tasting in Volendam
No trip to Volendam is complete without a cheese stop. Edam has its cheese museum and market focused on Edam cheese, while Volendam is where you’ll find Gouda-focused tastings. The Cheese Factory Volendam offers a walkthrough of the cheese-making process and generous tastings, though it’s worth knowing that cheese is no longer actively produced on-site and it’s more of a demonstration, shop and tasting experience these days. If you’d also like to see clog-making in the same stop, Alida Hoeve Cheese Farm & Wooden Shoe Factory combines both, with free entry.
Either way, plan on spending about an hour. Don’t miss tasting the aged Gouda – it’s incredible. You can buy cheese to take home, but be aware that not all types can be brought into every country.
Volendam Museum
The Volendam Museum shows you the history of the village. You’ll see recreated interiors of old Volendam homes and the displays of traditional costumes. The collection of paintings by local artists is impressive too.
The museum is small but packed with interesting exhibits. The audio guide is really helpful for understanding the context of what you are seeing.
Visiting Marken: Things to Do on the Island
Marken feels almost remote with its unique peninsula setting, traditional crafts, and scenic landscapes.
The Peninsula Experience
Marken sits on a small peninsula jutting into the Markermeer lake. You can take a 30-minute ferry ride from Volendam to get there. The village has narrow streets lined with wooden houses painted dark green and black. Many homes are built on stilts to protect from flooding.
Spend a few hours wandering the picturesque lanes and harbor area. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening. Marken’s isolation has helped preserve its distinct culture and architecture.
Locals still wear traditional Dutch costumes on special occasions. You may see a few elderly residents in wooden clogs going about their day.
Wooden Shoe Workshop
One of Marken’s highlights is the wooden shoe workshop. Watch skilled craftsmen carve clogs by hand using traditional tools. The process is fascinating.
The workshop offers 30-minute demonstrations throughout the day. You will learn about the history of Dutch clogs and how they’re made. You can even try on a pair. The gift shop sells handmade clogs in all sizes. Why not buy a mini pair as a souvenir?
Lighthouse and Nature Trails
The Paard van Marken lighthouse stands at the eastern tip of the peninsula. It’s about a 40-minute walk or a shorter bike ride from the village center along scenic nature trails. The views of the Markermeer are stunning, especially at sunset.
There are several other walking paths around Marken’s coastline. You can spot lots of birds and wildflowers along the way. The trails are flat and easy to navigate.
Allow 1-2 hours to fully explore the lighthouse area and surrounding landscape. It’s a peaceful escape from the busier village center.
Visiting Delightful Broek-in-Waterland as a Bonus
When you have finished exploring Volendam, Edam, and Marken, if you still have time and energy, you may want to check out nearby Broek-in-Waterland. This tiny village is a perfect add-on to a Waterland day trip.
Broek-in-Waterland is incredibly charming and peaceful. The narrow streets are mostly car-free. The wooden houses are painted in soft pastel colors, giving the whole place a fairytale feel and a good counterpoint to the architecture of the other villages. Many homes have beautifully manicured gardens.
The village is small, so an hour is plenty of time to wander around. Most day trippers will have left by the time you get there. Don’t miss the central pond with its little islands. It’s a great spot for photos, especially on a calm day when the water reflects the picturesque houses. If you’re going there on a weekday afternoon, stop by the village church. It has an impressive organ and some interesting history.
To get there, take any of the buses 316, 110, or 112 from Volendam going to Amsterdam Noord Station. It’s about a 17-minute ride to Broek-in-Waterland.
Culinary Delights
The Waterland villages near Amsterdam serve up tasty local treats that showcase Dutch cuisine. Being close to water means fresh seafood is always on the menu. There’s lots to try from amazing smoked eel to seafood platters featuring a mix of fish, shrimp, and mussels.
In Volendam, I loved the waterfront restaurants with views of the harbor. Many have outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching on sunny days.
Edam has charming cafes tucked away on cobblestone streets. They’re ideal for a relaxing breakfast or brunch while exploring the town. I suggest trying one of the local cheese shops that offer samples and sandwiches.
Marken’s small size means fewer options, but the quality makes up for it. You can enjoy a meal at the harborside restaurant, watching boats come and go. Make reservations for dinner, especially in summer when it gets busy.
Shopping and Souvenirs
These charming villages offer unique shopping experiences with local crafts and tasty treats. We found some great souvenirs to bring home that really capture the area’s character.
Artisan Shops
In Volendam, browse the small artisan shops along the harbor. Many sell handmade clogs painted in bright colors and patterns. Pick up a miniature pair as a cute decoration. The cheese shops are a must-visit too. We sampled dozens of flavors before buying some aged Gouda and two flavored cheeses to take home.
In Marken, there are beautiful hand-knit sweaters made from local wool. They’re pricey but so warm and cozy. The island is also known for its wooden shoe workshops.
Local Crafts and Produce
Edam’s weekly cheese market in the summer is a fun place to shop and people-watch. Vendors in traditional dress sell huge wheels of the famous local cheese. You can buy some vacuum-sealed pieces to bring back. The town also has nice pottery shops with blue and white Delftware.
All three villages have great bakeries to buy tradiitonal fresh stroopwafels and poffertjes (mini pancakes). For a unique souvenir, get some flower bulbs to plant at home. The Netherlands is famous for tulips after all!
Bring cash, as some small shops don’t take cards. Most places open around 10 AM and close by 6 PM.
Outdoor Activities
Volendam, Edam, and Marken are perfect for getting active outdoors. You can explore these charming villages through cycling and boat trips.
Cycling the Polders
It’s so easy to rent a bike when visiting Waterland. Most bike rentals cost about €10-15 per day. The flat landscape makes for easy riding, even for beginners.
A favorite route starts in Amsterdam and goes like this: Amsterdam – Edam – Volendam – Monnickendam – Broek in Waterland – back to Amsterdam. It’s about 50 km total. The route winds through green fields dotted with windmills and cows. The flat landscape makes for an easy ride with gorgeous views.
Leave early, pack a picnic, and take your time. Bring a map or download an offline cycling app. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
Boat Tours
Taking a boat tour is a must-do in this watery region. At least hop on the small ferry between Volendam and Marken for great views of both towns from the water.
For a longer adventure, consider a guided day tour that combines all three villages. It’s a good option if you’d rather not manage bus and ferry connections yourself. Several tours also pair the villages with the windmills of Zaanse Schans for a fuller day out.
Book boat tours in advance during summer. Dress in layers, as it can get chilly on the water!
Cultural Events and Festivals
Waterland’s villages are known for their lively events.
Volendam hosts Volendammerdagen, a lively summer festival, which opens with a celebration at Popodium PX. It kicks off in late June. Expect traditional dances, local food, and a genuinely festive atmosphere in the village center.
Edam’s cheese market is a must-see if you’re there in summer. It runs every Wednesday from early July through mid-August, 10:30am-12:30pm, with a special evening market in early August. Get there early to watch costumed cheese traders haggle over wheels of Edam cheese.
Marken doesn’t have a signature festival the way Volendam and Edam do, but when winters are cold enough, the Markermeer and surrounding canals freeze over and locals take to the ice. It’s a wonderfully old-fashioned sight if you happen to visit during a proper Dutch cold snap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volendam worth visiting?
Yes, Volendam is worth a couple of hours for its colorful harbor, fresh seafood, and lively waterfront promenade, even though it’s the most touristy of the three Waterland villages. Pair it with quieter Edam or Marken for a fuller, more balanced day trip.
Is Edam worth visiting?
Yes, Edam offers peaceful canals, well-preserved 17th-century architecture, and a famous cheese market (Wednesdays in July and August), with far fewer crowds than Volendam.
What is Volendam known for?
Volendam is known for its colorful wooden harbor houses, traditional Dutch costumes, fresh herring stalls, and its history as a fishing village that later became an artists’ colony.
Is Edam a city or a village?
Officially, Edam is a city, (it was granted city rights in 1357) but with around 7,400 residents, it feels and looks much more like a small, quiet village today.
What’s the difference between Edam and Volendam?
Edam is quieter and more historic, known for its canals and cheese market, while Volendam is livelier and more touristy, known for its harbor, seafood, and souvenir shops. They’re only a few kilometers apart and sit on the same bus route.
Can you visit Volendam, Edam and Marken all in one day?
Yes, and it’s the most common way to see all three. Start early on a weekday, allow 2-3 hours per village, and use the bus and the Volendam-Marken ferry to connect them, or join a guided day tour that handles the logistics for you.
