Marken: Day Trips and Tours from Amsterdam

Looking like something from a postcard, the colorful Dutch fishing village of Marken is famous for its traditional wooden houses and its characteristic beauty.

Located in the northwest of the Netherlands, it’s a postcard-perfect destination that's easily accessible from Amsterdam — making it an ideal day trip for those seeking to explore Dutch culture outside of the fast-paced city.

Whether you’re looking to take in the stunning views or simply wander around this quaint fishing village, one of the several Marken day trips from Amsterdam should certainly be on the to-do list.

From its unique architecture to the rich history of its inhabitants – fishermen, shoemakers and cheesemakers, to name a few – there's plenty here for travelers to discover.

Here's all you need to know about Marken, one of the most exciting day trips from Amsterdam.

How to get to Marken From Amsterdam?

Marken is located in the northwest of the Netherlands and is just a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam.

Part of what makes the village special is its unique presence on the Markermeer lake – almost like an island. There are several ways to reach Marken from Amsterdam.

From Amsterdam to Marken by car

Since Marken sits just 24 kilometers from Amsterdam, it’s the perfect destination for an easy day trip by car.

The journey only takes around 30 minutes and is relatively straightforward – simply hop on the highway north, driving through Amsterdam-Noord, some picturesque countryside and the small city of Monnickendam.

From Amsterdam to Marken by public transport

For those who don't have access to a car, it's possible to reach Marken by public transport.

From Amsterdam Central Station, make your way to Noord station – here, connect with Bus 315 wich will take you directly to Marken. The entire journey to the village should take around 45 to 50 minutes.

Guided tour to Marken From Amsterdam

The easiest,  most stress-free way to explore the village is with a guided tour from Amsterdam.

These tours usually include roundtrip transportation, an experienced guide and different activities upon arrival.

You'll hear plenty of information about Marken’s rich history and culture and, depending on your chosen tour, also visit nearby attractions like the Volendam fishing village or the windmills at Zaanse Schans.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary for day trips to Marken from Amsterdam changes depending on your specific tour, however, it usually starts with convenient hotel pickup in the morning.

After meeting your English-speaking guide, you'll be escorted in an air-conditioned bus to the village.

Once there, you'll be able to explore Marken’s unique wooden architecture and its famous landmarks like the old church, lighthouse, and former city hall.

You’ll also have some free time to wander around on your own, picking up souvenirs, sampling local cheeses, or simply taking in the views of the Markermeer lake.

Depending on your tour, you may also visit popular attractions like the Wooden Shoe Factory, the Marker Museum – which focuses on the village's fishing history – the Grote Kerk church, Original House of Marken or the Flood Walk 1916.

At some stage between all the sightseeing, you'll stop for lunch, with the chance to sample some Dutch delicacies.

Because Marken is located so close to the other attractions in the greater Amsterdam area, it’s highly likely that your tour will also include stops at places like Volendam, the Zaanse Schans windmills, Edam — famous for its red or yellow wax cheese — and the fishing village of Markenbinnen.

As you make your way between attractions and villages, your friendly and knowledgeable guide will offer fascinating insights into the region's culture, history and traditions.

The day trip usually ends with a leisurely drive back to Amsterdam, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the original departure point.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Marken?

There are several different options when it comes to day trips to Marken from Amsterdam.

Depending on your interests, you can opt for a standard tour of the village or go with a more personalized experience. The most common tours are listed in further detail below.

Guided tours to Marken from Amsterdam

The most budget-friendly option, these tours usually involve transport to and from the village and lots of sightseeing stops around Marken, with a knowledgeable guide offering commentary throughout your entire day.

You'll be with a handful of other travelers, giving you the opportunity to socialize and make some new friends. These tours typically also visit nearby attractions like Volendam and Zaanse Schans.

Private tours to Marken from Amsterdam

For those who want more control over their itinerary or prefer traveling in smaller groups, private tours are a great option. Private guides can design custom trips tailored specifically to your interests.

While these Marken tours are usually more expensive than standard ones, they also offer more flexibility and a more intimate experience.

This makes them popular choices for couples, families or small groups looking to see the beauty of the North Holland region.

Day trip to Marken plus Zaans Schans from Amsterdam

In addition to seeing the quaint and traditional village of Marken, these tours also take you to the nearby Zaanse Schans — a living museum with windmills and other historic buildings. It’s an excellent way to get two different experiences in one day.

Electric scooter day tour to  Marken plus Volednam from Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a day trip with some extra adventure, this electric bike tour offers the perfect combination. You'll get to experience both Marken and Volendam — a picturesque fishing village known for its traditional Dutch culture.

This tour usually includes lunch and plenty of time to explore each area.

How much does a day trip to the Marken from Amsterdam cost?

The price of a day trip to Marken from Amsterdam starts at around €35 but depends on the type of tour you choose.

Standard group tours to Marken usually cost between €35-€100 per person, including those who visit Zaans Schans and Volendam.

Electric scooter tours cost around €150 per person, and tours that combine Marken with Zaanse Schans or Voledam start at €300 for a group of up to four people.

Private tours usually start at around €100 per person but vary depending on the number of people in your group. This tour, for example, is around €550 but accommodates up to eight people.

What will you see and do?

On day trips to Marken from Amsterdam, you can expect to take in plenty of stunning views around the village and some of its nearby attractions.

As you make your way between attractions and villages, your friendly and knowledgeable guide will offer fascinating insights into the region's culture, history and traditions.

In Marken itself, you'll find colorful wooden houses and a fishing harbor with traditional boats — definitely worth capturing on camera! Here you can visit local shops selling souvenirs or find a cozy cafe for lunch, where you try some of the famous Dutch pancakes.

On tours to Volendam, you can explore this picturesque fishing village and visit local cheese and clog factories — a great way to learn about traditional Dutch crafts.

You'll also get the chance to taste some of their delicious seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants in the area.

If you’re on a tour that includes Zaanse Schans, you'll have time to explore the area and admire its iconic windmills.

You can also find quaint shops selling traditional Dutch goods like wooden clogs and cheese — perfect for taking home some unique souvenirs. Some of the most popular specific attractions are explained in detail below.

The Marken Museum

Spread across six historical houses, this museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of Marken.

You'll learn about local customs and traditions, see clothing, paintings and other artifacts from past centuries, and even take a peek at some old maps.

Original  House of Marken

A tiny, one-room home, this dark green landmark is the oldest house in Marken. It's a great way to get an idea of what life was like for residents centuries ago — from furniture and decorations to traditional clothing.

Flood Walk 1916

This walk is dedicated to the 1916 flood that affected much of Marken and its surroundings.

It follows an old path with signs along the way describing what happened during this disaster on the night between the 13th and 14th of January — a great way to learn more about local history.

Paard van Marken lighthouse

Located at the entrance of Marken's harbor, this lighthouse is one of the most recognizable symbols in town. Dating back to 1839, it offers stunning views of the harbor and plenty of opportunities for photography.

Zaanse Schans

Most Marken day tours also visit Zaanse Schans. A well-preserved traditional Dutch village, this area features a number of iconic windmills, quaint streets and shops selling traditional goods.

It's also where you'll find tourist attractions like the Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans and the Zaans Museum.

Volendam

The final stop on many Marken tours is Volendam, a pretty fishing village with cobbled streets and colorful timber houses.

Here you can visit local fish markets, admire traditional Dutch boats and check out the cheese factory — all while learning about the area's past from your guide.

Tulip Fields

If you’re visiting Marken in spring, you can also get a taste of the Dutch countryside with a visit to the blooming tulip fields.

A beautiful sight, these fields offer great photo opportunities and give you an idea of why tulips are so important to Holland's culture and history.

Sijtje Boes Souvenirs

A Marken institution, this charming shop sells a range of traditional souvenirs and crafts. It's the perfect place to pick up something unique to remember your trip by — from wooden clogs and cheese knives, to postcards and magnets.

The reason for its fame is its history — the store is named after its original owner, Sijtje Boes, who ran it for decades and was considered a bright entrepreneur, opening a shop in 1925, when most women in Marken stayed at home.

Grote Kerk

Small yet charming, this old church is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the area's history and culture.

Located right next to the Market Museum, it features an impressive barrel-vaulted ceiling strung with model ships, as well as beautiful golden chandeliers that make for some unique photo opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Marken?

The best time to visit Marken is during the spring or summer months. This way you can enjoy long days and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities like cycling or boat trips.

Alternatively, visit between the end of March to the end of May to experience the beauty of the region's tulip fields in full bloom!

As for the time of day, it's best to plan your day trip to start in the morning. This way, you'll have the chance to explore all of Marken's attractions and take in its stunning views without having to rush.

Travel tips

• Book your tour online and in advance to make sure you secure a spot on your preferred date and tour and avoid disappointment.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the cobbled streets of Marken, Volendam and Zaanse Schans.
• Be prepared for unpredictable weather on Marken day trips from Amsterdam — bring both warm and cool clothes in layers so that you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
• It's also a good idea to bring a camera or phone to capture all the amazing sights of these special places.