Complete Guide to Volendam & Marken
Discover the traditional fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, with tips on what to see, eat, and how to visit.
Volendam & Marken: postcard fishing villages on the water
Traditional Dutch charm, a short trip from Amsterdam
Volendam and Marken are the Netherlands you've seen in postcards brought to life. Colourful wooden houses line Volendam's historic harbour, where fishing boats still bob at anchor and locals occasionally step out in traditional dress. A short ferry ride across the water, Marken feels even more like stepping back in time - a quiet former island of green-and-white houses on stilts, connected by narrow lanes built for walking, not driving.
Top things to do in Volendam & Marken
- 1
Stroll the harbour-front in Volendam and sample fresh, local herring
- 2
Take the ferry across the IJsselmeer to Marken
- 3
Wander Marken's wooden houses on stilts and narrow lanes
- 4
Try on traditional Dutch clogs and costume for a photo
- 5
Visit a local smokehouse to see how the catch is prepared
Be Inspired and Plan Your Visit
Pairing these two villages with the rest of your trip? Start here:
Volendam & Marken on the map
Other popular towns & things to see
Continue your countryside day with a visit to the windmills of Zaanse Schans, or head further north to explore more of North Holland's traditional villages.
