Volendam: Day Trips and Tours from Amsterdam

A postcard-worthy fishing village just a stone's throw from Amsterdam,  Volendam has a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful views and a wealth of attractions to explore.

From its stunning harbor front lined with colorful fishing boats, to its iconic windmills, modern-day cheese factory and traditional Dutch costumes - there is something for everyone in Volendam!

So if you're wanting to ditch the hustle and bustle of the big city for a day, one of the many day trips from Amsterdam to Volendam should sit high on the bucket list. If, for nothing else, its unique and authentic charm.

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

How to get to Volendam from Amsterdam?

Volendam is found in the northwest of the Netherlands in the district of North Holland.

It sits in close proximity to popular day trip destinations Marken, Zaanse Schans and Edam. Thanks to its location on the shores of Markermeer, it's easily accessible by car, train or bus.

From Amsterdam to Volendam by car

To reach Volendam by car, the easiest route is to take the N247 highway. This will bring you straight into Volendam. It's a journey of approximately 21 kilometers and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

The drive is very picturesque, winding through Dutch countryside before arriving at the seaside town.

From Amsterdam to Volendam by bus/public transport

Reaching Volendam by public transport is also possible, and very easy. From Amsterdam Centraal (the city's main transport hub) simply take the 316 bus to one of the stations in Volendam, such as Julianaweg-Centrum.

From here, you can walk to most of the major attractions within 5 minutes.

Guided tour to Volendam from Amsterdam

The most popular and hassle-free way to visit Volendam is to book a guided tour. These tours usually include round-trip transportation, tickets to several attractions, lunch and the services of a friendly and knowledgable guide.

You'll be able to explore the best of what Volendam has to offer with an expert in tow who can provide valuable insight into the area's rich history and culture.

Usually lasting between 5 and 10 hours, these tours typically also visit nearby landmarks and towns like Marken and Edam, making them a great choice for those who want to make the most of their time in the region.

What is the typical itinerary?

While every Volendam day trip from Amsterdam differs depending on the tour operator, most itineraries usually follow a similar structure throughout the day.

In the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Amsterdam. After meeting the tour guide and other participants, the journey begins with a scenic drive to Volendam.

Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque countryside and the small city of Monnickendam before arriving at the harbor.

Once you arrive in Volendam, you'll usually be taken on a guided walking tour of the town's beautiful harbor front and main attractions.

Passing by notable landmarks such as the Cheese Factory, the Volendam Museum, De Dijk of Volendam (the old part of town), Het Doolhof, Woltjes Stroopwafels & Museum and the iconic windmills on the town's outskirts.

There will be plenty of time to take photos and explore independently too. The tour also typically includes a stop for lunch at one of the many local restaurants - usually serving traditional Dutch fare like herring, stamppot and pancakes.

In the afternoon, you'll usually be taken to nearby towns such as Marken and Edam. Marken is famous for its wooden houses, while Edam is known for its cheese market and historical center.

You'll have some time to explore both of these towns before the tour concludes and you're taken back to Amsterdam in the evening.

Depending on your tour, you might also have time to visit Zaanse Schans, a region filled with traditional windmills and houses, as well as Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens.

Throughout the day, your guide will be there to provide valuable information and insight into the area's history, culture and attractions, and answer any questions you may have about the region.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Volendam?

There are several types of day trips to Volendam from Amsterdam available.

All of them include convenient round-trip transportation, entrance to a variety of attractions and the educational services of an experienced guide.

The most popular options are explained below in further detail.

Small-group guided tours to Volendam, Marken and Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

These tours are the most budget-friendly option for those looking to explore Volendam as well as a couple other nearby towns.

Thanks to their proximity, Marken and Zaanse Schans – famous for their historic colorful houses and traditional windmills, respectively – are combined with Volendam on the majority of Amsterdam day tours.

The tours include hotel pickup and drop-off and are led by an experienced guide who can provide valuable information about the area's attractions, culture and history.

It's a great option for those wanting to mingle with fellow travelers and make new friends.

Private tour to Volendam, Zaanse Schans and Marken from Amsterdam

For those looking for a more personalized experience, private tours to Volendam and its surrounding areas are the way to go.

Private tours offer flexibility in terms of timing as well as fully customized itineraries, so you can visit any attractions that pique your interest and take as much time at each stop without feeling rushed.

The tour includes a private guide who'll be  on hand to answer any questions you may have about the area.

Day trip to Volendam plus the Keukenhof flower fields from Amsterdam

Besides the opportunity to explore Volendam and its nearby towns, this tour also takes you to one of the world's largest flower gardens - Keukenhof. The garden is especially renowned for its tulips, which bloom in April and May each year.

In total, more than 7 million flower bulbs are planted every year — tulips, hyacinths, roses, carnations, irises, daffodils, lilies and more — and the result is absolutely breathtaking.

On this tour, you have a chance to take in the beauty of Keukenhof and learn more about its history – as well as the significance of tulips in Dutch culture.

E-bike Day tour to Volendam

Ideal for adventurous traveler, these e-bike tours provide an eco-friendly way to explore Volendam and its neighboring towns off the beaten track.

You'll be provided with a high-quality electric bike that you can use throughout the day, making it easy to cover more ground than on foot while still enjoying the area's stunning scenery.

How much does a day trip to Volendam from Amsterdam cost?

The price of a day trip to Volendam from Amsterdam usually starts at around  €30 per person but depends on the type of tour you choose.

Small-group guided tours usually cost between €30 and €130 per person, while private tours can range from €150 to €300 per person depending on the size of your group — private tours are usually charged per vehicle.

A day trip to Volendam plus the Keukenhof flower fields from Amsterdam will cost around €200. E-bike tours around Volendam typically cost around €30 per person but may require arranging your own transport.

What will you see and do?

Every tour to Volendam includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round trip transportation from Amsterdam, entrance to local attractions and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Usually, you'll stop for lunch in one of the small towns, where you can taste a variety of local staples. Depending on the type of tour you choose, here are some of the most popular places you could be visiting:

Cheese Factory Volendam

Located on one of Volendam's picturesque cobblestoned streets, the Cheese Factory Volendam offers a unique opportunity to learn about the area's traditional cheese-making process and sample some of its products.

The factory offers a 45-minutr tour that gives insight into local delecaieies like Edam, Gouda, and Leyden.

The Volendam Museum

Great for history buffs, The Volendam Museum is housed in a the former city hall building and offers an interactive exhibition about the history of the area.

Through a variety of objects, photos, and maps, the museum covers topics such as local fishing, trading and shipbuilding — giving visitors a chance to explore these industries from days gone by.

De Dijk of Volendam

De Dijk of Volendam is a small but popular spot in the area, where visitors can admire traditional Dutch cottages with thatched roofs and colorful facades.

There are multiple paths to explore here, home to many cafes and restaurants, so you can take your time strolling around and soak up the atmosphere of this historical village.

Het Doolhof

Built between 1650 and 1660, Het Doolhof is a unique attraction in Volendam. This labyrinth of tiny alleyways and canals gives an insight into the area's past — it serves as the oldest part of the city.

Zaanse Schans

Most Volendam day tours will also take you to the picturesque Zaanse Schans, a classic Dutch village famous for its myriad iconic windmills and cobblestone roads.

You can find tourist attractions like the Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans or Zaans Museum in this area as well.

Keukenhof flower fields

Extremely colorful, Keukenhof flower fields are a must-see for any nature enthusiast.

This 79-acre park (Keukenhof flower fields) is home to over seven million flowers — lilies, roses, hyacinths and over 800 species of tulips — that bloom in a vibrant palette of colors.

Also called the 'Garden of Europe', this is considered to be the world's largest flower garden.

Marken

A geographically unique town sitauated on  a peninsula, Marken is a charming fishing village with its own unique culture.

Here you will find traditional Dutch wooden houses and quaint cobblestone streets that make for great photo opportunities.

Marken is also famous for Flood Walk 1916, the 19th-century Paard van Marken lighthouse and the insightful Marken Museum.

Edam

Thanks to its proximity to Amsterdam, Edam is also often included in Volendam day trips.

This quaint town is known for its canals lined with old-fashioned buildings and traditional Dutch windmills — a perfect spot to snap some picturesque photos!

Most of all, however, it's renowned for its namesake cheese — a  creamy, semi-hard cheese that's been produced since the Middle Ages.

Gouda

Another small Dutch town included in most Volendam day trips, Gouda is also renowned for its cheese — a creamy yellow cheese with a mild flavor that's been produced here since the 12th century.

Aside from the famous cheese market held here every Thursday, there are plenty of other attractions to explore like Stadhuis (City Hall), Markt Square and the Gouda Museum.

When is the best time to visit Volendam?

The best time to visit Volendam is between April and May, when the region's iconic flowers are in full bloom.

However, due to its temperate climate, it is possible to visit any time of year — summer months offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and winter provides a unique experience with snow-covered landscapes.

The majority of travelers like to visit during spring and fall. As for the time of day, early morning is considered the best time to start your tour, as you'll have more daylight hours to explore the area.

Travel tips

• Book your day trip to Volendam from Amsterdam online and in advance. This ensures you get the best deals and can also skip any long queues.
• Be sure to dress appropriately for the temperamental Dutch weather by bringing a rain jacket and layers. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking throughout your tour.
• Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized as you explore the area.
• Finally, remember to take lots of pictures! Volendam offers so many stunning sights that are sure to make for great photographs.