Volendam and Marken, two former fishing villages on the Markermeer north-east of Amsterdam, are easy to see together in one day thanks to the Marken Express boat, which links them in about thirty minutes. Catholic Volendam draws the crowds with its harbour, brick houses and costume photo studios; Protestant Marken, which remained an island until 1957, is a quieter village of green and black wooden houses. From Amsterdam Centraal, EBS bus 316 goes straight to Volendam; for Marken, take metro 52 to Noord and then bus 315. The Volendams Museum opens daily from 10am to 5pm (€8), and the Marker Museum until 31 October 2026 (€4).
Highlights
Volendam harbour
The harbour dike (Haven) is lined with shops, fish stalls and cafés facing the traditional sailing boats moored there. The Marken Express leaves from number 39. Opposite the boat departure, the Fotograaf Volendam studio will photograph you in traditional Volendam costume; it is best to book a time slot at busy times.
Marken lighthouse (Paard van Marken)
Built in 1839 on the eastern tip of the island, this 15.5-metre brick lighthouse, a national monument, is still in use and the keeper's house is lived in: you cannot visit the inside. You can walk there from Marken harbour along the dike, with open views over the Markermeer.
The wooden houses of Marken
In the Kerkbuurt and Havenbuurt districts, wooden houses painted green and black cluster around the church and the harbour. Most are lived in: stay on the public paths. Driving on the island is not allowed without a permit; a large car park is at the entrance to the village.
The Marker Museum
Opened in 1983 in six connected old houses at Kerkbuurt 44-47, the museum shows a traditional interior, the costumes of Marken, fishing and the struggle against the water. In October 2026 it opens daily from 11am to 4pm, on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, until 31 October; last winter it was closed from November to the end of March. Entry €4, €2 up to age 12, free with the Museumkaart.
The Volendams Museum
At Zeestraat 41, the museum tells the story of life in Volendam from 1850 to 1950: fishermen's house interiors, the famous traditional Volendam costume and a collection of cigar bands. Open daily from 10am to 5pm; wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours and tickets
Marken Express: daily, departures about every 45 minutes, crossing of about 30 minutes; in October 2026, regular departures from Volendam from 10:30am to 5:15pm and from Marken from 11:15am to 6:00pm, with extra departures when busy. Tickets are valid for one year, free up to age 3, with a child rate for ages 4 to 11; bikes and dogs on a leash are allowed. Volendams Museum: €8 (ages 18-64), €6.50 (65 and over, students), €5.50 (ages 13-17), €3.50 (ages 6-12), free up to age 5 and with the Museumkaart or the I amsterdam City Card.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Prices checked in October 2026. Travel one way by boat and the other by bus: for example bus 316 to Volendam, the boat to Marken, then bus 315 and metro 52 back. Bus 316 and metro 52 leave from [Amsterdam Central Station](/fr/attractions/gare-centrale-amsterdam); tickets are explained in our guide to [getting around Amsterdam](/fr/articles/transports-amsterdam). Bus 801 also links Volendam with the [Zaanse Schans](/fr/attractions/zaanse-schans) via Edam and Purmerend, every 30 minutes at weekends, and on weekdays until 18 October.
How to get there
Volendam: EBS bus 316 from Amsterdam Centraal (towards Edam), several departures an hour. Marken Express departure: Haven 39, 1131 EP Volendam. Volendams Museum: Zeestraat 41, 1131 ZD Volendam. Marken: metro 52 from Amsterdam Centraal to Noord, then EBS bus 315 to Marken; boat arrival: Havenbuurt 19, 1156 AL Marken. Marker Museum: Kerkbuurt 44-47, 1156 BL Marken.
Opening hours
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