Family Friendly

Volendam & Marken Fishing Villages

5 hoursMax 20 peopleAmsterdam city center (pickup point confirmed after booking)
Small groups · Max 20 peopleLocal guidesFree cancellationFast replies
1 / 4
  • Traditional Costumes
  • Ferry Crossing
  • Herring Tasting
  • Two Fishing Villages
Duration5 hours
Group sizeMax 20 people
LanguagesEnglish, Dutch, German, French
FreeFree cancellation available

At a glance

Kid-friendlyEasy walking

About This Tour

Two former fishing villages on the old Zuiderzee coast, both still working harbors, both still proudly traditional. Volendam is lively and colourful, with fresh herring stalls along the water. Marken is quieter — a genuine time capsule of wooden houses on stilts.

A ferry ride across the IJsselmeer connects the two, which is half the fun.

The two villages make a good pair precisely because they're so different in character — Volendam's harbor is busy with restaurants, souvenir shops and the smell of smoked eel, while Marken feels almost untouched, with cats sunning themselves on doorsteps and laundry hanging between houses. Most visitors find themselves preferring one over the other, and it's worth asking your guide which they think suits your pace.

Emma

Your local guide

Emma nlgbfr

Giethoorn & waterways

Emma grew up in Overijssel and steers the whisper boat through Giethoorn's canals as if it were her own garden.

Guide page

Itinerary

1

Departure & Volendam Harbor

We start in Volendam, exploring the harbor and its famous eel and herring stalls.

2

Traditional Costume Photo Stop

An optional (and popular) stop to try on traditional Volendam dress for photos.

3

Ferry to Marken

A short scenic ferry crossing over the IJsselmeer to the former island of Marken.

4

Marken Village Walk

A quiet walk through Marken's wooden houses on stilts, ending at the harbor before returning to Amsterdam.

Route map

Open route in Google Maps

Availability

Tap a date to request it. Prices are per person; you pay nothing today.

October 2026
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
AvailableFew spotsSold out
Groups of 6+: 10% off Children 4–11: 25% off Children under 4 travel free

What's Included

  • Return transport from Amsterdam
  • Ferry crossing between Volendam and Marken
  • Fresh herring tasting
  • Local guide

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Costume photo prints
  • Pickup outside the city center

Good to Know

  • Great option for families — the ferry ride and harbors are an easy pace for kids.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
  • Bring a light jacket — it can be breezy on the ferry even in summer.

What to pack for autumn

  • A waterproof jacket with a hood
  • A warm sweater
  • Shoes that can handle puddles
  • A small umbrella

Part of this tour is on the water — bring an extra layer, it's always cooler on a boat.

Meeting Point

Amsterdam city center (pickup point confirmed after booking)

Google Maps

Questions about this tour

Yes, tours run in light rain — we keep spare ponchos on hand. If the weather is truly bad, we'll offer you another date or a full refund.

Yes, children are very welcome and our guides love keeping them involved. Let us know their ages when you book. The route includes steps, boats or narrow paths, so a baby carrier works better than a stroller.

Not fully — parts of the route include steps, boats or uneven paths. Contact us and we'll look for a solution together.

The tour takes 5 hours. The pace is relaxed, with regular breaks.

Yes. You pay nothing today and can cancel for free — the exact deadline is listed under “Good to know” and in your confirmation.

Meeting point: Amsterdam city center (pickup point confirmed after booking). You'll receive exact directions and your guide's phone number in your confirmation.

Tours are guided in English, Dutch, German, French. Choose your preferred language when you book.

Yes. For private tours and groups of 6 or more, write to us and we'll put together an offer.

from
€69/ person