Windmill Tour from Amsterdam, Including Volendam & Marken

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Windmill Tour from Amsterdam, Including Volendam & Marken

Active

(4568 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a day trip by bus from Amsterdam for a comfortable 5,5-hour break into deep-rooted Dutch tradition, traveling beyond breathtaking countryside with free Wi-Fi and getting carried away by the iconic windmills.

The experience focuses squarely on the magnificent Zaanse Schans and the charming fishing village of Volendam. At first, Zaanse Schans welcomes you to a village like no other; walk around at leisure, admire the perfectly preserved windmills and quaint old houses, and then continue to the lively fishing village of Volendam. There, visit a cheese shop where the old ways are still used, and enjoy an instructive Volendam cheese presentation.

Choose your adventure:
-The Classic Tour includes the captivating art of clog-making and a cheesemaking demonstration.

-The All-In Tour offers the full flavour: cheese, clogs, a cruise on the Marken Express, entry to a working windmill, and a sweet stop at Woltje's Bakery: taste a real Dutch stroopwafel!

Available options

All-inclusive Tour

Extra to the Classic option: syrup waffle and clog making demo, windmill, traditional marker house visit and boat trip incl.

Classic Tour

Visit to the Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken by luxurious bus are included. A cheese demonstration is also included.

What's included

Clog making demonstration with operating antique steam engine

Transport by luxurious air-conditioned bus

Cheese demonstration

Visit inside operating windmill (only on All-Inclusive Tour)

30 minute boat tour between Volendam and Marken (only on All-Inclusive Tour)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Zaanse Schans is a charming historic village near Amsterdam, known for its iconic Dutch windmills and traditional green wooden houses. Visitors can stroll along the scenic riverbanks, explore artisan workshops, and see how clogs and cheese are made. A highlight is the row of functioning windmills, each with a unique purpose like sawing wood or grinding spices. With the all-inclusive tour, you can step inside one of these windmills for a fascinating look at Dutch engineering in action. It’s a perfect day trip for experiencing the Netherlands' rich cultural heritage.

Stop 2

Volendam is a picturesque fishing village on the IJsselmeer, famous for its old harbor, colorful boats, and traditional Dutch costumes. Once home to a thriving fishing community, it still reflects its maritime roots in every corner. Strolling through the village, you’ll find charming streets, fresh seafood, and friendly locals. With the all-inclusive tour, you can also visit a local cheese factory to see how Dutch cheese is made and enjoy a tasting. It’s a delightful blend of culture, history, and local flavor.

Marken is a quaint former island village known for its wooden houses, peaceful atmosphere, and traditional Dutch charm. The village is also home to a wooden shoe factory, where you can see clogs being made by hand. Marken offers a unique glimpse into authentic Dutch heritage by the water.

Stop 4

Your tour concludes in central Amsterdam

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop off

Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

3,414 reviews

5★

1691

4★

968

3★

397

2★

217

1★

141

Tripadvisor 4.3

1,154 reviews

5★

725

4★

241

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children up to and including 3 years old are free of charge (not occupying a seat)

Meeting point

Important notes

Please make sure you check-in at least 30 minutes prior to the departure of your tour. Seats can only be guaranteed until this time.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center

By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht

50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes