Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Rederij Volendam Marken Express
★4.5(1,938 reviews)Adventure
🕑 4-5 hours including the round-trip ferry (1 hour total) and 3-4 hours exploring Marken by bike or foot👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children enjoy the boat ride and spotting boats on the water, while older kids (8+) can confidently cycle the island's easy trails and appreciate the unique wooden houses and traditional Dutch culture.🧡 Saved by 39 families
About
This scenic ferry service connects the charming fishing village of Volendam to the picturesque island of Marken, offering families a delightful 30-minute boat ride across the IJsselmeer. Once on Marken, families can explore traditional Dutch houses, cycle along flat bike trails perfect for kids, and experience authentic village life in one of Holland's most photogenic destinations.
Highlights
- ✓Scenic 30-minute ferry ride across the IJsselmeer with opportunities to spot sailing boats and seabirds
- ✓Flat, easy cycling trails perfect for families with young riders exploring the small island
- ✓Traditional green wooden houses built on stilts, offering unique photo opportunities
- ✓Marken's historic lighthouse and harbor area with friendly local cats that kids love
- ✓Authentic Dutch village atmosphere with locals in traditional dress during special events
Pro Tips
- 1.Rent bikes in Volendam before boarding the ferry, as rental options on Marken are limited and more expensive.
- 2.Book your ferry tickets online in advance during summer weekends and Dutch school holidays to avoid long queues at the harbor.
- 3.Bring layers and windproof jackets year-round, as it gets breezy on the water and while cycling on the exposed island.
- 4.The upper deck offers the best views for spotting boats and taking photos, but go early as it fills up quickly in peak season.
- 5.Combine your visit with traditional Dutch clogs demonstrations and cheese tasting in Volendam before or after your ferry trip.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (9-11am) during late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September) for the best weather with fewer crowds. Avoid summer weekends when both the ferry and island trails can be packed with tourists.
What to Know
Ferry tickets cost approximately 10-12 euros for adults and 6-7 euros for children (4-11), with family packages available. The ferry runs every 30-45 minutes in season, and there's paid parking near the harbor (reserve parking online during peak times).
Seasonal Notes
The ferry operates daily from late March through October, with limited winter service (weekends only, November to March, weather permitting). Summer months (July-August) are busiest. Spring tulip season (April-May) offers beautiful countryside views.
Nearby Eats
In Volendam, try Restaurant De Lunch for kid-friendly Dutch pancakes and poffertjes, or grab fresh herring and fries from the harbor stalls. On Marken, Cafe Restaurant Land en Zeezicht offers simple Dutch fare with harbor views and outdoor seating.
More Activities Near Volendam
Adventure
Natuurpark de Broeckgouw
★4.4
This scenic, flat bike trail offers families an authentic Dutch cycling experience connecting the charming fishing village of Volendam to the historic cheese town of Edam. With minimal traffic and beautiful countryside views, it's an easy, safe route perfect for families wanting to explore the Netherlands like locals do while enjoying wide-open spaces and traditional windmill scenery.
Restaurant
Amvo Gastheer Van Volendam
$$
Amvo Gastheer Van Volendam offers families an authentic Dutch dining experience right on the waterfront of this charming fishing village. Kids can enjoy traditional Dutch treats like fresh fish and chips or items from the children's menu while parents savor local specialties, all with beautiful harbor views that keep little ones entertained between courses.
Playground
Children Playground
★5.0Free
This well-maintained community playground in the charming fishing village of Volendam offers a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy while exploring the Netherlands. With modern equipment, swings, slides, and plenty of green space, it provides a welcome break from sightseeing and a chance for children to play alongside local Dutch kids in this picturesque waterfront town.
Ice Cream
Woltje's
★4.7$❤️16
Woltje's is a charming traditional Dutch ice cream parlor in the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, serving up homemade ice cream flavors, fresh waffles, and crepes that will delight the whole family. Located right on the historic harbor, it's the perfect spot to treat your kids after exploring Volendam's colorful waterfront and traditional Dutch houses.