Amsterdam: How to Spend an Amazing Day Trip to Zaandam for Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, you’ll have a lot to choose from in terms of attractions and activities. From the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to Rembrandtplein and Dam Square, there is no shortage of things to do in the city. But if you would like to go beyond the well-known tourist spots and explore more of the rustic and traditional beauty of the Netherlands, then an Amsterdam day trip to Zaandam is something that you simply cannot miss. Located just northwest of Amsterdam in North Holland, Zaandam is home to some of the most iconic Dutch attractions and landmarks. From the traditional windmills of the Zaanse Schans, the colorful fishing village of Volendam, and the lovely island of Marken, there is a lot to discover in Zaandam. But a trip to Zaandam from Amsterdam is conveniently also one of the most popular day trips from the city. To experience all of these three iconic attractions in Zaandam in a single day, you need to be organized and have a plan of action. So if you’re wondering how to spend an amazing day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam for Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken, here is a detailed guide for the perfect Amsterdam day trip to Zaandam.

How to Reach Zaandam City Center?

The Amsterdam metropolitan region is highly integrated with the national public transportation network making it incredibly easy to reach any destination within the country on short notice. To reach Zaandam’s city center from Amsterdam, you can take a train from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station. The journey will take around 15 minutes with no transfers and trains run based on their regular schedule every few minutes throughout the day. Once you get off at Zaandam’s train station, you can easily walk or take a taxi to various destinations within the city center. To help you visit more places in lesser time, there is a Hop on Hop Off Tours service being offered in Zaandam as well. The sightseeing bus runs every hour at regular intervals with prior bookings required and tickets available at various convenient outlets.

A Detailed Guide for Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip from Amsterdam

Start your Zaandam Adventure with Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is one of the top tourist attractions located in the city center of Zaandam itself and therefore it is best if you start your Zaandam day trip here before heading onto further destinations. Many historic Dutch windmills were located here which were originally used as industrial sites with oil production being one of the industrial processes depending on wind power back then. Today, these windmills have been restored and maintained and stand proudly as one of Holland’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites – although only eight are still in operation while the remaining ones serve as museums taking visitors through a journey of Dutch history and culture. You can easily explore the windmills at Zaanse Schans on your own but if you would like detailed insights into the operations from a professional guide then guided tours are available too. Apart from the iconic windmills, you can also visit a clog maker’s shop, cheese factory, wooden-shoe workshop, and a boat yard which makes for the perfect opportunity for unique souvenir shopping. When you plan your day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam for Zaanse Schans, we recommend that you factor in time for this attraction based on your own interests. If you are primarily interested in exploring the old windmills, it will take approximately two hours while if you plan to take guided tours too or head into any of the shops then around four hours should suffice.

Savoring Fresh Seafood Delicacies at Volendam

Volendam is another iconic attraction that needs to be included on your Amsterdam day trip to Zaandam as it is a charming fishing village that promises authenticity like no other destination. Located about 10 kilometers away from Zaanse Schans, you can reach this picturesque village after around half an hour’s travel from Zaandam.Volendam is charmingly colorful with attractive buildings and flower baskets that hang from windows and balconies while boats dress up its canals. This is an excellent spot for those who appreciate traditional Dutch art and culture as you’ll find many artists selling hand-painted items here including wooden shoes, T-shirts with Dutch designs, hand-painted clocks, etc. as souvenirs or keepsakes. Before you move on, remember to also sample some fresh seafood delicacies as Volendam is known for its excellent seafood specialties including mackerels, herring with pickles, mussels or whatever else you’d like that’s fresh off the boat! When planning a trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam for Volendam sightseeing, allow around two hours for your trip here to enjoy the colorful streets of this charming Dutch fishing village at leisure.

Finishing your Day Trip at Marken

By now it will be nearing towards late afternoon after which your day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam would all be left with exploring Marken – one of Holland’s most famous reclaimed islands located just 15 kilometers away from Volendam. Marken became famous as early as 1871 when fishermen made it their home who had sailed their nation’s seas for centuries. It is here that you will find historic wooden houses standing in neat rows that are literally part of Dutch heritage while maintaining its proud reputation of having a large fishing fleet operating out of the island’s harbors. When planning a day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam via Marken, allow around two hours here as well depending on what all you’d like to explore and experience in this charming island village. With plenty of sights to ogle at starting right from its lighthouse, drawbridge & lock system, old harbor town center that has colorful Dutch houses, a traditional windmill, souvenir shops and more are all part of Marken sightseeing so there is plenty for everyone who visits this unique island village!

Additional Tips for Amsterdam Day Trip to Zaandam

• Try to plan your entire day trip in advance so that you stay organized – this includes selecting attractions that are of most interest as well as selecting timings for various stops accordingly.
• Pack plenty of snacks and water so that you don’t have any energy dips during your day trip.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes with clothing in layers so that you can adjust temperature.
• If budget permits then including other activities such as cheese tasting, souvenir shopping or scenic walking tours etc. can add even more value to your Amsterdam to Zaandam day trip.
• Although taxis are available throughout these three destinations within Zaandam, buses or even cycling can also be great FUN ways to explore this region.
• Start early in order to enjoy your entire day trip uninterrupted – this ensures that even if delays occur at any particular stop then other streets will not have to be compromised due to late scheduling.

After reading this guide on how best to spend an amazing day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandam for Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken we hope that everything has become clearer to you. If it has intrigued you enough that you would like an expert local guide help you explore these amazing landmarks then this activity will be perfect for you! The experienced local guide will give detailed insights into each attraction while also taking care of all your transfer needs so that all you need to do is sit back and enjoy!