Amsterdam Countryside in 2026: 9 Best Places & Hidden Gems (+ Map, Local Tips & Tours)
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The Amsterdam countryside is surprisingly close—usually just a 20 or 30-minute trip—but it feels completely different. One minute you’re in the middle of the crowds in the city, and not long after you’re looking at open fields, cows, water everywhere, small canals, and windmills turning slowly in the distance.
I’ve lived in the Netherlands for nearly 30 years, so this isn’t somewhere I just visited once for a blog post. I’ve been coming out here for years, sometimes by bike, sometimes by bus, sometimes driving. I also worked as a guide driving a van through the Amsterdam countryside, doing these routes again and again, so I know them properly.
What I always notice is the space. Long flat landscapes, dikes, boats sitting quietly in the water, wooden houses, and hardly any noise compared to the city.
When Amsterdam gets too crowded, this is where I go. It’s just easier to breathe here.
A lot of visitors never leave the city center, and they miss this completely.
In this guide, I’ll show you a mix of places — some well known, others much quieter — and I’ll explain how to get there in a simple way so you can actually plan it without overcomplicating things.
What is the Amsterdam Countryside?
When people talk about the Amsterdam countryside, they usually mean the rural areas just outside the city — mainly to the north and a bit to the west. It’s not one single place, but a mix of landscapes that all look quite different once you start exploring.
The area most people visit is Waterland, which is basically the “back garden” of Amsterdam. This is where you find small villages like Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam or Durgerdam, with wooden houses, canals, boats, and a lot of open land. It’s very flat, very green, and there is water everywhere.
Then you have the Zaan region (Zaanstreek), where the famous windmills are. This area used to be one of the first industrial zones in the world, powered by windmills. Today it still has that historic feel, especially around Zaanse Schans, which is the most visited spot in the countryside.
And finally there are the polders, which are areas of land that were reclaimed from water. Places like the Beemster are completely man-made landscapes, with straight roads, farms, and wide open views. This is where you really understand how the Dutch shaped the land they live on.
You don’t need to think too much about these regions when visiting, but knowing the difference helps you understand what you’re actually looking at when you’re out there.
Map of the Amsterdam Countryside
Find here below the map with all the places mentioned in this guide. As you can see there are all pretty close to Amsterdam. There many other nice places in the Dutch countryside that you can visit but if you are visiting Amsterdam and do not want to travel too far these are the best places to visit.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to “Your paces/Maps”. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on the view larger map on the top right corner.
Is The Amsterdam Countryside In The Netherlands Worth Visiting?
Yes, definitely.
If you spend all your time in Amsterdam, you only see one side of the Netherlands. The countryside is where things slow down — less noise, less crowds, more space.
It’s also an easy escape. You don’t need to plan much or travel far. Within a short time you can be cycling past fields, walking along quiet canals, or sitting in a small fishing village eating something simple like fresh herring or kibbeling.
For me, this is what balances a trip to Amsterdam. The city can be intense, especially in peak season, and the countryside gives you a completely different experience without needing an extra day of travel.
So yes, it’s worth it — and I would include it in any Amsterdam itinerary.
How to Get Around the Amsterdam Countryside
Updated Transport Table (2026 Optimized)
| Method | Best for… | Reachable Villages | Route Number & Key Info |
| Bus (R-Net) | Most practical option | Volendam, Edam, Marken, Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland | 316 (Volendam), 314 (Edam), 315 (Marken). All depart from the IJzijde (upstairs) at Centraal |
| Train | Zaanse Schans | Only Zaanse Schans (Station: Zaandijk) | Take the Sprinter towards Uitgeest or Alkmaar. Get off at Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans. It won’t take you to the fishing villages |
| Bike | Scenery & Freedom | Durgerdam, Ransdorp, Holysloot, Broek in Waterland | Best for the “Wetlands” close to the city. Wind can be tough on the dikes! |
| Guided Tour | Stress Free | Main icons (Windmills & Volendam) | Perfect if you want someone else to handle the logistics and history. |
Recommended 2026 Tours
Book: Amsterdam countryside most iconic villages
Book: Local’s Choice: Amsterdam Countryside E-bike tour (Highly Recommended for Spring)
Local tip:
You don’t need to buy tickets in advance for public transport. Just tap your debit or credit card when you get on and off — it works on buses, trams, and trains. It is also the cheapest option.
Best Places to Visit in The Amsterdam Countryside
There are quite a few places you can visit, but not all of them offer the same experience. Some are well known and can get busy, while others are much quieter and feel more local.
I’ve grouped them below so you can quickly decide what fits your trip.
The Classics
Volendam – A Quaint Fishing Village
Volendam is a small fishing village on the Markermeer lake. Volendam is a very touristic village, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting it. It’s popular for a reason.
It originally developed as the harbor of nearby Edam, and its name literally means “filled dam.” Over time, it became a place that attracted artists — even Pablo Picasso spent time here.
When you arrive, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere around the harbor — boats lined up, colorful houses, and the smell of fresh fish coming from the local stands.
There are quite a few things you can do here. You can visit the Volendam Museum, walk through the old maze-like area called “Het Doolhof,” where the streets don’t follow any clear pattern, or take one of those traditional photos dressed in local costume.
And yes, try the herring. Or kibbeling if you prefer something cooked.Read my full guide to the 13 best things to do in Volendam here
Volendam is one of the most photogenic places in the Amsterdam countryside, and for many people it ends up being one of the highlights of the day.
If you want to understand a bit more about the area, you can also take a short boat tour from the harbor.
Edam- The Famous Chesse Market Village
Most people associate Edam with its famous cheese market that happens every Wednesday during the Summer months. You do not need to consume cheese to enjoy this event.
But Edam is not all about cheese. The village is home to two World UNESCO heritage sites, Fort Edam and Beemster Polder.
Edam has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and in the past it was one of the most commercial towns in the Netherlands. Read my full guide to the best things to do in Edam here.
You can stroll by its streets while admiring its beautiful canals and imagine life in the past and get acquainted with its history in the Edam museum.
Local tip:
The distance between Edam to Volendam is 3km, so 10 minutes with the bike and 30 minutes walking. The best way to go from Edam to Volendam is by bike.
Take the most scenic view running parallel to Markermeer lake. You will see many windmills on the way and it is a great route to do in the Summer time. I am sure you will enjoy it as I have done it myself several times.
Find here the bike itinerary from Volendam to Edam:
Book: Edam and Dutch countryside
Zaanse Schans – A Windmill Village
The Zaanse Schans is a residential area close to Zaandam. Zaanse Schans is visited by thousands of tourists everyday but despite of this, people still live here.
Walking the Zaanse Schans streets is like a trip back in time to the 18th or 19th century when the area was an industrial area with over 1000 windmills.
Zaanse Schans has an open air museum feel and hosts more 2.5 million visitors each year.
A visit to Zaanse Schans is a must to when visiting the Amsterdam countryside. It will teach you about the Dutch history while bringing you to enjoying a stunning landscape.
Book here: Zaanse Schanns tour from Amsterdam
Local Tip: If you book a bike tour Zaanse Schans make sure it is at least 5 hours, otherwise it will be too rushed. Trust me.
Marken – A Former Island Village
Marken is my favorite village in the Amsterdam, Netherlands, countryside. It is a peninsula in the Markermeer but until 1957 was an island in the former Zuiderzee.
The fairy tale Marken wooden houses are a tourist attraction. The houses and canals make the village look like a fairy tale story and there are plenty of things to do in Marken to keep you busy for a whole day.
The Dutch countryside is the surrounding areas to Marken is the perfect set up to unplug and heal from the stress of the big city.
Some remarkable activities to do during your visit to Marken are visiting the Marken museum and its iconic light house, the Paard van Marken.
Local Tip: It is a superb experience to get to Marken from Volendam using the Marken Express.
Book here: Marken Amsterdam countryside tour
The Hidden Gems
Monnickendam – A Cultural Immersive Experience
Monnickendam is just 15 Km away and it is one of the Netherlands hidden gems. Despite its undeniable beauty the village has remained out of most tourist circuits in the area and you will only find locals while you are strolling its cobbled streets.
You can visit the Waterlands museum here and listen to the most out of tune carillon in Europe. It is just a stone’s thrown away from Amsterdam and it is one the Amsterdam countryside best kept secrets.
Pro tip: Visit the Irene Hoeve cheese farm and clog factory.
You can use the 610 bus line to reach Monnickendam from Amsterdam Central Station.
The bike ride is also very recommended and can be done in one hour.
Find here the itinerary:
Broek In Waterland – A Fairy Tale Like Village
Broek in Waterland is perhaps one’s of Amsterdam countryside best kept secrets.
With its picture painted wooden houses and tiny bridges and canals, Broek in Waterland is said to be the cleanest village in the Amsterdam, Dutch countryside.
Do not forget to visit its 16th century church where you can find the tombstones of some rich merchants of the spice trade that lived in the village.
Broek in Waterland is a 15 minutes bus ride from Amsterdam and there are buses departing 2 times per hour. The lines number 312, 314, 315 or 316 bring you to the village.
However if you are visiting during the Summer or Spring time I recommend you to go by bike. The bike ride is stunning and it will take you barely 45 minutes hour. Find here the itinerary:
Durgerdam – Where Time Slows Down
Durgerdam is tiny village very close to Amsterdam Noord, where time since to dilate in a watery magical world. This village counts only with one long streets located on the shores of the Markemeer lake. The village consists of some picturesque 17th century old gabled houses, a church with a bell town and nice looking harbor.
Coming to this village will transport you to a dimension of serenity and will make you forget that Amsterdam is just 15 Km away
Durgerdam is ideal to visit in the warm months. You can stroll around the area and bring your own food to do a picnic or eat in the lovely terrace of the Mark restaurant.
There are combination of buses that can bring you to Durgerdam from Central station.
Check the 9292 site for planning your trip. Do not worry the link is in English.
My favorite way to get to Durgerdam is by bike. The village is really close to Amsterdam and if the weather allows is a lovely bike ride.
Check here the bike itinerary to get to Durgendam from Amsterdam central station;
Holysloot – The Secret Village
Tiny little village is a truly hidden gem in the Dutch countryside. It is so small than only around 295 live there and the serenity can be felt in every corner. It is also very photogenic and this is the best place to really get immerse in the Dutch village culture.
In Summer time there is a lovely garden terrace where they serve delicious apple cake.
The people of Holysloot used to grew gran but when the land became too wet they switched to livestock farming. Holysloot first mentions date back to 1195. I would recommend you to visit this village if you are looking for a truly off the beaten path experience specially in the warm months.
You can get to Holysloot with the bus 30 but as the village is so small an isolated they do not run very frequently, so the best way to get to the village and enjoy is by bike or a guided tour and combine it with a visit to nearby village.
Find here the itinerary on how to get to Holysloot by bike:
Ransdorp- The Rembrandt Village
Ransdorp is the closet village to Amsterdam as it lies down just 7 Km from the city center but still once you get there you will get the true countryside feeling.
The village has a square tower and it is well know as the world famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn visited the village many times. Geertje Dircx took care of his motherless son Titus and during his several visits he sketched the Ransdorp tower several times.
The best way to get to Ransdorp is bike as there is no direct bus from Amsterdam and if you are on a short visit I would recommend you taking a guided tour so that can visit two or three villages in the same day.
Find here the itinerary to get to Ransdorp by bike:
More Amsterdam Countryside Guides
I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam!
While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other articles below, where I go into more detail on some of the places mentioned in this article
- 13 cool things to do in Volendam
- 9 awesome things to do in Broek in Waterland
- 13 top things to do in Edam
- 14 best things to do in Marken
- Monnickendam: a hidden gem in the Amsterdam countryside
Amsterdam Countryside FAQs
he Amsterdam countryside is located just north and west of the city limits. The most popular areas are Waterland (home to Volendam and Edam) and the Zaan Region (home to Zaanse Schans). Most villages are reachable within 20 to 30 minutes by bus or train from Amsterdam Centraal.
While Volendam is the most famous, many locals (including myself!) consider Broek in Waterland or Marken to be the most beautiful. Broek in Waterland is famous for its pastel-colored wooden houses, while Marken offers a unique, historic atmosphere as a former island in the Markermeer.
The Dutch countryside is world-famous for its iconic windmills, vast green polders, and historic fishing villages. It represents the centuries-old battle against water, featuring unique 17th-century architecture and traditional industries like cheese making and clog carving that you can still experience today at Zaanse Schans.
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