DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE NEAR AMSTERDAM: 9 BEST PLACES (+MAP, TOURS & USEFUL INFO
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The Amsterdam countryside in Netherlands is just located 30 minutes away from the hectic city center. A visit to the Amsterdam rural area will transport you to a serene and idyllic landscape of vast meadows, windmills, dikes, lakes and picturesque villages full of history.
In this article I will bring you to some of the best places that are a must visit for any traveler wishing to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Dutch countryside. I will share some of my pictures and tips on how to get there, by a local. I am a resident in The Netherlands.
IS THE AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE IN THE NETHERLANDS WORTH VISITING?
Definitely! The Amsterdam countryside is the perfect gate away to take a break while exploring the crowded Amsterdam streets an it will give you a taste of the Dutch local culture.
The rural area around Amsterdam should be added to every Amsterdam visit and it will for sure not disappoint you. From cycling through fields and enjoying stunning views to try some of the traditional Dutch food in its fishing villages the Amsterdam countryside is the perfect compliment to your Amsterdam trip. Do not forget to include this visit to your itinerary.
HOW TO GET TO THE AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE IN THE NETHERLANDS
Most people visiting the Amsterdam countryside are on a visit to Amsterdam and are looking for some day trips to get to know the surrounding areas.
There are several villages in the Netherlands countryside and visiting them on your own can be a daunting task. Renting a car in Amsterdam is expensive and taking public transport or the bike will require time that you might not have available during your visit to Amsterdam.
For many people visiting Amsterdam the best way to visit the countryside is by a guided tour. You can find several offices near Amsterdam Central Station where you can book this kind of tours. However Amsterdam is a top world tourist destination and you might risk not to have spots available so I would recommend you to book in advance.
Book: Amsterdam countryside e-bike tour
Book: Amsterdam countryside most iconic villages
VOLENDAM – A QUAINT FISHING VILLAGE
Volendam is a small fishing village on the Markermeer lake. It is a very touristic village but this should not stop you from visiting it. I can guarantee you will not regret. Volendam was initially the harbor spot for its neighboring town, Edam. The name “Volendam” literally means “Filled Dam”.
The village was a refuge for artists such as Picasso, who spent some periods here, due to its proximity to the sea.
As you walk in the village you will be greeted by the smell of cooked fish and peasants enjoying the colorful houses and boats lined up at the harbor.
There are many things to do in Volendam, from visiting the Volendam museum to getting lost in the “Het Doolhof-Oude Kom”, the oldest part of Volendam where houses where built without any street pattern, to getting a photo dressing up like a local.
Do not forget to try the famous Volendam herring in one of the many local fish shops in Volendam.
The village is a good spot for photography lovers and it will be one of your highlights from your visit to the Amsterdam countryside.
One of the best ways to get to know about Volendam history is by taking a guided boat tour:
HOW TO GET TO VOLENDAM
You can get to Volendam from Amsterdam Station by bus line 316 and the bus. However if the weather is good and you are in good shape you can attempt reaching Volendam by bike. I personally love the bike ride across the Amsterdam Wetlands to get there. The distance to Amsterdam is 25 Km and it usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes to get there. Depending on the wind strength and direction.
Other option is visiting Volendam on guided tour. Most tours will bring you also to some other villages in the Amsterdam countryside.
Book here: Volendam, Marken and Edam
If you have enough time and the weather allows you can get to Volendam by bike. I have done it several times myself and it is such a beautiful bike ride. Find here the bike itinerary to Volendam.
EDAM- THE FAMOUS CHEESE 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.
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.
HOW TO GET TO EDAM FROM VOLENDAM
The distance between Edam to Volendam is 3km, so 10 minutes with the bike and 30 minutes walking.
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:
HOW TO GET TO EDAM FROM AMSTERDAM
Take the bus line 312 from Amsterdam Central station to Edam.
You can also book a tour that will combine with some of the neighboring villages.
Book: Edam and Dutch countryside
You can also get to Edam from Amsterdam by bike. It is quite a long bike ride and you need to be fit but so rewarding as you will exercise your body in depth while admiring some stunning landscapes.
ZAANSE SCHAANS – A WINDMILL VILLAGE
The Zaanse Schaans is a residential area close to Zaandam. Zaanse Schaans is visited by thousands of tourists everyday but despite of this, people still live here.
Walking the Zaansce Schaans 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 Schaans has an open air museum feel and hosts more 2.5 million visitors each year.
A visit to Zaanse Schaans is a must to when visiting the Netherlands countryside. It will teach you about the Dutch history while bringing you to enjoying a stunning landscape.
HOW TO GET TO ZAANSE SCHAANS
The best way to reach Zaanse Schaans is by train. You can take a train from Amsterdam Central to Koog-Zaandjik station and walk from there. It take approximately 20 minutes.
If the weather is good you can also bike to Zaanse Schaans passing through the enticing Neherlands countryside lanscape.
If you are a on tide schedule I would recommend a tour. You will have a guide explaining you the history and highlights of the area.
Book here: Zaanse Schanns tour from Amsterdam
Getting to Zaanse Schans by bike is a very beautiful experience during Spring and Summer time if you have time. Find here the bike itinerary on how to get there.
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.
HOW TO GET TO MARKEN
You can get to Marken from Volendam using the Marken Express.
You can also get there from Amsterdam North Station with the 315 bus or if you are in shape and the weather is good just go by bike.
I have done myself the bike tour several times and it is breath taking. But it takes time.
If you are on a tight schedule join and organized tour.
Book here: Marken Amsterdam countryside tour
Find here the itinerary on how to get to Marken by bike and do not miss the chance to do it if you have plenty of time and the weather is good.
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.
HOW TO GET TO MONNICKENDAM FROM AMSTERDAM
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.
HOW TO GET TO BROEK IN WATERLAND FROM AMSTERDAM
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.
HOW TO GET TO DURGERDAM
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.
HOW TO GET TO HOLYSLOOT
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.
HOW TO GET TO RANSDORP
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:
MAP 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.
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
- BAGAMOYO: LAY DOWN YOUR HEART - April 5, 2024
- IRENTE VIEWPOINT LUSHOTO, USAMBARA MOUNTAINS - April 3, 2024
- 16 FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK - March 31, 2024
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