• Take bus 314 or 316 from Amsterdam Central Station to Broek in Waterland, which takes around 20 minutes. Or for the more adventurous, rent a bike at Amsterdam Central Station and cycle to Broek in Waterland. This pleasant ride from the city centre takes around 40 minutes but takes you through some picturesque spots just outside the city. For a more relaxed experience, rent a scooter at Scooter Experience in Landsmeer.
  • If you want to explore the Waterland region, then these thematic bike routes take in some of the highlights of the area. This flat polder landscape throws up moments that feel lost in time, as you encounter expansive fields and old-style stolpboerderijen – farmhouses with unmistakable pyramid roofs. Broek in Waterland resembles a traditional farming village, but in the 17th and 18th centuries it was the home of wealthy merchants and seafarers. Make sure you visit the village’s pretty protestant church.
  • Visit Theetuin Overleek, a charming teahouse serving homemade delicacies, to have lunch or rent an electric ‘whisper boat’ and drift silently past the wooden houses and tranquil meadows of the Waterland Nature Reserve. 
  • To end your day relaxed, stop at Fort Resort Beemster, a wellness centre and hotel located in a UNESCO-protected fort. 
  • Spend the night at the resort, or at one of the other hotels or B&B’s in the region.

  • From Purmerend you can take a bus (line 103) to Monnickendam. Rent a bike there and start your cycling tour with a bite of tasty Dutch cheese at Henri Willig Kaas or Kaasboerderij de Jacobs Hoeve.
  • Next on the route is Volendam, where you can visit the Smit Bokkum eel smokehouse, famous for its smoked eel and traditional Dutch pop music.
  • Cycle towards the harbour (haven) and the Dijk van Volendam. After about 5 minutes or so, Foto de Boer (Volendam’s famous photographic studio, where you can transform yourself into a true Volendammer in one of the many costumes) will be on your left, while to your right is the Markermeer. Don’t forget to take pictures! 
  • The ferry to Marken departs directly opposite Foto de Boer. Purchase your ticket(s) in the small house marked Rederij Volendam-Marken. The cost is €10 per person, including your bike. After 30 relaxing minutes on the ferry you'll arrive at the harbour in Marken.
  • There are many signposts marked ‘Museum’ from the ferry. You can also follow these signs to reach the Marker Museum, which gives a unique insight into this fishing village’s extraordinary history.
  • Discover how clogs are made, either by hand or by machine, at Klompenmakerij Marken. And maybe take a pair home with you!
  • From Marken island you can cycle along the Waterlandse Zeedijk, the sea dike, alongside the N518 provincial road. With the Markermeer on both sides of you and the skyline of Amsterdam ahead, with the Rembrandttoren, A’DAM Toren and the Pontsteiger as landmarks, you’ll enjoy a fantastic ride back to Monnickendam.

  • Have lunch at Posthoorn in the historic centre of Monnickendam, one of the Netherlands' most cherished culinary hotspots. Awarded one Michelin star in 2008, the eatery offers exceptional value fine dining, with chef Jeroen Bavelaar’s unique five- to eight-course signature menu featuring classic French cuisine using seasonal products and innovative elements.
  • Head to the Zaanse Schans, which offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the Netherlands' industrial past with its traditional houses, warehouses and workshops. While there you can watch traditional craft demonstrations such as clog and cheese making, and visit the magnificent windmills and historic buildings.
  • Whether you walk, cycle or drive along the River Zaan, you’ll pass historical merchants’ houses and old food factories. Of the latter, the Verkade complex is an impressive example. 
  • Further north is the town of Wormerveer. The dyke runs directly along the River Zaan and overlooks an impressive industrial river landscape, with a view of the great 19th-century factories and warehouses of Wormer (the Industrial ‘Wall’). 
  • On your return, stop off in the city of Zaandam, known for its car-free shopping area, modern Zaan Theatre and many cafés and restaurants. Don’t miss the Inntel Hotel, a modern interpretation of the traditional green Zaans houses. Complete your visit to the Zaan region with an overnight stay in this hotel or head back to Amsterdam by train (from platform 4).