When I think about my trip to the Amsterdam countryside, I picture peaceful canals, windmills turning slowly, and the kind of quaint that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of time.

On a day trip from the city, I explored four charming spots—Volendam, Edam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans. Each had its personality, and wandering through them gave me a better sense of Dutch culture beyond Amsterdam’s busy streets.

I’ve always loved slow travel—staying in a place longer, like 10 days in Amsterdam—so taking the time to really see these smaller places felt just right.

I’ll share what I saw, what I loved, and a few things I wish I’d known before going.

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Why Visit the Amsterdam Countryside?

As much as I enjoyed the energy of Amsterdam, I found myself craving something quieter—somewhere I could walk without needing my phone’s navigation, sit by the water, and just take it all in. That’s what drew me to the countryside near Amsterdam. It’s close enough to the city to be convenient, but it feels like another world entirely. You trade traffic and noise for bike paths and stillness.

I love spending time in smaller towns, they are the perfect way to spend a day. I wasn’t rushing from one major sight to the next. Instead, I wandered, watched locals go about their day, and let the moments stretch out.

There aren’t any incredible landmarks or museums you feel pressured to seek out, instead, it’s just the simple act of walking, exploring and soaking in the charm of everyday life. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful, this is it.

Volendam – a picturesque fishing village

green buildings with white trim and orange rooftops on pier in dutch countryside near amsterdam

Volendam was my first stop, and it definitely made an impression.

The harbour of Lake Markermeer was lined with fishing boats, the smell of fried fish hung in the air, and shop windows were filled with wooden shoes, cheese wheels, and postcards. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to photograph—everything looks just right.

But after a little while, I started to feel like I was walking through a set made for tourists. It was charming, yes, but also a bit too crowded. I found it hard to connect with anything that felt real.

Still, I’m glad I went. I sat by the water with a tea, watched people come and go, and then decided it was time for a change of pace. I rented a bike right there in Volendam and pedaled the short distance to Edam. That bike ride was one of the highlights of the day—flat paths, open fields, and barely any cars. Just me, the countryside, and the quiet.

How to Get to Volendam from Amsterdam

canal with boats in the amsterdam countryside of the netherlands
  • By Bus: It’s a quick 30-minute ride. Just hop on Bus 316 from Amsterdam Centraal, and you’ll be dropped off right in Volendam Centrum. From there, it’s a short walk to the Volendams Museum and Information Centre. *This is what I recommend*
  • By Bike: If you’ve got time and the weather’s on your side, cycling is a beautiful option. It’s about 25 km and takes roughly 90 minutes. Most of the way follows dedicated bike lanes alongside the highway before curving through quiet countryside and charming villages like Monnickendam and Broek.
  • By Guided Tour: There are also fully guided coach tours that include Volendam, Edam, and Zaanse Schans—a great option if you want a more structured day without worrying about logistics. Check availability and pricing here.

Edam – a charming cheese village

Of all the towns I visited, Edam was my favourite. There was something about the quiet charm of the place that made me want to slow down even more.

After the busier scene in Volendam, Edam felt like a deep breath. I wandered along peaceful canals, crossed tiny bridges, and passed homes with flower boxes in the windows and bikes resting casually against walls.

I also enjoyed a delicious brunch at Romy’s Kitchen, a bit off the beaten path from the other cafes and restaurants you’ll find along the canal.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying the cheese—this is Edam, after all. While I didn’t get to catch the summer cheese market held on Wednesdays, the local shops still gave me a taste of it. I also popped into the Edam Museum and stepped inside the Grote Kerk, a huge old church that felt oddly intimate in its silence. There were no crowds, no rush—just space to be present. That’s what made Edam stand out.

How to Get to Edam from Volendam

canal with houses in amsterdam countryside in netherlands

The journey from Volendam to Edam by bike is 3 km or about 10 minutes. That’s if you decide to take the direct route. I opted for a more scenic route, and was it ever!

Follow the trail along the shores of Lake Markermeer – sea on one side and grassy countryside on the other. You will cross over drawbridges and see many windmills along the way. 

Marken – a quaint island village

bridge, canal with houses in amsterdam countryside in netherlands

Getting to Marken felt like entering a different world. It’s connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, but it still has that quiet, island-like feeling. The houses here are small and painted dark green with white trim, all perfectly kept, as if time hasn’t touched them in decades. I spent most of my time just walking—no agenda, no must-sees—just following the paths past gardens, washing lines, and wooden bridges.

What stood out to me most was how peaceful it was. There weren’t many people around, which made it easy to imagine what life must have been like here long ago. I didn’t visit any museums or shops in Marken; I didn’t feel the need. My only stop was at a bakery called Poffertjes, which I highly recommend. It was one of those places that invites you to do less, to simply look around and let the stillness do the talking.

How to Get to Marken from Volendam

canal with boats and houses amsterdam countryside in netherlands
The countryside of Amsterdam on bike ride to Marken from Volendam

The journey from Volendam to Marken is easiest via the Volendam Marken Express, a ferry that crosses Lake Marermeer taking about 30 minutes. Or, there is a 1.6 km long embankment allowing you to cross by bus or bike.

Zaanse Schans – a quintessential windmill village

Zaanse Schans was my last stop of the day, and to be honest, it felt like a bit of a shift. The windmills are striking—tall and sturdy against the sky—and the setting along the river is undeniably scenic. I could see why so many people come here. But for me, it felt a little too curated, almost like a Dutch theme park designed for photo ops.

There were crowds, lines, and guided groups moving from one attraction to the next. I visited a working windmill, stepped inside a clog-making workshop, and sampled cheese again (because why not?). It was interesting, but I found myself wishing for the quiet of Edam or Marken. I think Zaanse Schans is worth seeing, especially if it’s your first time in the Netherlands—but if you prefer slow, less-touristy experiences, it’s good to set your expectations.

How to Get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam

  • By Train: The quickest way is to take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Koog-Zaandijk Station (about 17 minutes), then walk or take a bus to Zaanse Schans. Total travel time: 25-30 minutes.
  • By Bus: You can also take a bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, but the trip takes around 40 minutes, and buses run less frequently, plus there’s potential for delays due to traffic.
  • By Car: Zaanse Schans is 20 km north of Amsterdam. Take the A8 motorway toward Zaandam and follow the signs. Just be aware that parking can be tricky and pricey during busy seasons.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Amsterdam’s countryside gave me a slower, more personal glimpse of the Netherlands—one that balanced the charm of village life with the ease of a day trip.

If you’re looking for more day trip ideas, check out my experiences in: