From and to Volendam and Marken for 100 years

A visit to Volendam or Marken should include a trip across the water. The Volendam Marken Express has been sailing back and forth between the two villages for almost 100 years. It departs every day, in all types of weather. In the 30-minute trip you will enjoy the beautiful views of the Gouwzee, the IJsselmeer, the boats and authentic harbours. The comfortable boats make this experience unforgettable. Explore two unique villages and relax on your way there.

Volendam and Marken are known worldwide as the most unique Dutch villages. During the crossing, you will learn about these places and what makes them special. You can not skip these icons when you are in the Netherlands!

Enjoy the crossing

Learn about Holland's most famous fishing villages, during the cruise the audio guide tells you what makes them so special. You will be surprised how different Marken and Volendam are. The houses, culture, harbours and even religion. Marken is a Protestant island while Volendam is traditionally Catholic.

You can tell that Marken used to be an island by the relaxed mood in this village. Explore the wooden houses built on stilts. Built this way to keep the houses dry during the floods that regularly occurred.

Volendam is known for smoked eel and its music. Therefor music from Volendam music is called 'Palingsound'. Loved throughout the Netherlands! Even the language is different in Volendam, as the inhabitants speak Volendams and not Dutch.