A day trip from Amsterdam to Broek in Waterland

22 August 2025
A day trip from Amsterdam to Broek in Waterland

The picturesque town of Amsterdam is located fifteen minutes above Amsterdam Pants in WaterlandThink wooden houses in pastel shades, winding streets, and water meandering through the streets. It's small, cozy, and perfect for an afternoon stroll or a longer walk through the surrounding watery landscape.

And the best part? From Amsterdam, you can cycle there in about 40 minutes (even faster by electric car), and by car it takes just fifteen minutes. Perfect for combining your weekend in the city with the peace and quiet of North Holland's natural beauty.

 

Walking through Broek in Waterland

Walking through Broek in Waterland

Broek in Waterland is tiny: the walk through the village itself is less than two kilometers long. Perfect for a leisurely stroll. Want to see more of the surrounding landscape? Then you can choose a route from the North Holland Walking Network, for example, six or ten kilometers through the polder.

The easiest way to start the village walk is at the intersection of the Havenrak and the Doctor's PathFrom there, you walk towards the church, with the water at your side. Along the way, you'll meander past picturesque streets, bridges, and, of course, picturesque wooden houses.

Don't forget to stop at the Town Hall Bridge for a glimpse inside the church (and perhaps a drink on the terrace, from May to September). Feeling hungry? The White Swan, The village's pancake restaurant is located right on the route and is a great way to end the day.

Handy: if you come by bike, park it around the church and start from there. You can park your car for free at Moerland; from there you can walk straight into the village via the Doctors' Path.

Boat trip from Tea Garden Overleek

Boat trip from Tea Garden Overleek

Another nice tip in the area: from the Tea garden Overleek You can take a boat trip through the water-rich surroundings – including Broek in Waterland. It's ideal to combine with your walk: first wander through the village, then settle in for lunch or high tea in the tea garden, and then head out onto the water. This way, you'll discover Waterland at its most beautiful.

 

Tea garden Overleek

Kitchen Nieuwland

Kitchen Nieuwland

Some restaurants need some extra context because they work slightly differently than a 'normal' bistro. So, how exactly does this restaurant work? Bee Kitchen Nieuwland you arrive at a somewhat unpleasant building, but once inside you are greeted by host Quan as if you were an old friend. In the open kitchen, Shan is already busy preparing the dishes on the menu.

Here you can enjoy a six-course dinner with an omakase-style menu. The menu is based on a Japanese and French-inspired style. A strange combination, but incredibly delicious. Because it's such a small restaurant, the two men dedicate their full attention to you. So, the love, attention, time (not insignificant), and the culinary skills of Quan and Shan are palpable and truly create the feeling of a night out. The menu features a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine. Let's say it's an unusual combination, to say the least, but it tastes surprisingly good. Shan's homemade pasta is incredibly fresh and surprising with its Asian twist. So, start with the Japanese tapas.

 

Kitchen Nieuwland

Also nice in the area

Also nice in the area

If you're traveling from a bit further afield, you're not just going to drive to Broek in Waterland for a two-kilometer loop. Fortunately, there's plenty to do in the area – perfect for combining with your walk.

SUPing through the ditches
Everything looks a little different from the water. Grab a paddleboard and glide through the small waterways of Broek in Waterland and the surrounding villages. What's SUP you can get onto the water straight from the Havenrak.

Road trips through villages
Feeling inspired? Make it a road trip and visit other beautiful villages in the area. Edam, Monnickendam, Volendam and Marken are all close by and each is charming enough for a stopover.

A few more hotspots nearby

A few more hotspots nearby

  • Beach Square (Monnickendam) – a laid-back beach pavilion by the water with surfboards, tropical parasols, a campfire and plenty of cozy corners to sink into.

  • Bidding House Waterland (Monnickendam) – the Waterland Brewery tasting room. Here you can not only sample local beers but also enjoy excellent food. A bonus: their harbor-side beach terrace is perfect for a long afternoon of drinks.

Also nice