iLoooove cycling. That is probably the main reason why the trip I took to Amsterdam one autumn has left a deep footprint in my memory. I don't get to cycle abroad much at all but even if you're not as crazy about cycling as I am and if you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, you must get on two wheels and explore the wonderful Dutch landscape (it's mostly flat too, so no excuses).
We decided to rent bikes from
Mac Bike (yes, it's me in the pedal brake picture :)) located on the right side of the main train station entrance. There's a choice of different types at different prices and it's
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| on the way to Marken with a pedal brake bike |
around
€10/24 hours - great deal! Pedal brake bike was my choice as it was the cheapest option but most importantly it reminded me of the first ever bike I owned that also had a pedal brake plus a front wheel hand brake. As you would expect from a rented bike, Mac bike was quite heavy but sturdy and did its job - it took us all the way to our destination and back completing around 50km including a couple wander aways here and there.
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| Marken village from distance |
There are many cycling routes in and around Amsterdam and having heard of how authentic and pretty
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| the cycling route from google maps |
Marken is there was no doubt - we had to see it. It is best if you get a map of the area but Google Maps is also great for getting directions for cyclists (enter Amsterdam as your start point and Marken, Netherlands as your destination and choose the bike option on top). It actually brings up the exact route we took and the great thing about it is that you don't get to return the same way which means you get to see and explore more, plus get a free ferry ride back to Amsterdam train station at the end. You pick which way to start but I'd recommend starting on the grey line route along the coast and return on the blue line route as the blue route is a couple kilometres shorter to make it easier for your legs (and bum!) after a day of pedaling. The views are also greater on the grey line and there are wooden tables and benches to stop, have a snack and enjoy the scenery with no rush.
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| traditional green houses in Marken |
Marken village is known for its traditional Dutch green wooden houses, clog-making and, although we weren't lucky enough, you can also spot local people dressed in traditional old-fashioned clothing. Marken survives on tourism and no wonder why - it is such a lovely and very green village where you can have a nice walk, try local dishes and find out about where the famous Dutch clogs come from. The surrounding green colour and wood-works create a relaxing nature-oriented atmosphere which is exactly what you need when on holiday.
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| Dutch clogs in Marken |
If you have patience for detail, a pencil and a piece of paper - Marken is a great place for architectural drawing. Relax at a local cafe or restaurant with outdoors seating and try to capture stripes and roofs. It definitely was a perfect day to do just that, however, the sun was starting to set and we still had to cycle back to Amsterdam preferably before darkness.
Pleasant tiredness and happiness about what a great day adventure we got to have and about all the new things we got to see and experience was visible in our sun-kissed faces. I remember hurrying to cycle back through some farm fields when in the distance we spotted a traditional windmill. It brought more excitement and inspired to keep on pedaling.
The way back was pretty straightforward and after an hour or so we were on the free ferry taking us back to mainland Amsterdam. Our Mac Bikes also luckily survived the night being locked outside our friend's flat (bike thefts are very common in Amsterdam) and after returning them to their owners we were again ready to explore more. This time another traditional Dutch village -
Zaanse Schans.
