Muiden
Muiden is a pleasant town in the Netherlands of approximately 4000 people, on the shores of the IJmeer, at the mouth of the Vecht river. The town is known for its yacht harbor and for its historic castle, the Muiderslot. Its proximity to Amsterdam - it is just 12 km east of the city centre - makes it a good day trip for anyone looking to get out of the city.
Get in
By train and bus
- Bus 110 from Weesp railway station. Perhaps the fastest way to reach Muiden from Amsterdam is to take the train to Weesp station, and then bus 110. The bus stop is in front of the station, the service is roughly every hour, with a few 1/2 hour internals during rush hours. The ride to Muiden takes about 5 minutes.
- Buses 320, 322 and 327 from Amsterdam Amstel station (direction Blaricum). These buses stop at the Muiden Park & Ride stop at the edge of the town. From there take a 10 min. walk to the town centre. Buses depart every half hour. Free Wi-Fi on the bus.
By car
There are large parking areas on the outskirts of Muiden. It's not worth taking your car into the town itself. There are only two bridges across the river Vecht here, the motorway and a narrow swing bridge: on Sundays the narrow bridge is closed to cars.
By bicycle
It takes about an hour to cycle from central Amsterdam to Muiden.
You can also take the train to Weesp, rent a bike at that railway station, and cycle to Muiden (2 km).
Get around
Muiden is quite small, so getting around on foot or bicycle is the only reasonable option.
See
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The whole historic centre of the town is a protected area (Rijksbeschermd gezicht Muiden). There are a few nice places to see in Muiden: the historic river quayside, the boats moored there, the lock, the forts of the Stelling van Amsterdam and above all the Muiderslot.
- 🌍 Muiderslot, Herengracht 1 (There are also direct tours by a ferry from Amsterdam). Apr-Oct Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00, Sa-Su 12:00-17:00; Nov-Mar Sa-Su 12:00-17:00. is a 13th-century castle on the banks of the river. You can visit independently most parts of the castle and the surrounding gardens. The very nicely furnished living quarters on guided tours only. The tours are in Dutch but will be given in English if requested, there is a handout with an English translation as well; inquire in advance €13,50, children 4-11 y/o €9.
- 🌍 Groote Zeesluis (Great Sea Lock). It is the other landmark of the town, listed Rijksmonument. It's just such a fun to chill out in a quayside cafe and watch numerous boats negotiating the lock.
- 🌍 Muizenfort. The fortress is a part of the Stelling van Amsterdam a series of fortifications ringing Amsterdam, which used water to protect from invasion. This unique system has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are 45 forts in total 3 of which are in, or accessible from Muiden. Muizenfort is located just south of the main lock.
- 🌍 Westbatterij. The West Battery is a smaller fort from the Stelling van Amsterdam. It is located near the waterfront at the western end of town, there is a very small but nice sandy beach next to it.
Do
Boat trips are possible on the river Vecht and on the Gooimeer (former Zuiderzee). Also rental of all sizes of rowing/motorboats and sailing ships, with or without captain.
Buy
Eat
Favorite restaurants are "Graaf Floris van Muiden" which attracts most tourists and sailers and the more exclusive "De Doelen". Both are situated on the quayside.
Drink
Cafe Ome Ko is the favorite place on the waterfront. Watch the boats go by!
Sleep
Go next
- 🌍 Pampus (approx. 3.5 km north from Muiden by a ferry. There is also an alternative tour from Amsterdam calling at the island). Apr-Oct Tu-Sa. It is yet another fort from the Stelling van Amsterdam on a small island off the coast.
Within an easy reach by bicycle are the fortified towns of Weesp and Naarden.
| Routes through Muiden |
| Amsterdam ← | W  |
→ Naarden → Enschede |
| Groningen ← Almere ← | N  |
→ Amsterdam |