Amsterdam to Muiden and Naarden: A Car-Free Day Plan

Two fortress towns, one castle, and a boat ride — all doable by bus and bike from Amsterdam Centraal.

Getting out of Amsterdam without a car

From Amsterdam Centraal, bus 320 to Muiden takes about 25 minutes and runs every 15 minutes on weekdays; a day return costs around €10. Alternatively, take the train to Weesp (12 minutes, frequent) and cycle the 4 km to Muiden on signed paths — bike rental at Centraal starts at about €12 per day. Both routes avoid the A1 and the P+R costs. Start by 9 am to beat the tour groups at Muiderslot.

If you prefer two wheels all day, rent an e-bike (around €25) and follow the Vecht toward Maarssen, turning north at Muiden. The route is flat and mostly car-free, with ferries at Muiden and Naarden costing €2–3 per crossing. I would book the train to Weesp and rent a bike there instead — it saves the city ride and puts you straight on the quiet Vecht dike.

Muiden: castle, harbour, and a quick bite

Muiderslot is the main draw: a 13th-century castle with moat, drawbridge, and hourly tours. Entry is about €17.50 for adults; book online to skip the queue. The guided tour lasts 45 minutes and covers the castle’s role in the Dutch Golden Age. Outside, the herb garden and falconry demonstrations (weekends in summer) are free with entry. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

The harbour front has a handful of cafes; expect €8–12 for a sandwich and €5 for coffee. For a cheaper option, buy supplies at the Albert Heijn near Weesp station. After lunch, walk the 1.5 km around the old town walls — the view from the Groote Kerk tower (open Saturdays, €3) is worth the climb. Skip the Polderweg museum if you are short on time; it is small and mostly text panels.

Naarden: star fort and the Dutch Fortress Museum

From Muiden, bus 105 to Naarden takes 20 minutes (every 30 minutes). Or cycle the 8 km along the Vecht — the route passes two ferries and is flat. Naarden’s star-shaped fort is best seen from the air, but on the ground, walk the 3 km rampart path for free; it offers clear views of the moat and the Gooimeer. The Dutch Fortress Museum (€12.50) is worth 45 minutes, especially the tunnel tour.

The town itself is compact: the Grote Kerk with its painted ceiling (open Tue–Sat, free) and the Spanish House (a cannonball lodged in the facade) are quick stops. For lunch, the terraces on the Marktstraat are pleasant but pricey (€10–15 for a main). I would push on to the harbor at Naarden-Bussum for a picnic instead. The walk from the fort to the harbor takes 15 minutes.

Where to stay and what to skip

If you want a base outside Amsterdam, consider Weesp: a 12-minute train ride from Centraal, with a handful of small hotels around €100–130 per night, and easy access to both towns. Muiden has one small hotel (often full in summer), and Naarden’s options are limited and car-oriented. Amsterdam’s budget hotels near Sloterdijk (€80–100) are a practical fallback, with frequent trains to Weesp.

Skip the tourist-heavy Muiderslot cafe and the overpriced boat tours from Muiden harbor (€15 for 45 minutes); the ferry to Naarden is cheaper and more scenic. Best months are April–June and September; July–August bring crowds at the castle. Book the castle online and travel light — the buses have limited luggage space. A final tip: the Naarden-Bussum station has direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal (25 minutes), so you can return by rail.

Questions, answered

Can I visit Muiderslot without a car?

Yes. Bus 320 from Amsterdam Centraal stops at Muiden, a 5-minute walk from the castle. Or take the train to Weesp and cycle 15 minutes. The castle is open daily 10 am–5 pm; book tickets online.

Is the Dutch Fortress Museum in Naarden worth visiting?

For history buffs, yes — the tunnel tour and exhibits on the Water Line are engaging. Allow 45 minutes. If you are short on time, the free rampart walk gives a good sense of the fort’s scale.

Where should I stay for a car-free trip to Muiden and Naarden?

Weesp is ideal: a 12-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal, with small hotels around €100–130 per night. Amsterdam’s Sloterdijk area also works, with frequent trains to Weesp and buses to Muiden.

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