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TravelTips24 : Europe : Western Europe : Benelux : Netherlands : North-Holland : Muiden

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.

Travel to Muiden & Visa Requirements

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).

By train and bus

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, service every half hour, hourly after 10:30PM, hourly on Sundays. The ride to Muiden takes just 5 minutes.

Connexxion bus 101, from Amsterdam's Amstel Station to Blaricum, also stops on the outskirts of Muiden. Service every half hour.

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.

Tours & Getting around Muiden

Muiden is quite small, so getting around on foot or bicycle is the only reasonable option.

Muiden attractions and sightseeing

There are essentially four things to see in Muiden: the historic river quayside, the yachts moored there, the forst of the Stelling van Amsterdam and above all the Muiderslot

  • Muiderslot is a 13th-century castle on the banks of the river. Tours of the castle are usually in Dutch only. €7. [1].
  • Muizenfort is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam a seireis 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.
  • 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.
  • Pampus is an island off the coast that contains yet another fort from the Stelling van Amsterdam. A ferry runs from Muiden to the island.

May-September 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 2:30PM returning at 1PM, 3PM, 5PM. Weekdays in April and October ferries run at 1:30PM returning 3:30PM, weekends are the same as May-September. There are no Services on Modays. Mored details on official website (Dutch Only) Entrance including ferry trip is €12 or €8 for children.

Muiden city tours

Visit the 'Muiderslot', a beautiful castle on the waterside.

Within easy reach of a bicycle day trip are the fortified towns of Weesp and Naarden. Plenty of routes and suggestions for day trips on the internet.

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.

Muiden souvenirs & shopping

Muiden Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

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.

Muiden nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Cafe Ome Ko is the favorite place on the waterfront. Watch the boats go by!

Muiden cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Get out

This page was last edited at 20:44, on 4 September 2008 by Wikitravel user Morph. Based on work by Meltwaterfalls, Stacy Hall and Evan Prodromou, Wikitravel user(s) Edgardamsterdam, Jonboy, Wesopa, Nzpcmad and Pdwerryhouse and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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