Marken
in Laag Holland
Welcome to Marken - Picturesque peninsula
Only one dike connects the authentic peninsula of Marken with the mainland. Marken breathes the authentic atmosphere of yesteryear in a typically Dutch setting, where greenery and water alternate. Narrow alleys, drawbridges and green wooden houses: it is as if time has stood still here. Welcome to Mèreke, as the locals will say.
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Must-see on Marken
Must-see on Marken
All tips at a glance: these sights are not to be missed!
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Even more Waterland
Even more Waterland
Each place in Waterland has its own charm and their cultural-historical background makes them well worth a visit. Curious about the surroundings?
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All you need to know
All you need to know
All the practical information you need to know before visiting this peninsula.
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Yards & stilt houses
Yards & stilt houses
To discover the charm of Marken, a walk along the wharves is highly recommended. Several routes are available.
Must-see on Marken - Wondering what there is to do?
Marken is definitely a must for your bucket list! This typically Dutch peninsula with its wooden houses is super charming. Look out over the IJsselmeer, low-flying seagulls, cows in the meadow and walk past the lighthouse 'Het Paard van Marken'. Explore the island in a different way!
Typical Marken
- Horse of Marken
At the very tip of the island of Marken peaks Marken's iconic lighthouse! From the walkway, you can snap a beautiful picture of this tower.
- Marken Express
A unique experience of a special part of the Netherlands! Hop on board with Rederij Volendam-Marken Express and cruise from Volendam to Marken or vice versa.
- Clog makers
At Klompenmakerij Marken, you will see how traditional clogs are crafted using an authentic steam engine.
- Marker Museum
The Marker Museum is housed in six historic houses in the old town. The museum offers a unique insight into the peninsula's special history!
- Walk the Wervenroute
Walk along the dyke and through the picturesque streets of the Marker residential areas, overlooking the water and traditional wooden houses.
Tips from the locals
- Tips from Trijntje
Trijntje is a born and bred Markse and super proud of 'her' island. In this blog, read her favourite spots!
- Stay a night
Discover the island in a unique way; stay a night and you have (almost) the whole island to yourself. Which accommodation will you choose?
- Take a dip at the Havenstrandje
The swimming location is located directly on the Gouwzee and is an officially designated bathing water location. If you want to cool down, this is the place to be!
- Grab a terrace
Will you choose to start the day with a delicious breakfast, slide in for lunch, toast over a cosy drink or end the day here?
- Tourist information point Marken
Information point Marken is there for residents, tourists and entrepreneurs. From here, volunteers provide extensive information on activities, attractions and events!
Yards & stilt houses
To reduce the inconvenience of floods, the Markers built their houses on mounds since the 14th century. Colloquially, these artificial hills are also called 'yards'. To make good use of such a wharf, the houses were built as close together as possible. In the 19th century, when the wharves became crowded, Markers started building their houses on stilts. With the construction of the Afsluitdijk, the danger of flooding disappeared. This also allowed the space under the 'stilt houses' to be utilised, and so the lower houses were created. Of the twenty-seven original yards, fifteen remain. Of these, eleven are still inhabited today. Marken's wharves are iconic for the former island; you can see them from afar. To discover the charm of this place for yourself, a walk along the wharves is an absolute must. Walk the round Marken, Kerkbuurt-ommetje, Rozewerfroute, Wervenroute or Havenbuurtroute to discover all Marken's wharves.
Visit the tourist office at the harbour for information on routes and more.
Tip: Take a tour with a guide in traditional costume! This is a real experience and can be extended with some fun and tasty activities that have a real Marker accent. Rond Marken provides these tours and will tell you the stories that come to life in the archetypal Dutch setting of Marken!
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Port neighbourhood route
Port neighbourhood route
The Harbour Neighbourhood Route explores the south side of the island and, in addition to the h...
(4 km) -
Yards route
Yards route
Stroll along the dyke and through the streets of the typical Marker residential areas.
(7 km) -
Church neighbourhood diversions
Church neighbourhood diversions
This short walk takes you through Marken's church quarter. Join us o...
(2 km) -
Around Marken
Around Marken
This route lets you explore the beautiful Marken peninsula. The route...
(7.5 km) -
Rose yard route
Rose yard route
With the Rozewerfroute, you will discover a beautiful part of Marken. The route l...
(5 km)
Q&A - Everything you need to know about Marken
1. What should I take into account on Marken?
On Marken, they are proud to live and work on the peninsula and like to keep Marken beautiful as it is. Will you help too? You can find Marken's covenant here.
How do I get to Marken?
There are several transport options to reach Marken:
- By car; Marken is connected to the mainland by a dike (provincial road N815).
- Public transport; From Amsterdam Central Station, you can catch the EBS bus to Marken (at the back of the station). You can also take the ferry from Volendam. This boat trip takes just 30 minutes. Departure location: Harbour 38, 1131 EP Volendam. Are you taking your own boat? Then moor your boat in the harbour for free!
- Cycle; Marken can be reached by bicycle. You can rent a bike in, for example, Amsterdam or Volendam and follow the cycle route.
3. Parking on Marken
Visitors to Marken have only one option for parking. When you enter Marken, you will find a large car park (Kruisbaakweg 1) immediately on your left. As a visitor, you must park here; it is not possible to drive any further. Parking a car in Marken's large car park costs €3.90 per hour (paying per 10 minutes is possible), with a maximum of €12.00 per day. Parking a coach in Marken's main car park is €19.20 per day. Motorbikes do not have to pay as long as they are not parked in the parking bay.
Parking can be paid with cash, a debit card or the parking app.
4. Are there any public toilets on Marken?
Public toilets are available at the Marken car park at a rate of €0.50. In addition, you can use public toilets and showers at the tourist office at the harbour. These are open from 08:30 to 18:30 and also cost €0.50.
5. Can you rent bikes on Marken?
Yes, you can! Bike rental Marken is a small (family) business and is located next to the Beatrix Bridge in Marken's car park. The company rents out different bikes in various shapes and sizes. More information can be found on the website.
Even more Waterland
Together with the villages of Uitdam, Zuiderwoude, Broek in Waterland, Ilpendam, Watergang, Katwoude, Overleek and the town of Monnickendam, the peninsula of Marken forms the municipality of Waterland. Each place has its own charm and the cultural-historical background makes them well worth a visit. Enjoy the well-preserved monuments that adorn the old town and villagescapes. Cycle or walk through the open peat meadow landscape, past cosy restaurants, farm shops and overwhelming, bird-rich nature.
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Cycling in Waterland
Explore the surroundings by bike! In Waterland, you can find several cycling routes that will introduce you to the beautiful surroundings. Curious about the routes?
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Almost half of this area is made up of water, so nowhere will you find as many canals, lakes, rivers and ditches as here. This is also where you will find the picturesque village of Marken!
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From the water
Always wanted to discover Waterland from the water? Hire a boat, a sup or go sailing on the Markermeer.