14 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MARKEN

Marken is former island close to Amsterdam that it is connected to the mainland by a dike. This little idyllic Dutch countryside village near Amsterdam is one of those places that seems taken out of a fairy tale.

If you are looking for a cultural experience while learning some of the Dutch history and enjoying some of the best Amsterdam beaches Marken is the place for you.

I am a local in the Netherlands for longer than 20 years and I have visited Marken several times along the years, using all possible modes of transport and during all seasons of the year. I am writing this guide to help you make the best out of your visit to this authentic Dutch village.

I am also sharing some pictures of my visits.

ABOUT MARKEN

Marken is a hidden gem in the Dutch countryside. It used to be an isolated island in the former Zuiderzee until its transformation into a peninsula began in during the 50s with the countruction of a dike connecting the island to mainland. This land reclamation project took place to prevent floods and expand agricultural terrain.

Marken is historically known for its fishing industry and strongly bond community. The village is famous for its wooden houses and traditional customs. Its transition to a peninsula facilitated access while preserving its heritage intact.

MY EXPERIENCE IN MARKEN

I have visited Marken countless times since I moved to the Netherlands and it is one of those places where I go when seeking relaxation and evasion from the hectic Amsterdam centre.

I love walking Marken streets during the cold seasons and feel the wind in my skin to conclude my visit having a traditional Dutch fish soup before heading home by bus or car. And it the Spring and Summer time I cycle from my home in the center of Amsterdam to Marken while admiring the breathtaking Dutch countryside landscape.

Sometimes during those rare tropical heat waves in the Netherlands I venture in the Markermeer and have even taken a swim in the Marken beach.

This village is without a doubt one of my favorite places in the Netherlands and I am sure you will love it as well. So do not miss out the chance of visiting this wonderful place during your visit to Amsterdam.

MARKEN LOCATION

Marken is located in 26 Km from Amsterdam in the Dutch countryside. It is located in the Markermeer lake, that once was, the Zuiderzee.

Find here a pin with Marken location:

HOW TO GET TO MARKEN

The bus line 315 runs regularly to Marken from Central station and it takes around 40 minutes to reach Marken. However if you are on short visit to Amsterdam I would recommend you better taking a tour as there some stunning villages on the way to Marken, such as Monnickendam and Broek in Waterland and you could do all of them in one day.

If you are visiting Volendam you could use the Marken Volendam express to cross to Marken and go back.

My favorite way of reaching Marken is by bike but this can only be done during the Spring and Summer months.

I am a local so I know this part of the country very well. If you are on a short visit I would recommend you taking a tour to make the best of your visit. There several biking tours in the warm months to this location.

Find here the itinerary on how to reach Marken by bike from Amsterdam:

THINGS TO DO IN MARKEN

TAKE A MARKEN WALKING TOUR

Marken is such a beautiful place that I would recommend you to take some time wandering around on your own to feel the place. I love myself the practice of getting lost in a place as the local people do in the destinations I visit, and as Marken is not that big you will not run any risk of getting lost.

However if you are in a short trip to Marken the best way to explore the corners of this magical Dutch countryside village is by talking a walking guided tour.

Your guide will make sure you will not miss any corner or little detail and it will be a true cultural immersive experience.

Try the following walking tours.

SIJTJe BOES EXPERIENCE

Sijtje Boes was a legendary souvenir seller of Marken. She was a young entrepreneur who sold Dutch souvenirs to tourists from her souvenir shop. She also opened the Kijkhuisje, where visitors can view the typical interior of a house in Marken in 1940

These days you can book a Sijtje Boes experience and visit the typical interior of a Marken house inside.

MARKEN MUSEUM

In the Kerkbuurt area, around the historical center of the village and where the oldest wooden houses are locate, the Marken museum occupies a series of six historic weatherboard smokehouses.

Before the construction of the Afsluitdijk between 1927 and 1932, these buildings were used for smoking eels, which constituted a significant portion of Marken’s economy, as well as in the neighboring Monnickendam.

During a your visit to the museum you can expect to immerse yourself in a traditional setting with original furniture and tools from the historical Marken. There is an artwork collection inside the museum and some rotating exhibitions related to different aspects of Marken’s history.

You can see some of the traditional clothing men and women were wearing when Marken was still an island and a fishing village as well.

The Marken museum opening times vary according to season so it is always better to check the latest information before venturing to the village.

GROTE KERK

Marken Grote Kerk stands out in the middle of the village with its neo-Renaissance style. The church was built in the early 20^th century and although quite simple in the outside its interior is stunning.

Once inside the church you can observe artifacts from the 17^th and 18^th centuries and some remarkable collection from the Second World War.

FLOOD MEMORIAL “THE WAVE”

The Flood Memorial “The Wave” in Marken located to one of its tiny beaches in the harbor area is a sculpture in the shape of a frozen wave in time. The memorial is a tribute to the island’s resilience in the face of adversity, before the damming of the Zuiderzee, when floods were very common and had devastating effects.

The monument located close to the water is a constant reminder honoring the lost lives and commemorating the spirit of perseverance against the relentless force of the sea.

LIGHTHOUSE PAARD VAN MARKEN

The historical lighthouse Paard van Marken ( Marken horse ) is a must see during your trip to this peninsula. It is situated out of the center and can be reached through a beautiful grassy path. The Paard van Marken was built in 1839 and it still serves as a beacon nowadays.

The lighthouse is not accessible but there are some beaches located on both sides of the path that lead to the beacon where people enjoy baths in the Markemeer lake during the warm days.

The lighthouse was equipped with a fog light in 1919 and it was not the first lighthouse to be located in this spot, being the first one dated back to 1700.

Visiting the Paard van Marken becomes an unforgettable experience during the harsh winter months when the lighthouse stands solitary amidst the drifting ice, adding a mesmerizing charm to the landscape.

MARKEN BEACHES

Marken has some of the best beaches near Amsterdam The beaches are small compared to the famous Bloemendaal en Zandvoort but they are almost empty and you can have almost a beach on your own during the hot days when the bigger and most famous beaches in the area are crowded.

There are a couple of beaches near the center of the village and another couple of them close to the lighthouse.

Do not forget to take your bikini if you are visiting Marken during the Spring and Summer months.

FLOOD WALK 1916

The 1916 Flood walk is a circular trail that starts at the Marken museum and that will bring you along the historical Marken and the devastating events that happened in the night from January 13^th to January 14^th 1916. This paths will unveil hidden corners of the former island that were witness to the flood calamity and tragic events.

There are several information plaques along the trail that recount the tales of destruction and offer insights into the real events.

Among the most remarkable sights along this route lies the lineup of icebreakers near Rozewerf, positioned along the island’s southern coastline, serving as a testament to the island’s resilience in the face of adversity.

VOLENDAM MARKEN EXPRESS

Marken is accessible from mainland through the dike that was built in 1957 and coming to Marken through the dike is an scenic trip into the Dutch landscape.

However you can also come to Marken crossing the Markermeer from Volendam. It is a 30 minutes lovely trip and it is available all year round with the Marken Express service.

You can have drinks and snacks at the dock and enjoy the open top deck during the warm months

VISIT THE STOOM CLOG FACTORY

As in many other villages in the Amsterdam countryside you can also have an authentic clog-making experience in Marken, in the “Stoom clog factory” located at the entrance of the village.

You can witness the transformation from a wood trunk to a clog in the Dutch traditional way in a few minutes.

The factory is powered by a steam engine dating back to 1913 and a visit to this factory is a truly culturally immersive experience.

There are multilingual guides in the factory that will explain you the process with a grain of humor.

Visitors have the opportunity to try on a pair to determine their size and experience the intriguing technique of slightly curling the toes to keep the clogs snugly in place.

KETS NEIGHBOURHOOD

There are not important landmarks in the Kets neighborhood but it is an historical area in the village where you can wander and enjoy the traditional wooden houses and the village rich cultural heritage.

Kets is one of the older parts of the village with quaint narrow streets and well-preserved architecture, showcasing the island’s maritime history.

While smaller than other areas in Marken, Kets offers a quieter and more intimate experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the village’s authenticity and historical charm. It’s a lovely part of Marken to wander around, taking in the quaint ambiance and immersing oneself in the island’s maritime culture.

EAT SOME DELICIOUS FOOD AT THE TANKETEEL

There are some very nice restaurants in the Marken harbor area but the Tanketeel is my favorite without any doubt. They sever a traditional Dutch fish soup that I have enjoyed many times while visiting the village.

VISIT THE WORLD WAR 2 MEMORIAL

Marken’s World War II memorial is a tribute to the island residents who perished during the conflict. The monument is a place to ensure that the memory of the lost lives endures. There are several inscriptions and symbolism where you can have a glimpse into the island’s history while preserving the stories of the lost Marken souls

THE WERF TRAIL

Marken links to the North Holland Hiking Network, a trail system with interconnected nodes allowing personalized routes or recommended paths.

Strategizing, one can craft a unique hike or follow suggestions from fellow hikers or tourism groups. An example is the Werf trail, spanning seven kilometers in a circular route, starting at node nine and passing through 35, 36, 34, 33, and 37. This trail unveils a distinctive facet of Marken’s landscape.

The trail offers insights into the specific method of constructing individual hamlets on raised mounds called “werfs.” These mounds, crafted from manure, turf, or even compacted household waste, were crucial for protection against the constant threat of Zuiderzee flooding.

During the hike, explorers encounter well-preserved mounds like Moeniswerf, Rozenwerf, Grote werf, and Witte werf, providing a comprehensive perspective on Marken’s historical landscape.

THINGS TO DO IN MARKEN FAQs

IS IT WORTH VISITING MARKEN?

Yes, Marken is really worth a visit. The beauty of the village is breathtaking and it will be a true cultural Dutch experience.

Do not forget to add Marken to your itinerary when visiting Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside.

CAN YOU DRIVE TO MARKEN THE NETHERLANDS?

Yes, you can drive to Marken through the N247 as there is a dike connecting the island to mainland. The road to Marken offers and array of scenic landscapes and it can also be done by bike.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF MARKEN, THE NETHERLANDS?

Marken, a Dutch island village, boasts a rich maritime past. Formerly an isolated fishing community, it battled against the elements of the Zuiderzee. Connected to the mainland in 1957, it preserves its heritage through traditional houses and culture, surviving floods and embracing its history amidst modernization.

MORE AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE GUIDES

I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to Marken!

While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other articles below, where I go into more detail on some of the places mentioned in this article.

• 13 cool things to do in Volendam
• 9 awesome things to do in Broek in Waterland
• 13 top things to do in Edam
• 14 best things to do in Marken
• Monnickendam: a hidden gem in the Amsterdam countrys

RECAP

Marken is a fairy tale dream. The village is so beautiful that deserves more than one visit during different seasons to admire all the little details, the flowers, feel the wind strength and its unique charm.

I love Marken, I have been there so many times and I do not get bored or tired of admiring its beauty and charm and I am sure you will love.

Do not miss the chance to visit this little paradise village in the Amsterdam countryside.