Overview of Marken

Despite a population of scarcely 2,000 residents, Marken attracts about 500 times that number in tourists each year. The town’s history has allowed it to form an identity that’s unique in all the Netherlands, which makes it an object of fascination for visitors. Until 1957, Marken was an island in the IJsselmeer; in isolation from the rest of the Netherlands, it developed an independent culture – its own architecture, dialect, dress, and more – that it still maintains, despite the closure of the dike that once separated it from the mainland. While the folk culture has become less distinctive since the ’50s, it is still clearly visible on the onetime island – now a peninsula – of Marken.

How to Reach Marken

There is a direct bus connection from Amsterdam Central Station to Marken all year round: bus 311 departs from the northern side of the station (the side of the IJ River, not of Amsterdam Center!). It takes about 45 minutes to reach Marken.

From March to November, it’s possible to reach Marken via boat from Volendam, another attractive day-trip city which can be reached in a half-hour on bus 312 (which also departs from the north side of Amsterdam Central Station). The Marken Express departs every 30 to 45 minutes and takes about half an hour. The ferry company offers the option to rent a bike for use on the peninsula, but Marken’s small size also lends itself well to explorations on foot.

What to Do & See

Marken isn’t just about a series of “must-see” attractions; instead, much of its appeal comes from strolling along the promenades and absorbing its distinctive character. Visitors can appreciate the traditional wooden architecture, often built on mounds to protect it from frequent floods, the charming “island” ambiance, and more. However, several notable landmarks are worth seeking out during your visit.

• The most iconic structure in all of Marken is certainly the so-called Paard van Marken (Horse of Marken), a monumental lighthouse that rises from the easternmost point of the peninsula. The current structure, dating back to 1839, features a 54-ft. (16m) tower attached to two pyramidal-roofed houses. Since the Paard van Marken is now a private residence, it is closed to the public.
• Curiosity about local culture often draws visitors to the Marker Museum, which exists to satisfy this interest. Spread over six former fishermen’s houses, the museum is dedicated to fine and decorative arts, handicrafts, and folk costumes of Marken. The traditional dress of Marken symbolizes “Marker” culture, but it rarely appears nowadays except during special occasions or at the museum. Visitors can also explore the preserved 1930s interior of one of the houses, showcasing the original furnishings and decorations. (Note that the Marker Museum is only open from April to November.)
• The Kijkhuisje Sijtje Boes (Sijtje Boes Lookout House; Havenbuurt 21) is a charming little house where visitors can peek inside to see period furniture and decor curated by Sijtje Boes. This site also serves as a souvenir shop, the oldest in Marken, which the entrepreneurial Ms. Boes founded in the early 1900s; even back then, Marken’s distinctive folk culture attracted visitors to the then-island.

Moreover, Marken features a wooden shoe workshop (Dutch: klompenmakerij) located at Kets 50, where visitors can witness both machine-assisted and manual production of traditional wooden shoes, and perhaps purchase a pair to take home.

Where to Eat

Marken has just a handful of restaurants, and visitors often choose to dine in nearby cities; however, the number and variety of local eateries have increased over the years. A popular choice remains the Hof van Marken, a hotel restaurant known for its cultivated French/Dutch menu and warm hospitality, which consistently earns rave reviews from diners.