Summary
Over the course of a century, Marken has undergone significant changes.
Originally an island, it became a peninsula when a dike was constructed in 1957, connecting it to North Holland. Prior to that, the adjacent Zuiderzee was transformed into a freshwater lake following the completion of the Afsluitdijk dam in 1932, which ultimately concluded Marken’s fishing trade.
This transformation posed a mix of benefits and challenges, as flooding was previously a constant threat.
Despite these changes, Marken remains a delightful destination.
Throughout these transitions, Marken has preserved its traditions and its charming wooden houses built on stilts, which were originally home to fishermen and utilized for traditional trades such as eel smoking.
For an authentic experience, consider joining a guided tour led by local guides dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.
1. Walking Tour
Upon arriving in Marken, you will be eager to explore its various sights on foot, from the picturesque harbor to the verdant interior intersected by waterways.
For a complete coastal experience, consider hiking the entire nine-kilometer dike trail.
The company Rondmarken offers guided tours of one-hour duration for groups of up to 25 individuals. To enhance the experience, these tours are led by guides clad in traditional attire featuring an embroidered breastcloth (kraplap), striped sleeves, and a lace bonnet.
You will gain insights that may not be available otherwise, and you may further enrich the experience by enjoying a koffietafel (coffee accompanied by sweet and savory delicacies) or traditional Dutch dishes, such as soused herring paired with korenwijn (grain wine).
2. Marker Museum
Located in the charming Kerkbuurt, the island’s museum is situated within a series of six historic weatherboard smokehouses.
Prior to the damming of the Zuiderzee in the 1930s, these buildings were utilized for eel smoking, which was vital to Marken’s economy.
Inside, visitors can admire authentic interiors replete with traditional furnishings and tools.
Exhibitions featuring regional art and rotating displays provide insights into various aspects of Marken’s history.
A particular highlight for visitors is the exhibition of the island’s distinctive traditional costumes, meticulously displayed in glass cases.
Men’s attire was functional and practical for life at sea, while women’s clothing featured colorful embroidery and varied styles to denote mourning and pregnancy.
3. Wooden Shoe Factory
A popular attraction in Marken is an authentic workshop dedicated to clog-making, which also operates as a souvenir shop.
Visitors can experience the “Clog Experience,” demonstrating how a simple piece of poplar wood is transformed into a comfortable clog within minutes.
Remarkably, the clog-making equipment is still powered by a steam engine dating back to 1913, enhancing the nostalgic ambience.
Multilingual guides with a good sense of humor will explain each step of the process, from hollowing to sanding and painting.
The traditional clogs in Marken are painted brown, embellished with pink or red roses and large dark green leaves, with the owner’s name painted on as well.
Visitors are encouraged to try on a pair to determine their size and experience the unique way of wearing them.
4. Paard van Marken
A remarkable point of interest on Marken is the lighthouse situated off the east coast, which has been operational since 1839. Located at the end of a small grassy causeway, the Paard van Marken (Marken Horse) continues to serve as a navigational aid and has featured a foghorn since 1919.
This lighthouse is not the first to occupy this location; it succeeded an earlier structure established in 1700, designed to guide vessels from the Wadden Sea to Amsterdam.
Although access to the lighthouse itself is restricted, there are benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Markermeer.
A visit to the Paard van Marken is particularly enchanting during winter when the lighthouse is surrounded by drift ice.
5. Flood Memorial
It may be difficult to envision today, but prior to the construction of the Afsluitdijk dam in the early 1930s, Marken was frequently at risk from the North Sea, which often wreaked havoc on the village.
The last significant catastrophe to befall the island was a flood resulting from a storm coinciding with high tide in 1916, which led to the deaths of sixteen residents and left many others without homes.
This disaster expedited the plans for building the Afsluitdijk, which ultimately secured Marken from flooding but simultaneously led to the demise of the local fishing industry overnight.
At the harbor entrance stands a memorial dedicated to this flood, unveiled in 1916 to commemorate the centenary and known as “The Wave.” It features a bench from which visitors can contemplate what was once the open North Sea, now transformed into a tranquil freshwater lake (Gouwzee).
6. Flood Walk (Watersnood Wandeling Marken 1916)
The Flood Walk, which begins and concludes at the Marker Museum, is a trail that recalls the devastation experienced during the flood that occurred on the night between January 13 and 14, 1916. This walking path takes you through some of the most picturesque areas of the former island, which were substantially affected by the flood.
Along the route, new informational plaques provide narratives of the destruction, and visitors can acquire a leaflet or download a PDF containing detailed information.
One of the most striking views along the path is the series of icebreakers located off Rozewerf on the island’s southern coastline.
7. Kijkhuisje Sijtje Boes
One of the delightful aspects of quaint locations like Marken is the presence of small attractions, along with the intriguing stories connected to them.
In a charming weatherboard house by the harbor, Kijkhuisje Sijtje Boes serves as a small museum named after its founder, Sijtje Boes (1895-1983). She recognized Marken’s potential as a tourist destination and fought diligently to establish a souvenir shop in the early 1920s.
By doing so, she played an essential role in placing Marken on the map for visitors.
Just a short distance away is her Kijkhuisje, the quaint home she shared with her fisherman husband, adorned in traditional yellow and blue hues and filled with delightful trinkets.
8. Grote Kerk
The island’s neo-Renaissance church is elegantly designed, though it is not particularly ancient, having been constructed at the onset of the 20th century.
However, the true allure lies within its interior.
Many of the church’s features predate the existing structure by several centuries and are individually recognized as historic monuments.
Notable elements include the hexagonal pulpit, the lectern, and the church’s intricate chandeliers, all of which were meticulously crafted in the 1600s.
The copper baptismal font dates back to the 18th century, while a variety of models of traditional ships hang from the ceiling.
Included among these are a punt from 1959, a botter (sail barge) from 1957, a steam lugger from the Second World War, and, of particular interest, two herring busses from 1600 and 1890.
9. Werf Trail
Marken is connected to the North Holland Hiking Network, a series of trails with interconnecting junctions or nodes.
With adequate preparation, you can navigate these nodes to create a custom hiking experience or follow recommendations from other hikers or tourist organizations.
One such option is the Werf trail, a seven-kilometer circular route that begins at node nine, encompassing nodes 35, 36, 34, 33, and 37. This particular trail is designed to illuminate a distinct aspect of Marken’s landscape.
Due to the ongoing threat of flooding from the Zuiderzee, residents constructed individual settlements on mounds referred to as werfs, made from manure, turf, or even compacted household waste.
These mounds remain intact, providing an excellent vantage point for observing the Moeniswerf, Rozenwerf, Grote werf, and Witte werf along the trail.
10. Volendam Marken Express
Marken is connected to the mainland via a dike (opened in 1957), which accommodates the N18 road over the Markermeer for several kilometers starting near Monnickendam.
However, the most picturesque method to visit is to take a ferry from Volendam, offering a year-round service (30 minutes). During peak season, from March to November, there are departures every 30-45 minutes from 09:00 to 19:00, except in cases of significant ice on the Markermeer, which last occurred in March 2018. The Volendam Marken Express ferries feature bars for refreshments, and the open deck is particularly enjoyable on warm summer days.
