Marken
Marken, Waterland, Netherlands
Discover Holland’s cultural traditions during a visit to the fishing village of Marken, located on a peninsula just an hour outside of Amsterdam. Local workshops and museums offer insight into a bygone era, while the village’s wooden houses, sail boats, and lighthouse provide a picturesque backdrop for exploration.
The Basics
Round-trip tours from Amsterdam offer easy access to the peninsula, and usually combine a visit to Marken with stops at Zaanse Schans (famous for its windmills) and Volendam, another fishing village home to a charming harbor and cheese factory. Private tours let you tailor your time in the village, while half-day tours allow time-limited travelers to cover more sights in less time. If you’re on a budget, take advantage of Super Saver deals and combine your trip with other must-do experiences at a reduced rate.
Things to Know Before You Go
The village is generally accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but it’s worth checking specific arrangements ahead of time.
Don’t forget your camera, as picturesque Marken is perfect for vacation snaps.
The preserved fishing village is a must for culture fiends and history buffs.
If you want to stay on the peninsula overnight, the nearby city of Monnickendam has a range of accommodation options and is home to a Michelin-star restaurant.
How to Get There
Take advantage of round-trip tours from the capital for hassle-free transfers, or catch public bus number 315 from Centraal Station to be there in just under an hour. It’s also possible to access the village by ferry from Volendam, or to cycle all the way from Amsterdam in around two hours
When to Get There
The village is busiest in summer, especially during the day. Visit in the late afternoon to avoid the rush and enjoy sunset vistas on the Markermeer lake. Winter visitors can skip the crowds almost entirely, though be aware that many restaurants and stores close during the off season.
Marken Highlights
Though it’s not open to the public, the 19th-century Horse of Marken lighthouse (Paard Van Marken) is a national heritage site and leaves a striking mark on the skyline. The Marken Museum preserves a traditional house in all its former glory, complete with a collection of traditional clothing and an exhibition on the area’s history, while the nearby Sijtje Boes House (Kijkhuisje Sijtje Boes) contains a small museum and souvenir shop selling local handicrafts and artworks. And don’t miss the Klompenmakerij, a workshop devoted to traditional clog-making.
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