Day 1
Discover the former island
Activities in Marken
Welcome to the peninsula Marken
Marken is a centuries old peninsula, once surrounded by the Gouwzee (shire sea) and the Markermeer (Marker Lake). Today, Marken is connected with the mainland by a dike, but until 1957 Marken was an isolated island. First in the Zuiderzee (southern sea) and later in the IJsselmeer (IJssel Lake). The island Marken was inhabited for the first time in the 13th century bij monks from Friesland. As the island was consistently flooded by the sea, the soil was very fertile, which allowed the monks to live off cattle breeding and agriculture. Later on, the ‘Markers’ also took to fishing for a living. A visit to Marken is an unforgettable experience, due to the characteristic houses, the locals who continue to wear traditional costumes and the beautiful views over the Gouwzee and the Markermeer. Download our walking route with sightseeing information here.
Hiking routes through Marken
The peninsula covers an area of 3.7 km2. Within a short period of time you can make a beautiful walk over the whole island. We advise you to start the walk at the parking lot. First of all you can walk in the direction of the harbour. Then you can continue the walk through the various hamlets and pass the authentic houses. When the dike comes in sight, you can walk to the famous lighthouse the ‘Paard van Marken’. All in all, this walk is about 4 to 5 kilometers long.
Walk through the different neighbourhoods
An active way to explore Marken is by taking a walk through the different neighbourhoods. Marken is a charming peninsula and you can taste it! Stroll through the different neighbourhoods, over the drawbridges, the narrow alleys and cosy neighbourhoods. Marken is divided into different hamlets, for example the Kets around the harbour and the church, the Minnebuurt to the north of the old village and the Moeniswerf in the northeastern part.
Visit authentic Marker house
The first activity in Marken we would like to share is a visit to the Viewing House. The view house is located on the harbour in Marken. Step inside the cottage to see how a typical Marken home used to be furnished. You will step back in time and get an insight into what life was like on the island of Marken.
Address: Kijkhuisje Haven 22, Marken
Wooden Shoe Factory Marken
Always wondered how authentic clogs were made? Then visit the Clog Museum on Marken. Here you will find clogs in all shapes and sizes. The traditional wooden shoe maker shows you how wooden shoes are made from a block of wood. Old machines from the 1930s are used to make these wooden shoes. You can also take a look at the wooden shoe museum with all kinds of old or special wooden shoes.
Address: Wooden Shoe Factory Kets 52, Marken
Restaurant Taverne de Visscher
Feeling hungry from all the activities? Enjoy Marken's favourite restaurant: restaurant Taverne de Visscher. From the terrace, you have beautiful views over the Markermeer and see the Volendam Marken Express sailing up and down. Taste the warm atmosphere with decor that makes you feel like you are stepping into an old barge. The owner has a great model boat collection that can be admired in the restaurant. Enjoy typical Dutch dishes like pancakes and fresh luxury sandwiches. The spareribs and sole fish are highly recommended and the Marker dessert should not be missed! The Visscher is the place to go for good food, cosy dining and the best views in Marken
