Things to do in Marken
Want to know what to do in Marken? We've added some of the highlights on Marken for you.
Clog-making on Marken
Clogs have been worn in the Netherlands and especially in Marken and Volendam for centuries. Nowadays, clogs are still often worn by employees in fish shops, although of course these are no longer wooden ones. In the clog-making on Marken you can still really see and experience how wooden shoes are made in the traditional way from a piece of wood. They make the wooden shoes via a steam-powered machine from 1913. Did you know that this is the only clog factory in the world powered by a steam engine? There is also a museum where you can even visit the clogmaker's old living room. To complete this old Dutch experience, you can also walk around on wooden shoes yourself like a real Marker!
Marken lighthouse
The Horse of Marken is the Marken lighthouse. Indeed, from afar, the tower looks like a horse. The lighthouse is located on a small sandy beach on the edge of the Markermeer. From this spot, you can look out endlessly over the rippling water. The Horse of Marken is one of the most photographed lighthouses in all of the Netherlands because of its beautiful surroundings. Originally intended to guide boaters safely from the Wadden Sea to Amsterdam, the lighthouse is now occupied.
Marker museum
Whether you are a history buff or not at all, if you visit Marken you must also visit the Marker museum. After all, this is where you get to know real life on Marken. The museum is a national monument and consists of six historic houses. Eels used to be smoked here, so you will learn a lot about fishing life in the museum. You can also attend an interesting presentation on traditional costumes and walk around in a 19th-century fisherman's house. Here you can imagine yourself in a world where sleeping in a box bed and cooking on an open fire was still very common. Take a nice photo by the wooden lady and gentleman with your own face and your visit to the museum is complete.
War memorials on Marken
When taking a stroll through the streets, you will probably also come across the two war memorials. One monument is a memorial symbolising the men who did not return home at the time of World War II. The other to commemorate the crew of a British bomber that crashed into the IJsselmeer in 1943. Then there is also the monument commemorating the 1916 flood disaster on display. Upon entering the port, the monument consisting of people raising their arms to heaven immediately catches the eye. For many a moment of reflection as the beautiful former island is still far below sea level.
Bike tour to this beautiful island
If you want to be assured of a full-day programme, choose a cycle tour via Volendam and Monnickendam to Marken. In about half an hour, you can cycle leisurely through town and polder areas to picturesque Marken. Even in Marken itself, you can go everywhere by bike and several cycle routes are signposted. Feeling hungry after cycling? Then sit down on the terrace of taverne de visscher. Here you can enjoy coffee and cake, lunch or dinner with a direct view of the Gouwzee. In cold weather, the tavern is also a cosy place to stay. To get back to Volendam, you can of course cycle, but the bikes can also come with you on the boat. The skipper will take you and your party across the Gouwzee back to Volendam in just under half an hour. You can also opt for a combination deal incl renting a bike, a boat ticket and a photo in costume. You could also opt for a guided cycle tour.
What is there to do in Volendam?
Curious about what's on offer in Volendam? Then take a quick look at What to do in Volendam and at activities in Volendam.