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Historic town · Volendam, Holanda Setentrional
Marken
Former island of the Markermeer, connected to the mainland by a dyke since 1957, with wooden houses on stilts and artificial mounds; reachable from Volendam by boat in about 30 minutes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Marken
Marken was an island in the former Zuiderzee and today is a peninsula in the Markermeer, connected to the mainland by a dyke since 1957. Until 1959, when the road was opened, it could only be reached by ferry from Volendam or Monnickendam. The village belongs to the municipality of Waterland.
To escape floods, residents built their houses on artificial mounds called werven, and later on wooden piles. The painted wooden houses, in green and black, form separate neighborhoods, such as the Havenbuurt around the harbour and the Kerkbuurt around the church. Almost the entire village is a protected heritage area.
Marken has been receiving visitors for more than a century, also attracted by the local traditional dress. Older residents still speak the island's dialect with each other. The community is Protestant and quiet; respect people's privacy.
At the eastern tip of the peninsula stands the lighthouse known as Paard van Marken, about a half-hour walk from the village along a path on the dyke.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, plus the boat crossing time.
Best time
From April to September, when the boat runs more frequently and the walk to the lighthouse is more pleasant. Check the last departure of the boat to Volendam, as it varies between summer and winter.
How to get there
From Volendam, the Marken Express boat departs from the harbour and takes about 30 minutes. From Amsterdam, there are buses to Marken via the dyke road, leaving from the terminal behind Amsterdam Centraal.
Tip
Do the route as a loop: go by boat from Volendam and return by bus to Amsterdam, or vice versa. In Marken, do not enter private yards or photograph residents without asking.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Marken
Is Marken still an island?
No. Since 1957 it has been connected to the mainland by a dyke, and since 1959 there has been a road to it.
How to get from Volendam to Marken?
By the Marken Express boat, which departs from Volendam harbour and takes about 30 minutes. Timetables change between summer and winter; check in advance.
Why are the houses built on stilts?
To protect the homes from floods of the former Zuiderzee. The oldest ones stand on artificial mounds of earth.
Can you walk to the lighthouse?
Yes. The Paard van Marken lighthouse is on the eastern tip, about a half-hour's walk from the village.