Marken Travel Guide

Your ultimate travel guide to the beautiful town of Marken in North Holland, featuring top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Marken

Marken is a charming town located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. It is known for its picturesque wooden houses, stunning views of the Markermeer lake, and its unique cultural heritage. Marken was once an isolated island and has managed to preserve its traditions and customs to this day. It’s a perfect place to unwind, explore Dutch culture, and enjoy outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Marken

Marken has a plethora of attractions for all types of travelers. Here are some must-visit places in Marken:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Marken Museum: This museum provides visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like on Marken in the past. The museum showcases traditional costumes, artifacts, and paintings that depict the island’s history.

  • Wooden Shoe Workshop: A visit to this workshop gives you an insight into the traditional Dutch craftsmanship of making wooden shoes. You can watch the process of making wooden shoes and purchase a pair of your own.

  • Paard van Marken Lighthouse: This lighthouse is an iconic landmark in Marken. You can climb up to the top to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding areas.

Natural Attractions of Marken: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Markermeer lake: Marken is situated on the banks of the Markermeer lake, which is also a popular place for water sports. You can go kayaking, boating, or fishing in the lake.

  • Kerkbuurt: This is the most picturesque area in Marken, with its charming wooden houses and peaceful surroundings.

  • Grotewerf: The Grotewerf harbor is a bustling area with fishing boats, cafés, and restaurants, which gives a glimpse of the Marken lifestyle.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Marken

Marken is a small town that can be easily explored on foot. However, if you want to explore the surrounding countryside, then you can rent a bike and go on the Marken countryside tour. This tour takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Marken: Activities and Tours

  • Take a guided tour of the Marken Museum and learn about the island’s history and culture.

  • Go on a bike tour of the Marken countryside and explore the scenic landscapes.

  • Go on a boat tour of the Markermeer lake and enjoy stunning views of the water and the surrounding areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Marken

Here is a week-long itinerary for Marken:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Marken Museum and wooden shoe workshop
Day 2 Go on a bike tour of the Marken countryside
Day 3 Explore the Kerkbuurt area and the Grotewerf harbor
Day 4 Take a boat tour of the Markermeer lake
Day 5 Climb up to the Paard van Marken Lighthouse and enjoy the scenic views
Day 6 Visit the nearby town of Volendam and its attractions
Day 7 Relax and unwind on the shores of Markermeer lake

Food and Drink Scene of Marken

Marken has a variety of options to satisfy your appetite with some delicious and authentic Dutch cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot: A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and meat.

  • Poffertjes: Miniature pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.

  • Herring: A popular fish dish in the Netherlands, served raw with onions and pickles.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: A traditional Dutch gin-like drink.

  • Dutch beer: The Netherlands is well-known for its delicious beer, and Marken has some fantastic pubs and breweries.

Where to Stay in Marken: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Marken has a few options for accommodation, mostly in the form of guesthouses and bed & breakfasts.

  • Hemeltje: A traditional Dutch-style guesthouse with a cozy and homely atmosphere.

  • Gastenverblijf Holland: A comfortable guesthouse with beautiful views of the Markermeer lake.

What to Buy in Marken: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wooden shoes: The iconic Dutch souvenir can be purchased at the Wooden Shoe Workshop.

  • Cheese: The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese, and Marken has some fantastic suppliers.

  • Stroopwafels: Delicious Dutch waffle cookies with caramel filling.

Local Culture and Customs of Marken

Marken is well-known for its unique customs, traditions, and clothing. The women of Marken wear colorful traditional dresses with white bonnets, while the men wear black pants and jackets with white shirts and caps. Visitors can learn about these customs and traditions by visiting the Marken Museum and interacting with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Marken

The best time to visit Marken is between March and October when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed to their fullest. The peak tourist season is from June to August, so expect crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marken

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Explore the outdoors and try out water sports.

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of the locals without their permission.

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Marken

Marken is a safe place with low crime rates. However, visitors should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Health in Marken

The Netherlands has a well-functioning public healthcare system. Visitors can also purchase travel insurance to cover any health-related expenses.

Getting to Marken: Transportation Options and Logistics

Marken is situated in North Holland, making it easily accessible by public transportation.

Airports Near Marken

The closest airport to Marken is Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

Bus Stations Near Marken

Buses run regularly from Amsterdam and other nearby towns to Marken.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a bike or car to travel around the area and explore the countryside.

How to Get Around in Marken

Marken is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. There are no cars allowed in the town center, so visitors should park their vehicles outside the town and explore it on foot.

Where to Go Next from Marken: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Volendam: A picturesque fishing village located just a few kilometers from Marken.

  • Amsterdam: The capital of the Netherlands is just a short distance away and offers a multitude of attractions and activities.

Conclusion

Marken is a beautiful town that offers visitors an authentic Dutch experience with its charming wooden houses, unique customs, and traditions. Visitors can explore the outdoors, try the local cuisine, and learn about Dutch culture and history. A trip to Marken is a must for any visitor to the Netherlands.

Marken Marken Paard van Marken Paard van Marken Polder landscape around Marken Polder landscape around Marken