Last updated on at 06:09 am
If you’re visiting Amsterdam in the Netherlands, make sure also to make time for the beautiful Dutch countryside. This includes the picturesque villages of Volendam, Edam, and Marken.
These scenic towns are not only great places to escape the tourist crowd that usually pervades Amsterdam, but are also your gateway to a lush countryside and to experiencing the authentic traditional Dutch life.
What’s in Marken?
Marken is a tiny village on a small island located in the IJsselmeer, a large lake in the Netherlands, near the coast of North Holland. It used to be an island in the middle of the Zuyder Zee until 1957 but is now connected to the mainland by a dike.
Marken is famous for its picturesque wooden houses, unique cultural heritage, and charming scenery, all of which make it a favorite destination of tourists in The Netherlands.
Marken is also rich in culture, practicing distinct traditions and customs that date back to their historical past as a fishing village. The locals have their own traditional clothing, famous of which are their colorful attires and wooden shoes or clogs, which they still wear today during special occasions.
How do you get to Marken from Amsterdam?
The charming villages of Volendam, Edam, and Marken form part of the Waterland Area which you can visit as a day trip from Amsterdam. All are relatively close to, and accessible from, Amsterdam via a local bus. An all-day bus pass to visit all three plus seven more Dutch villages costs only around €10–a good deal that makes sightseeing around the area convenient, time-saving, and money-saving.
Marken can also be accessed by riding a ferry from Volendam. Many take this route since it is also a very scenic option.
What is the difference between Edam and Marken?
Marken is known for its traditional wooden houses and maritime heritage, while Edam is famous for its cheese production and historic cheese market. While both offer Dutch charm, Marken showcases maritime culture, while Edam focuses on its cheese-making heritage, offering unique experiences to visitors.
Visiting Marken
We visited Marken after we went around Edam. We boarded the bus from there and had a nice view of the ocean as our bus chugged along the long stretch of the dike that connects Marken to the mainland.
The bus deposited us near the entrance to the village where a nearby one-story cottage that served as a tourist office, souvenir shop, and wooden clog factory, altogether, can be found.
We went inside the shop where we found, to our delight, that a demo of how wooden clogs are made was taking place. The demo was educational and interesting—worth seeing and shouldn’t be missed. We bought a few souvenir items before leaving.
Around Town
Marken is a bit quieter than bustling Volendam and lively Edam. It’s a tiny town and most of the business establishments can be found on the waterfront.
Delightful traditional Dutch wooden cottages painted in vibrant colors line the village streets and alleyways. We passed by them on our way to the harbor. These houses were built on stilts to protect them from the water.
On the harbor are quaint cafés, restaurants, souvenir stores, and other shops, some offering boat cruises. Many sailboats bobbed on the water.
It was near dusk and most of the shops were closed and nothing much was going on, which was probably because it was in the middle of the week. We just enjoyed the peaceful scenery, breathed in the fresh ocean breeze, took a few pictures, and then made our way back to the bus stop.
If you’re not going to the Marken Museum, visiting other attractions, or engaging in other activities, an hour or two is enough to explore this dainty village on foot.
Charming and very unique, Marken is worth visiting and looking into.
Things to See and Do
When in Marken, you can engage in the following activities:
- Visit the Marken Museum, which showcases the town’s history and culture.
- See Paard van Marken (Horse of Marken), the iconic lighthouse that has become a symbol of the island.
- Go cycling or join walking tours. Because the island is small and scenic, it is an excellent place to explore on foot or atop a bicycle.
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Activities
Where to Stay
To find the best accommodations in Amsterdam or near Marken, just click on the image below.
Is Marken worth visiting?
Yes, Marken is worth visiting as it offers a charming escape with its picturesque streets, traditional Dutch architecture, and rich maritime history. Visitors can explore its scenic beauty, iconic wooden houses, and vibrant culture, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking an authentic Dutch experience.
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Those Dutch cottages look adorable! Thanks for sharing and linkup with #weekendwanderlust! Looking forward to more of your posts 🙂
Yes, they are! Glad to be joining #WeekendWanderlust! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂