Urk was an island in the Zuiderzee until land reclamation created a connection to the mainland in 1939. The former boundary between land and water is still the subject of the Rondje Eiland Urk route: at ten locations, information boards tell the story of the island’s former shores. The route is accessible year-round for walkers and cyclists; check the route conditions before your visit.
Lighthouse, alleyways and fishing heritage
Built in 1844, the Vuurtoren Urk lighthouse is 18.5 metres high. In clear weather, you can see across three provinces from there. At night, its light rotates anticlockwise and is considered unique in the Netherlands. At Museum Urk, formerly Het Oude Raadhuis, discover the town’s more than 1,000-year history through traditional dress, fishing, trade and art. A VR experience shows a shipwreck in 3D and tells the story of Urk’s fishing industry. If this is your main reason for visiting, check in advance whether the installation is available.
In Urk, old, narrow alleyways are locally called “ginkies”. The bookable Ginkiestocht takes you on a guided tour through narrow alleyways in the historic centre. The also-bookable Inburgeringstocht focuses on Urk traditions and customs, as well as the local dialect. Check dates and availability for both tours in advance.
Traces in the village and by the water
The Kerkje aan de Zee displays ship models of a warship, a peat barge and a botter; the church can be visited during the summer months. Groups can visit the Historische Timmerschuur by appointment, and the visit lasts about 45 minutes. Its archaeological cellar contains finds dating from 800 to 1900 AD. The Vissersmonument also tells a story through numbers: 368 names are engraved on 34 marble slabs. The Straatmozaïek in Urk measures 15 by 5.5 metres; seven plaques show what the dwelling looked like and the functions of its rooms.
The IJsselmeervisafslag is still used for landing and trading fish. Eels are fished in the IJsselmeer from early May to late August. Eels and other fish, such as zander, roach and European perch, are delivered from Tuesday to Friday. The fish auction is then open from 1:45 pm; sales begin at around 2:15 pm, and visitors are welcome in the auction hall. As opening times and seasonal access are important for your visit, check the details in advance. Kapkool and dikkoek are considered typical Urk dishes; traditionally, Saturday is the day when a lot of fish is fried in Urk.
Woodland, trails and beaches
The Urkerbos is a mix of species-rich deciduous woodland, coniferous forest and natural clearings. The “P. van der Lijn” Geological Reserve is also located there. A cycling path through the Urkerbos and Urkerveld, built in 2020, passes the reserve. The Urkerveld provides a habitat for special birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Mountain bikers can follow an 8.4-kilometre route through the Urkerbos, which is considered technically challenging; check its characteristics in advance.
For a different kind of tour, ’t Urker Roendjen is 6.8 kilometres long and suitable for walking and running. The start and finish are at the Toeristisch OverstapPunt near Tourist Info Urk. The Rondje Eiland Urk route, by contrast, focuses on the vanished island boundary and its information boards. These descriptions can help you choose based on your activity and interests, so you can tell the routes apart. There is ample parking at the Toeristisch OverstapPunt, and the centre is nearby. Ample free parking is available in the adjoining harbour area on Burgemeester Schipperkade. Check the location and parking options before setting off.
The two beaches are also part of Urk’s waterfront: their gently sloping seabed and marker buoys make them easily accessible for children. Conditions and facilities may vary by season. The woodland area in Speelbos Urk covers more than two hectares and includes a stream and several play structures made from natural materials. Three tourist harbours offer visitor facilities, including motorhome pitches. Check facilities and availability before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Urk, Noordoostpolder, Dronten, Almere, Lelystad, Zeewolde
Return to the main travel overview: Flevoland.
