A settlement shaped by water
As water increasingly encroached, Marken’s residents were forced to live on raised terps. Thirteen of these so-called werven still remain today. This number brings one defining feature of the place into focus: the settlement pattern emerged in response to the water, and the surviving werven remain a visible presence.
When building on the terps was no longer possible, residents built houses on stilts. Only the upper floors were inhabited. The two building types represent a historical sequence: the terps first provided elevated places to live; later, in the stilt houses, the inhabited area was limited to the upper floors.
Fishing, the harbour and the lighthouse
Flooding brought agriculture and livestock farming on Marken to an end; residents then turned to shipping and, in particular, fishing. Authentic Marker Botters are still moored in the harbour: wooden fishing boats with flat bottoms and distinctive brown sails. The Stichting Marker Botters moors and maintains them. These boats and their upkeep are tangible links to the maritime history of the place.
Traditional Marken costume is worn on days such as Koningsdag. Its use is tied to specific occasions: the costume is worn on certain days, rather than being a general description of everyday life.
The Het Paard van Marken lighthouse stands at the tip of Marken. Dating from 1839, it was once used to guide ships from the Wadden Sea to Amsterdam. As the lighthouse is inhabited, it can only be viewed from the outside. A visit today thus offers a connection to the building’s former navigational role.
Walks and cultural insights
The “Around Marken” route passes over the characteristic terps, through typical Marken streets and through the charming Kerkbuurt. The “Walk around Marken” audio guide has eleven stops. A free app plays the audio story automatically when you reach each stop. The two offer different points of interest: the route focuses on the areas mentioned, while the audio guide features its stops and automatically played narration.
At Klompenmakerij Marken, visitors can watch wooden clogs being made using an authentic steam engine. Anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship can see the process in action here, rather than simply read about the product.
The Marker Museum is located in Marken’s historic centre, in six historic houses.
A house preserved as it was
One house has been preserved as it was left in 1982. It contains traditional clothing, a box bed and antiques collected by Sijtje Boes herself. The sleeping alcove and clothing bring the former way of life vividly to life.
Getting here and getting around
Marken was connected to the mainland by a causeway in 1957. The crossing between Volendam and Marken on the Volendam-Marken-Express takes about 30 minutes. If you plan to use this connection for your journey, check the timetable before your visit. Marken’s centre is car-free; visitors park at the entrance to the village and continue on foot. If you arrive by car, expect to park at the village entrance and walk from there.
Because the dike is being reinforced, large sections of the footpath along its base are expected to remain closed until autumn 2027. If you plan to walk this route, check the current conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Watergang, Katwoude, Uitdam, Monnickendam, Purmer, Ilpendam, Broek In Waterland, Zuiderwoude.
For the broader travel overview: Waterland.
