In this article, I present MarkenA charming peninsula to discover during your stay in Amsterdam.
Here you'll find
- A presentation by Marken
- What you can see and do on site
- How to get there from Amsterdam
- Practical information: access, tips and useful information
- My opinion of Marken
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Marken, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Marken: article summary
Marken, a getaway to discover Dutch folklore
Outside Amsterdamthere are some great little villages to visit and get to know the local culture. local tradition and folklore. One of the most charming is MarkenLet me introduce you!
Introducing the Marken peninsula
Marken is a peninsula located on the shores of Lake IJssel (or Yyssel), some twenty kilometers from Amsterdam city center.
The village is part of the commune of Waterland and has been connected to the mainland by a dike since 1957, allowing access by car. But visitors generally opt for ferries or buses since Volendamanother must-see town in the area!
Its unusual location means that from the end of the 19th centuryMarken has attracted many specialists in traditional cultures and anthropologists, fascinated by this land that seemed frozen in time.
But despite the obvious changes and the influx of tourists over the last few decades, the village has managed to keep up with the times. retain all its charm.
You can see one-of-a-kind homes (terpen), colorful facades often associated with the Dutch image, and soothing landscapes. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, this is a great choice!
Facts and figures
- Marken covers an area of 2.68 km2
- In 2021, the census population was 1,745 inhabitants
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbachthe father of zoology and anthropology, stayed here for his research.
- It is possible to stay on siteto enjoy the calm of the area in the evening!
What can you see and do in Marken?
If you decide to take a short trip to Marken, here are the must-sees!
Marken lighthouse
At the northeastern tip of the peninsula, you'll find this iconic lighthouse. You can walk or cycle from the heart of the village to reach the site and take advantage of this effect. end of the world it offers.
You can't visit it, but you'll get a lot out of it. beautiful photos it's a romantic setting for those who come in the late afternoon.
For your information, you will see a mini beach only 5 metres long, right next door!
The village center and its unique houses
Marken has amazing wooden housesYou'll see them in the village center. They are built on stilts to protect against flooding, and feature charming orange, blue or green facades.
A short stroll through the village is all it takes to soak up the atmosphere. its unique atmosphere.
Note that the Protestant Church Grote Kerk is famous for the model ships that decorate its interior walls!
Le Port
A small port by the lake where you can relax, have a coffee and watch the ships. It's a lively and very pleasant area to take a break between two visits.
Marken Museum
A small, unmissable local museum dedicated to the history of the town and his relationship with fishing. We learn a lot, especially about smoked eel techniques!
- Address: Kerkbuurt 44-47, Marken
- Prices: adults - 3 euros / children - 1.50 euros
- Opening hours: March 26 to October 31, 2022, daily from 10am to 5pm, Sundays and public holidays from 12pm to 4pm.
The Clog Factory
In la fabrique des SabotsYou'll discover how to turn a block of wood into a Sabot, admire the amazing collection on offer, and even shop in the gift store!
- Address: Kets 52, 1156 AX Marken
- Rates: free of charge
- Opening hours: Daily from 9:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between March 23 and October 30 / between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. between October 31 and March 22
How do I get to Marken easily from Amsterdam?
You can easily reach the village from Amsterdamby choosing one of the following solutions:
- By biketo the ferry terminal, for a journey of around 1h30 that takes you through the Dutch countryside.
- Visit cartaking advantage of the parking at the entrance, quite expensive (3 euros/hour)
- Via an excursion from Volendam, by bus or ferry, a journey of just 30 minutes
Should you visit Marken during your stay in Amsterdam?
There's lots to see and do Things to do in Amsterdamthat's a fact. But if you can manage to squeeze in a day of sightseeing outside the city, you can visit Marken, you won't regret it!
The ideal combination is visits to Marken and Volendamby devoting half a day to each destination.
But for those in less of a hurry, who enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, it's perfectly possible to stay overnight and enjoy the area once the tourists have left.
For those who only have 2 days in AmsterdamIf you're thinking of getting out of the capital, it's for me! the best choice. Some visitors hesitate with The Hague but I invite you to choose Marken and Volendam.
Enjoy your walk!
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