The quintessentially Dutch village has become a key tourist destination, with tour groups flocking to catch a glimpse of the unique island culture. Here, the vistas are undeniably quaint: painted wooden houses line the waterfront; colorful fishing boats jostle for space around the dock and the glistening lake waters reflect every detail. Even the village’s 2000 inhabitants seem caught in time, dressing themselves in traditional costumes and preserving their time-honored customs.
Marken’s wooden houses, many of them now listed as National Heritage Sites, remain the village’s key attraction, but there are enough sights to make a pleasant day trip from Amsterdam, just 45 minutes away by road or boat. The Paard Van Marken (‘Horse of Marken’) lighthouse is another National Heritage site and while it’s not open to the public, the late 19th-century building makes a striking feature on the skyline. The Marker Museum preserves a traditional house in all its former glory, complete with a collection of traditional clothing and an exhibition on the area’s history, and the nearby Kijkhuisje Sijtje Boes houses a small museum and souvenir shop selling local handicrafts and artworks. Don’t miss the Klompenmakerij, either - a workshop devoted to traditional clog making where visitors can watch how the famous shoes are made and even buy some to stomp home in.
Tours & Tickets
Zaanse Schans Windmills, Marken and Volendam Half-Day Trip from Amsterdam
Leave Amsterdam behind for a few hours and discover the typical Dutch countryside outside the capital. You'll drive through a picture-perfect landscape ... Read more
Location:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: The Damrak
Amsterdam Super Saver 2: Windmills, Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Day Trip
Amsterdam Super Saver 2 combines two best selling tours at a discounted price. Start the morning with a tour to Zaanse Schans Windmills, Marken and Volendam ... Read more
Location:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Amsterdam Super Saver: Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam and Marken Half-Day Tour plus Keukenhof Gardens Tour
Enjoy a Super Saver tour that combines the best of the Dutch countryside – windmills, fishing villages and flowering tulips – all in one day! With a local ... Read more
Location:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Amsterdam Super Saver 3: City Tour, Zaanse Schans Windmills, Volendam and Marken Day Trip
Amsterdam Super Saver 3 combines two best selling tours at a discounted price. See highlights of Amsterdam, then travel into the Dutch countryside to visit the ... Read more
Location:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
