Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
adapt or to find a new calling (which most did). Marken became a
virtual ghost town. But in 1957, a long causeway was constructed
from the mainland to the hamlet, which allowed easy access for
visitors—who today come in droves to walk its tiny lanes.
Arrival in Marken:
From the boat dock at the little harbor,
follow signs to the museum in the town center. Marken has no TI;
the nearest is in Volendam.
Sights:
The village of Marken has two districts: Havenbuurt,
near the harbor, and Kerkbuurt, near the church. Arriving by boat,
you'll first wander through the colorful Havenbuurt, then head
for the charming Kerkbuurt to get a taste of Marken's old-time
charm. As you walk, notice the unique local architecture, adapted
to survive the challenging local conditions: Because the tides could
be so temperamental, houses here tend to cluster on little hills
called
werven,
or are built on pilings to keep them high and dry.
Traditional Marken homes, while dull and black-tarred outside,
are painted a cheerful yellow and blue inside.
The town's main attraction is the modest
Marken Museum,
celebrating the 16th-century costumes (still worn for special
events) and traditional lifestyles of the people of Marken. As you
enter, ask for an English showing of the good, eight-minute movie
(€2.50, April-Oct Mon-Sat 10:00-16:30, Sun 12:00-16:00, closed
Nov-March, tel. 0299/601-904).
Just outside town, on the way to the parking lot and bus stop,
you'll pass Marken's raised
cemetery,
where graves are marked
with numbers rather than names. With more time, you can walk
(about 40 min) out to the
lighthouse,
dubbed Paard van Marken
(“Horse of Marken”), picturesquely situated at the far end of the
island, at the tip of a sandy spit.
Transportation Connections:
Bus #111 connects Marken
with Amsterdam (2/hr, 40 min, 6
strippenkaart
strips). In Marken,
catch the bus along the main road that skirts the town, just past
the big parking lot.
