Over the dike to Marken

Marken is a miniature country in itself, this walking route will introduce you to the special character of this former island. There are so many beautiful historic buildings to see here that almost all of Marken enjoys a protected cityscape!

Gouwzee
After a cup of coffee on the beautiful terrace of Restaurant Poort van Amsterdam, you walk to Marken. For centuries it was an island in the Zuiderzee, but due to its dike connection to the mainland it is now a peninsula. You can walk there at your leisure over that dike, enjoying the view of Marken, which is slowly approaching. You walk right along the water: on one side the Gouwzee, on the other side the IJsselmeer.

Recruit
Marken was originally built on yards: artificial mounds of two to three meters high that the residents used to throw up with manure, turf and household waste to protect themselves against flooding. Since the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932, the risk of flooding has of course subsided, but the wharves have remained - just like the characteristic wooden houses on stilts. A visit to the Markermuseum is a must if you want to know more about this special place!