From Island to Mainland: The 1957 Dam and Its Impact on Marken Tourism

For anyone dreaming of a quintessential Dutch day out, few stories are as compelling as Marken’s transformation after the 1957 Dam. Once reachable only by water, Marken is now connected to the mainland by a dike—reshaping travel, accelerating Marken tourism, and redefining the role of the Volendam–Marken Express from a local lifeline into a highlight of the visitor experience. In this guide, you’ll learn how the dike changed the island’s fortunes, what to see when you visit, and how to make the most of your crossing between Volendam and Marken.

Marken before and after 1957: a concise timeline

Before the dike: life on an island

• Marken was inhabited in the 13th century by monks from Friesland. Thanks to regular flooding, the soil was fertile, supporting cattle breeding and agriculture. Later, the locals also fished for a living.
• Until 1957, Marken was an isolated island—first in the Zuiderzee and later in the IJsselmeer—accessible only by water.
• Travel links grew over time. Around 1912, there was a direct connection between Marken and Amsterdam known as the “Harbour-Stoombootdienst,” which helped tourists discover the island for holidays and day trips.
• The ferry route between Volendam and Marken, established in 1933 by six families from Volendam, Marken and Monnickendam, initially served locals. But it soon became popular with visitors drawn to the two traditional fishing villages—places that, despite their popularity, have never lost their authenticity.

1957 and after: connected to the mainland

• In 1957, a dike connected Marken to the mainland, turning the former island into a peninsula within the municipality of Waterland (Marken remained independent until its territory was added to Waterland in 1991).
• With road access, Marken became easier to reach for day trippers. In destinations like this, such infrastructure generally shifts travel patterns from essential water transport to a mix of road access plus leisure-focused crossings.

At a glance—how access and the ferry’s role evolved

How the 1957 dike reshaped Marken tourism

• Easier day trips: The dike lowered the barrier for spontaneous visits, paving the way for a steady flow of day trippers.
• Two-village itineraries: Visitors can seamlessly combine Volendam’s harbor charm with Marken’s wooden houses and waterfront views, using the ferry for a scenic leg in between.
• Tourism with tradition: Despite increased access, Marken and Volendam have retained their character—think narrow streets, drawbridges, colorful fishermen’s houses, and residents in traditional costume.
• Self-guided exploration: With the peninsula covering about 3.7 km², you can make a beautiful circuit in a short time. A popular 4–5 km walk heads past hamlets of authentic houses and continues to the famous lighthouse, the Paard van Marken, with sweeping views over the Gouwzee and Markermeer.

The Volendam–Marken Express today: from lifeline to experience

The Volendam–Marken Express has been sailing between Volendam and Marken since 1933—nearly a century of daily harbor-to-harbor crossings. What began as a practical connection is now an essential part of the trip itself, combining hospitality and local expertise.

Onboard comforts and experience

• Crossing time: About 30 minutes.
• All-weather comfort: Heated vessels keep you warm in cooler seasons.
• Amenities: Each boat features a toilet and an onboard bar for drinks and light snacks.
• Views: A panoramic deck offers open-air seating and wide water vistas.
• Stories: A sound system enables live commentary, and an entertaining audio guide brings local history and culture to life.

Sailings and tickets—quick answers

• Do the boats sail every day? Yes. Departures typically run about every 45 minutes, with the first sailing from Volendam around 09:45 and the last around 18:45–19:15; extra departures may operate in peak periods.
• Can I buy tickets online? Yes. Use the “Koop tickets” option to reserve and pay in advance.
• Which payment methods are accepted? Online payments are processed in euros via iDEAL or by credit card.
• Do children under four travel free? Yes.
• Outdoor seating available? Yes—the panoramic deck provides open-air seating.
• Can I bring a bicycle or scooter? Yes. Dedicated tickets are available, including a “bootticket incl fiets” to take your bicycle on board for €11 per single crossing and a “bootticket incl scooter” for €12 per single 30-minute crossing.
• Looking for bundles? Combination options include add-ons like Coffee & Apple Pie, a visit to the Clog Factory in Marken, and Woltje’s Bakery.

What to do when you arrive: top sights in Marken and Volendam

Marken highlights

• Walk the peninsula: Start at the parking area, continue to the harbor, meander through the hamlets to admire characteristic wooden houses, then head along the dike to the Paard van Marken lighthouse. Expect roughly 4–5 km.
• Traditional living culture: Encounter locals in traditional costumes and enjoy the panorama over the Gouwzee and Markermeer.
• Wooden Shoe Factory (Clog Factory): See the antique steam-powered clog factory in action. Locations: Harbour 39, 1131 EP Volendam, or Havenbuurt 19, 1156 AL Marken. Open daily 10:30–18:00, with demonstrations conducted in English and Dutch.

Tip: You can download a walking route with sightseeing information to guide your exploration.

Volendam essentials

• Get lost in the Doolhof: This oldest neighborhood of Volendam’s center—literally “maze”—winds through centuries-old narrow alleys, drawbridges, and fishermen’s houses.
• Stroll the Oude Kom: Wander around the Dril, along the Havendijkje and Meerzijde, soaking in harbor views before or after your crossing.
• Make the crossing part of your day: The ferry ride itself is a scenic interlude—watch for cute houses, bicycles, tulips, and clogs along the shoreline.

Practical takeaways for planning your visit

1. Start early: Aim for morning sailings (from about 09:45) to make the most of your day and enjoy a quieter lighthouse walk.
2. Book in advance: Use the online “Koop tickets” option to secure preferred times and streamline your arrival at the pier.
3. Choose a package: Consider all-in options that include the ferry plus experiences like a photo in traditional costume, a waffle demonstration, the Clog Factory, Woltje’s Bakery, or Coffee & Apple Pie—a convenient way to cover more in one day.
4. Combine transport modes: Plan a round-trip sail, or take the ferry one way and use regional buses linking Amsterdam Central Station and Volendam (daytime lines 305, 314, 316, 391; night lines N06, N14, N94 operated by EBS OV, branded locally as MeerPlus).
5. Bring your wheels: If you’re cycling in Waterland, use the dedicated bicycle or scooter tickets (see current options and prices) to cross the Gouwzee with ease.
6. Make it family-friendly: Heated boats, onboard toilets, and short crossing times are ideal for families; children under four travel free.
7. Add a hands-on stop: Time your visit for a Clog Factory demonstration (daily 10:30–18:00; English and Dutch) to enrich your cultural experience.
8. Explore more nearby: Browse our guides to “Activities in Marken” and “Sights in Volendam” to round out your itinerary.

Conclusion: A crossing that connects past and present

The 1957 Dam turned Marken from island to peninsula, simplifying access and opening the door to sustained Marken tourism—yet the essence of these fishing villages endures. Today, the Volendam–Marken Express carries that story forward, transforming a practical crossing into a memorable experience filled with views, hospitality, and history.

Ready to go? Book your ferry and explore packages now. For questions or group arrangements, contact the Volendam–Marken Express at +31 299 363 331 or info@markenexpress.nl. Make the crossing—and make a day of it.