At the very tip of Marken island …
The iconic lighthouse Paard van Marken or Horse of Marken was built in the 1700 as a square beacon to mark the Zuiderzee route from the islands in the North through Amsterdam.
The current round lighthouse tower designed by J. Valk in 1839 had a brick building with a house and a storage space. This keeper’s house was completely destroyed in 1879 by drifting ice. A common problem every winter at this vulnerable location. In 1880, it was rebuilt again.
In the years 1960-1961, the lighthouse was renovated once over. This renovation gave the lighthouse its current characteristic shape, which is somewhat reminiscent of a horse!
Hence the name ‘The Horse of Marken’.
The Paard van Marken is standing at 16 meters with a light range of 16.7 km. It is inhabited and not open to visitors. A listed monument of a working lighthouse as well as a residential space. According to my research, there is an extensive selection procedure carried out by Rijkswaterstaat* in choosing the right resident to occupy this rental property. The strict criteria include: home seekers must be from the municipality of Waterland, have nautical knowledge, a skipper’s background, the skill and willingness to do technical fixing in the building and able to handle a diesel generator. Thus, the cheap rent for Het Paard does involve a fair amount of odd jobs! But you get the utmost privacy including your very own private beach and the ever-changing breathtaking view.
Since I was touring Marken, I had to see the most photograph lighthouse in the Netherlands!
Alighting at Marken bus stop, I went in search for snacks at the nearby Albert Heijn (a.k.a. AH) supermarket. I spotted a public restroom (50 cent coin per use) as well. The start of the walking path to the end of the peninsula in the Markermeer was just a stone throw away.
I walked 35 minutes passing farmland towards the lighthouse. The path along the water was bricked layered and uneven, offering serene scene. The lighthouse looked unreachable. I did contemplate.
The Paard van Marken looked magnificent as soon as it came into sight. I took a rest on the bench and had a quick chat with a local about the sunny weather. I spent a further 20 minutes enjoying the beachfront surroundings. Tranquillity!
Then it was time for another 30 minutes walk back via the middle path route, Oosterpad. It led me midway to a farm, McCormick Farmall, where you can buy some local seasonal products from a vending machine with cash or card. There were juices, water, Marken liqueur, snacks and several type of cheeses. I did not.
It was an enjoyable leisurely walk.
So, if you have hours to spare when visiting Marken, do this!
Alternatively, you could rent a bike and venture the island more freely.
Getting there:
From Amsterdam Central station take Metro 52 to Amsterdam Noord.
From Amsterdam Noord proceed with bus 111 and alight at Centrum Marken.
Use Google Map and pick your walking route; middle path or outskirt along the water.
*executive agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, dedicated to promote safety, mobility and the quality of life in the Netherlands.
📍Paard van Marken
Address: Oosterpad 1, 1156 DM Marken.
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