Marken is a small village located near Volendam, just a 30 minute drive from Amsterdam, situated on a peninsula in the Markermeer lake. It's known for its traditional wooden houses and its picturesque harbor, just like Volendam, yet a bit less touristy and more quiet. You can get there directly by car or cross from Volendam with the ferry to Marken, which takes about 20 minutes.

Marken is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique culture and history of the area. You can walk around Marken in about 30 minutes, but of course it took us much longer, including photo stops, as this quaint town is highly photogenic😊

It also has several Dutch heritage museums and many cute souvenir shops and terraces to spend a full day here. Normally the lighthouse on the other end of the peninsula is worth a visit too, but hopefully the renovation is finished now.