Marken Dyke Reinforcement: Balancing Tourism and Infrastructure Upgrades
Resident and VVV coordinator Trijntje Visser shares how the ongoing dyke reinforcement on Marken impacts tourism and daily life. While closures disrupt visitor experiences, the project ensures long-term safety for locals and tourists alike.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Markermeer Dyke Reinforcement |
| Location | Marken, Noord-Holland |
| Resident Perspective | Trijntje Visser, VVV Coordinator |
| Tourism Impact | Closures of ridge path and icebreakers affect individual tourists |
| Tourist Demographics | Shift from Asian to Mediterranean visitors; individual tourists spend more time |
| Local Benefits | Supports facilities like supermarkets, bus services, and local businesses |
| Government Body | Rijkswaterstaat |
Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for managing and maintaining the Netherlands' water infrastructure, including dykes. This project ensures the safety of Marken's residents and visitors by reinforcing flood defenses, a critical task given the country's ongoing battle with water management.
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Resident's Perspective: Trijntje Visser on the Marken Dyke Reinforcement
Published on: March 23, 2026, 1:48 PM
Trijntje Visser has worked for more than ten years as coordinator of the VVV on Marken. How does she experience the dyke reinforcement? And what developments does she see in tourism on Marken?
‘Here in the little house in the harbour, ship supplies were sold in the past. Later, you could take photos in traditional costumes and buy clothes and ice cream. Thanks to many volunteers, this shop has grown into a real VVV office.’
‘During the tourist season, we are here to guide visitors to the many special spots on the island, such as the Lighthouse, the Rozewerf and the Kerkbuurt. But also to the catering establishments, Sijtje Boes, the clog workshop or the Marken Museum, for which I am also actively involved.’
Individual tourists
‘Tourism on Marken is very diverse. Groups arrive by boat and by bus. It continues in winter. In the past, we saw many Asians; nowadays, it is mainly people from the Mediterranean region, from Spain to Turkey.’
‘A special category are the individual tourists who plan their own route to Marken. From Amsterdam, they arrive by Marken Express (ferry), by car, by bicycle or simply by the EBS bus. These tourists generally spend the most time discovering our island.’
Closures
‘It is precisely for this group of visitors, as well as for the residents, a shame that the ridge path is regularly closed. And sometimes they are disappointed that the icebreakers are temporarily unavailable. From the VVV, we explain why these closures are necessary.’
‘The dyke reinforcement fits in with the story of the Netherlands and water. I think it is important that closures are well communicated. But we do not need to drive anyone away: all the beautiful spots are, in principle, accessible.’
Facilities
‘I do understand that some Marken residents experience nuisance from tourism, but all in all, it does bring prosperity and conviviality and supports facilities such as the supermarket or bus service. I myself enjoy travelling by Marken Express and the bus. From the boat, I always take photos, no matter how often I have taken that route.’
Comparable
‘When I enter Marken, I immediately experience a kind of “peace”. Tourists also tell me that sometimes. That is due to the special monumental houses. So much of the original structure is still intact here. We are very protective of that. I still enjoy Marken every day. This place is unique. There is simply nothing comparable.’