The magical fishing village of Urk

In Flevoland, Holland's youngest province, you'll find the former island of Urk. This magical fishing village has a unique history and culture, and offers the opportunity to drift cozily along the water.

Go walking in the center of the old village through a labyrinth of lanes ('ginkies').
Eat freshly caught or smoked fish at the harbor with a marvelous view.
Take a 'botter' (old fishing boat) or ferry towards Enkhuizen.

Sightseeing and activities in Urk

The fishing village of Urk is centuries old and has a unique culture and history. You'll still hear the Urk dialect, and can wander through the old lanes ('ginkies') and alleyways without a care in the world. In the cozy harbor, terrace cafes invite you to enjoy delicious smoked eel from the IJsselmeer lake or freshly fried fish from the Urk fishermen. A visit to the lighthouse, the museum, the monuments and the IJsselmeer lake fish market are also recommended. And a boat trip across the IJsselmeer lake – the former Zuider Zee - with an original fishing boat or with the ferry to Enkhuizen is also a must. But please be aware that Sunday is the day of rest for religious Urk citizens, so it's best to plan your visit for during the week or a Saturday.

Urk is a fishing village, and this is why the harbor is the beating heart of the area. Be amazed at the old botters in the Westhaven, some of which can be visited.
Near the lighthouse, there are two small beaches on the shore of the IJsselmeer lake, which invite you to come sunbathing and swimming.
The IJsselmeer lake is one of the most popular bodies of water for water sports. This makes a day on the water - on board a sailboat or surfboard - very tempting.
The Zuider Zee passenger boat takes passengers on a round trip across the IJsselmeer lake. Starting point: Burg. J. Schipperkade.
The landscape around Urk is flat, which makes it ideal for a cycling tour along the IJsselmeer lake. If you haven't got a bicycle, then you can hire a 7-gear bicycle or an electric bike at the Urk Bike Shop and take it on the famous 'IJsselmeer Tour'.

The area surrounding Urk

Not far from Urk, you'll also find the historically interesting Schokland with its numerous national monuments and over 160 archeological sites which have been entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can track the development and culture of the residents of this former island here; from hunters and gatherers to farmers to polder residents. Another recommendation is a visit to Batavialand. Here, you'll learn everything about how the province of Flevoland came to be, and about the history of the Dutch ship voyage.

Getting to and parking in Urk

Urk is located in the province of Flevoland, about an hour's car journey away from the capital Amsterdam and away from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. You can find a large free parking lot in the harbor area of Urk. If you're traveling by public transport, then you can take the bus to Urk from Zwolle or Kampen Station (just over an hour).

Editor's tip

Another opportunity to discover Urk and Schokland and the surrounding area is, of course - typically Dutch - by bicycle. For example, on the lovely 'Zuider Zee island route', which passes the former islands, the architectural village of Nagele and various lovely museums.

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