Marker Wadden is a major project aimed at restoring the natural environment of the Markermeer. The creation of nature islands using sand, clay and silt from the Markermeer is enabling new natural habitats to develop, both above and below the water. A natural paradise for fish and birds, and a wonderful recreational island. Through the creation of Marker Wadden, Natuurmonumenten, Rijkswaterstaat and Boskalis are establishing a robust nature reserve in the heart of the Netherlands, where we are building in an innovative way with and for nature. An initial contribution from the National Postcode Lottery enabled this project to get off the ground.
Activities
Marker Wadden is a new area for nature…
Marker Wadden is a major project aimed at restoring the natural environment of the Markermeer. The creation of nature islands using sand, clay and silt from the Markermeer is enabling new natural habitats to develop, both above and below the water. A natural paradise for fish and birds, and a wonderful recreational island. Through the creation of Marker Wadden, Natuurmonumenten, Rijkswaterstaat and Boskalis are establishing a robust nature reserve in the heart of the Netherlands, where we are building in an innovative way with and for nature. An initial contribution from the National Postcode Lottery enabled this project to get off the ground.
Activities
Marker Wadden is a new area for nature, but also for people. The islands are easily accessible. Natuurmonumenten considers it important that the islands are accessible to people. This was therefore given careful consideration during the project. For example, the harbour mouth is wide enough for mooring, and there is a lovely 800-metre-long beach behind the harbour. There are walking trails, boardwalks, birdwatching huts and a viewing tower offering views of the stunning natural surroundings.
Visits
Marker Wadden’s Harbour Island is open to the public. The harbour can be reached by private boat or by a ferry that runs occasionally from Lelystad. There are also charter boats offering day trips.
Haveneiland has been open to the public since September 2018. Discover this new habitat for plants, insects, fish and birds. A natural paradise where you can enjoy a new beach, new walking trails and new birdwatching spots.
A site contribution is requested to help with the management and maintenance of Markerwadden.
• Members of Natuurmonumenten: €3 per person per visit.
• Non-members: €6 per person per visit
• Children under 12 go free.
Visitor rules:
For all visitors
- Markerwadden is a walking island; cycling or other means of transport are not permitted.
- Part of the walking route is also suitable for people with disabilities.
- Please be considerate of nature and the birds. Stay on the paths and keep your distance.
- Markerwadden is still very much a work in progress. Watch out for quicksand.
- Dogs are only permitted in the harbour basin, provided they are kept on a lead.
- During the breeding season, some paths may be temporarily closed.
- Kitesurfing, windsurfing and flying drones are not permitted.
- Always take your rubbish home with you.
For all water sports enthusiasts
- Book your mooring via the BlueWater App
- Mooring is permitted only in the berths at the jetty
- Anchoring is prohibited in the harbour basin
- The speed limit is 9 km/h
- Only this harbour island is accessible to visitors; the other islands are a sanctuary for birds and fish.
