Urk: Holiday apartments between lighthouse, fishing and nature

Urk was formerly an island in the Zuiderzee until land reclamation created a connection to the mainland in 1939. The Vuurtoren Urk, built in 1844, is 18.5 metres high and offers views of three provinces in clear weather. At night, its light rotates counterclockwise; this type of rotation is described as unique in the Netherlands. Urk’s historic village centre features characteristic green façades.

Culture

The Urk Museum, formerly Het Oude Raadhuis, presents Urk’s more than 1,000-year history through the themes of traditional costume, fishing, trade and art. During a VR experience, visitors can view a shipwreck in 3D and hear the history of Urk’s fishing industry. The Kerkje aan de Zee displays three special ship models: a warship, a peat barge and a botter. During the summer months, the church is open to visitors.

At the Fishermen’s Monument, 368 names are engraved on 34 marble panels. The Historische Timmerschuur can be visited and toured by groups by appointment; a visit takes approximately 45 minutes. It includes an archaeological cellar with finds dating from 800 to 1900 AD. The Ginkiestocht is a bookable guided tour through the narrow streets in Urk’s historic centre. During the Inburgeringstocht, a guide explains Urk’s traditions and customs as well as the Urk dialect.

Water

Urk has three tourist harbours with facilities for visitors, including pitches for motorhomes. Two beaches have a gently sloping bottom and marker buoys, making them easily accessible for children. The IJsselmeervisafslag is still used for landing and trading fish.

From the beginning of May until the end of August, eel is caught in the IJsselmeer. From Tuesday to Friday, eel and other fish such as pike-perch, roach and European perch are delivered. The IJsselmeervisafslag is then open at 1:45 p.m., and sales begin at around 2:15 p.m.; visitors are welcome in the auction hall. During the Veilingspel, they receive explanations about fishing, watch a video with fishing footage and simulate a fish auction.

Nature and trails

Urkerbos combines species-rich deciduous forest, coniferous forest and natural clearings. The “P. van der Lijn” Geological Reserve is located in this forest. Urkerveld provides a habitat for special birds, butterflies and dragonflies. A cycle path through Urkerbos and Urkerveld, created in 2020, passes the “P. van der Lijn” Geological Reserve.

Urkerbos also has an 8.4-kilometre mountain bike route described as technically challenging. The Rondje Eiland route follows the vanished boundary between land and water; at ten locations, information boards explain the stories surrounding the former island boundaries. ’t Urker Roendjen is a 6.8-kilometre route suitable for walking and running.

Speelbos Urk covers more than two hectares of woodland, a stream and several play structures made from natural materials. ’t Urker Roendjen starts and ends at the Toeristisch OverstapPunt near Tourist Info Urk; there are ample parking spaces there.

Practical points of interest

The Toeristisch OverstapPunt Urk is located on the Dormakade next to Tourist Info Urk and close to the old centre. There is ample free parking on the adjoining harbour grounds at Burgemeester Schipperkade.

Local cuisine

Kapkool and dikkoek are considered typical Urk dishes. Saturday is traditionally the day when a lot of fish is fried on Urk.

More destinations

Urk. More destinations: Almere, Dronten, Noordoostpolder, Lelystad, Zeewolde.

To the higher-level travel overview: Flevoland.