If you want a quiet trip with beautiful views and interesting boat history, visit Urk! Read our blog post to plan your visit.
About Urk
Urk is a pretty fishing village by the IJsselmeer lake in the province Flevoland in the Netherlands. It has a mix of history, culture, and nature. Long ago, it was an island, but now it is part of the land because of a big dam. Urk still feels special with its small streets, colorful houses, and old fishing traditions.
Did you know that Urk used to be an island? That is why people refer to being ‘On Urk’ instead of ‘At Urk’
Why you should visit Urk
Visitors to Urk can learn about its history, enjoy the lovely waterfront, and meet friendly people. You can walk through the old town, see important historical places, or eat fresh fish by the harbor. Urk shows a special part of Dutch life by the sea.
The history of Urk
The small town of Urk has a long history connected to the sea. It was once an island in the Zuiderzee and has been home to people for many centuries, with the first written record from the 10th century. Fishing was very important in Urk, and it still is today.
In the 20th century, a big dam called the Afsluitdijk changed the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer, making Urk part of the mainland. Even with this change, Urk kept its strong community. Visitors can walk on its stone streets and see old Dutch houses, many with flowers that make them look special.
The Urk lighthouse, built in 1844, is famous and helped sailors find their way. The fishing harbor is still busy, and visitors can watch fishermen or eat fresh fish. Urk also has a rich culture with old traditions, a special way of speaking, and even traditional clothes that show how life has been kept the same for many years.
What to do in Urk
Urk has many things to do that show its history, beauty, and culture. It is a lovely place to visit. Start with the Urk Lighthouse, where you can see great views of the IJsselmeer and learn about the town’s past with the sea. Close to it, you can find the Fishermen’s Monument, which honors the fishermen of Urk.
Walk around the old harbor to see fishing boats and watch fishermen at work. You can also enjoy the lively area. Visit the Museum Het Oude Raadhuis to see items and stories about life in Urk when it was still an island. If you like nature, there are nice walking and cycling paths by the IJsselmeer and in the green polder areas. You can also visit Urkerbos, a quiet forest for picnics and walks.
For food lovers, try fresh fish from the harbor or at a seafood restaurant. In summer, you can take a boat trip on the waters that are so important to Urk. To learn more about the culture, join local festivals or markets where people sometimes wear traditional clothes. Whether you love history, nature, or culture, Urk has something for everyone.
The harbor in Urk
Visiting the harbor in Urk is a fun and special experience. The harbor is full of life and shows how connected Urk is to the sea. You can walk along the water and see old fishing boats, called botters, with their colorful sails and wooden design.
The air smells of the IJsselmeer and fresh fish from stalls and restaurants nearby. You might see fishermen fixing their nets or getting their boats ready, showing how they work every day. Around the harbor, there are cafes and places to eat where you can enjoy Dutch seafood, like eel (paling) or herring, while looking at the water.
The harbor is also close to other places to see, like the lighthouse, dikes, and beaches. There are signs and monuments that share the story of how Urk changed from an island to part of the land after the Afsluitdijk was built. Whether you watch the sunset, talk to the friendly people, or take a boat tour, Urk’s harbor is a great place to enjoy nature, history, and culture.
The Urk Lighthouse
The Urk Lighthouse is a trip into the history and beauty of the Netherlands. The lighthouse is in the pretty fishing village of Urk and has been there since 1844. It helped guide sailors safely on the water when the IJsselmeer was still called the Zuiderzee.
The lighthouse is a strong white tower with a red top, and from there, you can see amazing views of the lake and the village. Walking on the small cobblestone streets to the lighthouse, you can see Urk’s history with its old houses, fishing boats, and lively culture. Visiting the Urk Lighthouse is not just about seeing the view; it’s also a way to feel the story of Urk and its connection to the sea.
Fishermen’s Monument
The monument is near the harbor and was built in 1968 to remember the fishermen from Urk who died at sea. At the center is a bronze statue of a woman looking out over the IJsselmeer. She looks sad, showing the feelings of those who lost loved ones who never came back from the sea.
Around the statue are plaques with the names of the fishermen who died, reminding visitors of the dangers they faced. There are nice paths and benches where people can sit and think while looking at the lake. You can hear the soft sound of the water and see fishing boats in the distance, which makes the place peaceful and fitting.
Both locals and visitors come to the monument to show respect and learn about the hard life of fishermen in Urk’s history. Whether you come to remember the past, find a quiet moment, or enjoy the view, the Fishermen’s Monument is a beautiful and meaningful part of Urk.
Museum Het Oude Raadhuis
Museum Het Oude Raadhuis in Urk is a special place where visitors can learn about the village’s history and culture. The museum is inside the old town hall, which has been important to Urk’s life since 1905. When you go in, you can see how Urk changed from a small island in the Zuiderzee to a fishing village connected to the mainland.
The museum shows traditional clothes, fishing tools, and old items from homes that help you understand how people lived in Urk long ago. One of the best parts is learning about Urk’s fishing history, with boat models and stories about the fishermen’s hard work. The museum also explains how the Afsluitdijk was built and how the Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer, which changed the area forever.
Visitors can see fun exhibits, watch short films, and look at a model of a botter (a fishing boat). The museum staff are friendly and often speak different languages, helping visitors learn more with interesting stories.
A trip to Museum Het Oude Raadhuis helps you understand Urk’s history and its place in Dutch maritime life. It’s a great stop when visiting this beautiful village.
How to reach Urk
Reaching Urk by car
Urk is easily accessible by car and public transportation. If traveling by car, you can reach Urk via the A6 motorway, which connects major cities like Amsterdam and Lelystad. Take exit 15 towards Urk and follow the signs into the town center.
Reaching Urk by public transportation
To reach Urk by public transportation, start by taking a train to Lelystad Centrum, a major railway station well-connected to other cities in the Netherlands. Once at Lelystad Centrum, transfer to the busroute towards Urk.
The bus departs regularly and takes approximately 30–40 minutes to reach Urk. It drops you off near the town’s center, conveniently close to the picturesque harbor and local attractions. Be sure to check the train and bus schedules in advance for seamless connections. Click here for more information about the train schedules in the Netherlands in English.
Travel tips for international visitors
If you are planning to visit Urk, it’s easy to get there by car or bus. From Amsterdam, it takes about 1.5 hours by car, and buses are available from nearby cities. The best time to visit is in spring or summer when the weather is warm, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. While in Urk, you can explore the old harbor, visit the lighthouse, and learn about the town’s history at the local museum. Since Urk is a small town, it’s easy to walk around, and you can also rent a bike to explore more. Don’t forget to try some fresh local fish, as Urk is known for its fishing industry.
Famous people in relation to Urk
Detective Appie Baantjer
Appie Baantjer was born in Urk, a small town in the Netherlands. He worked as a policeman for many years. Later, he started to write books. His books were very popular and were called “Baantjer.” The books were about a detective who solved crimes. The detective’s name was also Baantjer. The stories were so famous that a Dutch TV series called Baantjer was made. The show was about crime in Amsterdam. But, the main detective, Baantjer, was born in Urk, just like the author. The TV show became very popular in the Netherlands.
