Marken Lighthouse - Marken

The Marken lighthouse, also known locally as the Paard van Marken (Horse of Marken), is the most photographed lighthouse in the Netherlands. When you see it, you'll understand why! The beautiful tower on the tip of the Oosterpad stands against the backdrop of the Markermeer, making the sunsets from here spectacularly beautiful.

Although the current tower and the keeper's house date from 1839, the history goes back even further to 1700. That was when the first square lighthouse was built on this site. The Paard van Marken was one of three lighthouses that ensured that large ships could sail safely from the Wadden Sea to Amsterdam. After the closure of the Zuiderzee, the tower mainly served inland shipping and recreational boating. The keeper's cottage is now inhabited by lighthouse enthusiasts.

In 1970, the lighthouse was granted the status of a national monument.