Marknesse: Nature, Water and Cultural Heritage

Waterways, nature and the heritage of hydraulic engineering research are among the themes through which you can discover Marknesse. If you are looking for a hotel in Marknesse, first consider what you want to focus on during your trip: the landscape of the Waterloopbos, the history of the Delta Works or experiences on and around the water.

Nature and Waterways

The Waterloopbos is a historic open-air laboratory in a polder forest and a Rijksmonument (national heritage site). The 120-hectare Wendelbos borders it directly. This wet deciduous forest was established in 2006. Many songbirds nest there, many deer live there and numerous butterfly species can be found there. The animals you spot may vary depending on the season.

The waterways also give the destination its own sense of direction. The Zwolse Vaart is 15 kilometres long and runs from Emmeloord via Marknesse through the Voorsterbos to the Voorstersluis. Marknesse is also situated on the Zwolse Vaart and the Marknesservaart, making it a destination or stopover for recreational boating. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a stay focused on nature and culture and one connected to the waterways.

In Marknesse, Natural Yachts rents out motorboats, sailing yachts and X-Shore tenders with fully electric propulsion. Its range of electric Maxus sailing boats includes the Maxus Evo 24 Electric and Maxus 34 Electric models. Visitors can learn about various models and electric boating at the Natural Yachts Experience Centre. Rental boat availability is subject to the provider’s terms and conditions.

Waterloopbos: Research and Art

The Waterloopbos combines the natural setting of a polder forest with a remarkable history of research. A former enormous wave basin served as a test site for the Delta Works; an impressive tribute to the research conducted there was later created. The artwork Deltawerk// brings this history to life in its own way: large concrete slabs from the walls of the 250-metre-long Deltagoot were sawn out, rotated and set up at different angles. The result is a play of light and darkness.

Another link to cultural history is the Markehuisje, the oldest stone building in the Noordoostpolder. Together with the Waterloopbos and Deltawerk//, it forms a cultural theme encompassing both local building history and research into the Delta Works.

Routes and Seasonal Experiences

The Lichtbakenroute starts in the village square in the centre of Marknesse. It connects the old land of Overijssel with the new land of the Noordoostpolder, providing a specific starting point for exploring this regional connection. The Fietspont Kraggenburg–Waterloopbos is also available to pedestrians and cyclists. It can be used by no more than four cyclists or pedestrians at a time and operates from 1 March to 31 October. Check its operating days before planning your journey.

Another seasonal experience is the tulip picking garden in Marknesse. During tulip season, usually in April and May, visitors can pick a bucket or basket of colourful tulips; the exact dates may vary from year to year. The operating period of the Fietspont and tulip season are therefore not the same: the blooming period usually falls within part of the ferry’s stated operating period.

Wijngaard en Boerderijwinkel Maronesse in Marknesse offers guided tours and wine tastings. Check booking or seasonal availability before making plans. Pavilion Het ProefLab// is located next to the monumental artwork Deltawerk// and houses a restaurant as well as the Natuurmonumenten visitor centre for the Waterloopbos; opening arrangements may change.

Marknesse therefore offers a range of themes for your trip: the history of research and art in the Waterloopbos, nature in the neighbouring Wendelbos, waterways and boating options, as well as seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Emmeloord, Kraggenburg, Rutten, Bant.

For the main travel overview: Noordoostpolder.