Discover Urk: History, Lighthouse and Nature

Until 1939, Urk was an island in the Zuiderzee. Today, it is a picturesque fishing village in Flevoland. The town’s recorded history dates back to 966. When planning your trip, it is worth exploring the different sides of the town: in the old centre, a guided walk takes you through the lanes, while paths and information boards trace the former island boundary. Woodlands, a nature area and the harbour complete this historical picture.

History, Lighthouse and Museum

The lighthouse on Urk, the Vuurtoren, was built in 1844. On clear days, it offers views across three provinces. At Museum Urk, you can enjoy a VR experience in which you dive to the bottom of the Zuiderzee and view a shipwreck in 3D. This brings together two specific perspectives on the Zuiderzee’s past: a view of its seabed and a depiction of a wreck.

The Vissersmonument also commemorates Urk’s history. It is dedicated to the many people from Urk who were lost at sea. A total of 368 names are engraved on 34 marble plaques. The plaques give a visible tribute to individuals while also recalling the many lives remembered by the monument.

Lanes and Paths around the Former Island Boundary

The “Ginkiestocht” is a guided walk through a maze of lanes in the old town centre. If you are planning to take this tour, check the dates before your trip.

The “Rondje Eiland Urk” route is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists and is easily accessible year-round. It follows the restored historic pile screen and traces the vanished boundary between land and water. Where the pile screen is absent, special paving slabs mark its course. At ten locations, information boards tell the story of events around the former island boundaries. The route thus combines its markers with stories about the island’s former shape.

The Ginkiestocht and “Rondje Eiland Urk” offer different ways to explore the town: the Ginkiestocht focuses on a guided walk through the lanes, while the route along the pile screen is designed for pedestrians and cyclists and presents historical context at several points. These distinct features can help you choose the activity that best suits your stay.

Urkerbos, Urkerveld and Play Forest

Urkerbos is characterised by its diverse broadleaf and coniferous woodland and natural clearings. An 8.4-kilometre mountain biking route has been laid out in the forest. The route details may change if it is extended. The two features of Urkerbos are therefore distinct: the mix of woodland shapes the landscape, while the route offers a specific option for mountain bikers.

Urkerveld was designed with cultural history, education and nature experiences in mind. It is an attractive area for unusual birds, butterflies and dragonflies. At Speelbos Urk, meanwhile, the focus is on woodland and play: the area includes more than two hectares of woodland, a stream and several play structures made from natural materials. The information about these three areas thus offers different points of interest, from woodland scenery and nature to play equipment.

Fish at the Harbour

At Urk’s cosy harbour, you can enjoy smoked IJsselmeer eel or another fresh fish. This is a distinctive culinary highlight to enjoy during your stay, alongside the historic sites and paths around Urk.

For the broader travel overview: Urk.