Marker Wadden Audio Guide

To get there, you need to take the ferry from Bataviahaven harbor in Lelystad, as it is an archipelago in the middle of Lake Markermeer. Boat schedules vary by season, and the islands are open from sunrise to sunset; you can check updated timetables and book your crossing on the Natuurmonumenten website.

Access to the islands' natural areas is free, but you must pay for the ferry ticket, which is usually around €25 for adults, with discounts for Natuurmonumenten members. If you have your own boat, you must pay a mooring fee at the island's harbor through the website or the harbor office.

Ideally, you should set aside half a day, roughly a 4-hour block. This includes the 45-minute boat trip round trip and enough time to walk the main 7 km hiking route and enjoy the birdwatching hides without rushing.

It is a unique nature restoration project unlike any other in the world: an artificial archipelago built with mud and sand from the lakebed to restore biodiversity. These are not ancient islands, but new land created in the 21st century to become a paradise for birds and fish that you can explore.

Spring and early summer are the magical times, as it is the breeding season and you will see thousands of birds, such as the pied avocet and the common tern. If you prefer complete tranquility and dramatic scenery, autumn offers spectacular sunsets, although you should dress warmly.

Accessibility is partial; the boat is accessible and the main island has wooden boardwalk trails and shell-paved paths suitable for sturdy wheelchairs. However, there are stretches of loose sand near the beaches that may make passage difficult without assistance.

Right at the departure harbor, you can visit Batavialand, an impressive museum with a replica of a 17th-century ship. Also, a short drive away, you will find the Aviodrome, the largest aviation theme park in the Netherlands.

Bring windproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as the weather changes quickly in the middle of the lake and there is not much shelter. Binoculars are essential for the birdwatching hides, and keep in mind that food options are limited, although there is a small pavilion on the island.