The Marker Wadden are a few kilometres away from the Bataviahaven in Lelystad. The archipelago consists of a total of 5 islands and only the main island is accessible to you for a fee. The ship is docking at the habor. A small visitor centre has been temporarily built there where the employees of Natuurmonumenten will tell you more about the latest developments of the Marker Wadden. From there you can walk along two walking routes along the footpaths on the island, along the beach, the Steltloper a 12 meter high watchtower, and various birdhouses. 

The history of the Marker Wadden

In 2012 Natuurmonumenten started planning the construction of a new nature reserve in the north-eastern part of the Markermeer. The nature islands consist of sand, clay and mud that has been excavated from the Markermeer. They started the construction of the main island in 2016 and it became accessible to the public from summer 2018.

What is the purpose of the Marker Wadden?

The Marker Wadden give the Markermeer an upgrade. A thick layer of sludge has completely stopped the biological productivity in this area and the Marker Wadden will change this. The goal? Better water quality, new bottom life, richer fish stocks and more birds! As soon as the water becomes clearer, the water plants, fish and countless shellfish return. The expected result is that the endangered bird species such as the purple heron and the black tern will settle in the nature reserve in large numbers.