AT A GLANCE
Why go?
The Gouwzee is a sheltered stretch of clear, shallow water nestled between the former island of Marken and the mainland coast of North Holland, bordered by the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Monnickendam. Unlike the murkier open waters of the Markermeer beyond, the Gouwzee enjoys a calm, protected character thanks to the enclosing dike and the headland of Marken, making it one of the most popular watersports areas in the region.↗↗
Beyond recreation, the Gouwzee is internationally important for nature conservation: it holds the largest underwater field of starry stonewort in the Netherlands and draws enormous flocks of diving ducks in late summer. The combination of active waterfront villages, a vibrant sailing scene, and exceptional aquatic ecology gives visitors a rare blend of culture and nature in one compact Dutch landscape.↗
A Sheltered Lake with Clear Water
The Gouwzee sits at the junction of land and water where the former island of Marken meets the mainland of Waterland. Connected to the mainland by a dam since 1957, Marken and its enclosing dike form a natural breakwater that shields the Gouwzee from the stronger winds and wave action of the open Markermeer. The result is a remarkably calm surface on most days, with visibility that can be surprisingly good for a lake of this size.