19km (12 miles) N of Lelystad
This quaint fishing village was a Zuiderzee island for more than 700 years, its isolation undisturbed until the IJsselmeer reclamation project joined it to the mainland in 1942. Urk now lies on the west coast of the Noordoostpolder (Northeast Polder), a flat, reclaimed farm-landscape in the north of Flevoland province covering 480 sq. km (185 sq. miles).
Getting There -- Buses leave every hour on average from the bus station outside Lelystad rail station. By car, take A6 north from Lelystad, and then go west on N352. While you will certainly encounter cars on the narrow brick-paved streets, it's a good idea to park outside the village and take to your feet. In summer months, you can make a 90-minute trip by passenger-and-bicycle ferry, operated by Rederij Duurstede (tel. 0343/577-111; www.urk-enkhuizen.nl), from Enkhuizen, from where there are train connections with Amsterdam.
Visitor Information -- VVV Urk is at Wijk 2/2, Urk (tel. 0527/684-040; fax 0527/686-180). The office is open April to October, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm; November to March, it's open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.
Attractions
As you walk past picturesque brick homes lining tiny streets, notice the decorated wooden doors and elaborate wrought ironwork. At the long piers in the busy harbor are moored sturdy fishing boats that sail in search of eels. Smoked eel is sold everywhere in Urk, and there's a busy fish market.
The small Museum Het Oude Raadhuis, Wijk 2/2 (tel. 0527/683-262; www.museum.opurk.nl), in the old Town Hall, has exhibits about Urk's ancient and recent history, fishing traditions, and displays of local costumes and architecture. It's open April to September, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday (Apr-May and Sept) from 10am to 1pm and (June-Aug) 10am to 5pm. Admission is 3€ ($3.75) for adults, 2.50€ ($3.15) for seniors, 1.50€ ($1.90) for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 6.
Eel Selection -- When buying smoked eels, demonstrate your expertise by selecting only the skinny ones (the fat ones aren't as tasty).
