Klompenmakerij met Stoommachine
You can visit the Wooden Shoe Factory, Dutch souvenir shop in the typical Dutch Village of Marken 20 minutes by car or bus from Amsterdam. Or you can take the ferry from Volendam (30 min). It is located in the wonderful village of Marken. The former Island got connected to the mainland in 1957, but still breathes the atmosphere of an old Dutch fishing village with its 140 monumental buildings. It is also possible to visit us on a tour with tour companies like: tours & tickets, buendia, and see old holland
Wooden Shoe Factory
Next to the parking lot you can find the Wooden Shoe Factory.
Here you can see a local traditional clogmaker, who will demonstrate how a simple block of wood can be transformed into a wooden shoe in minutes To make the clogs, we use old machines from 1906, and we even got a working steam engine from 1913 to power the clogmakingmachines the old fashioned way. You can take also look in our wooden shoe museum with all kinds of old or remarkable clogs.
Traditionally, wooden shoes have been worn all over the world to provide protection. These were held to the feet with textile or leather.
Since the 13th century, wooden shoes have also been made in the Netherlands, soon called the klomp!
In the Netherlands, the wooden shoe is completely made of wood because there were almost no cows, the land was much too wet, so leather is very expensive.
During the industrial revolution, the clog machine was invented powered by a steam engine.
Our Steam Engine
The wooden shoe maker on Marken is a big fan of old machines, so an original steam engine was at the top of the list!
After six years of searching, one was found, and what kind! An original Badenia locomotive, made in Germany in 1913.
Originally drawn to the workplace by 4 to 6 horses, weighing 5000 kilos!
This steam engine has had an exciting life. First bought by the Portuguese government, and shipped to Brazil, which was then owned by Portugal.
There she traveled many thousands of kilometers. Eventually, the steam engine returned to Europe, and after wandering through Portugal, France and Germany in 1947, it was bought by a forest manager in the Netherlands who used it to power a wood splitting machine.
When the man retired, he no longer needed the steam engine. He still had the plan to place the machine in his farm as a heat source, but his wife didn't like that!
After many years, this beautiful machine is in the wooden shoe factory on Marken where you can experience for yourself how this old lady brings a piece of history and culture of the Netherlands to life with the help of wooden shoe machines dating from 1906! "
We do demonstrations regularly, price of a demonstration, and museum visit:
- Adult € 7,50
- Child € 3,75 (up to and including 13 years)
The demonstrations takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Dutch Souvenir Shop
Next to our production area we got our souvenir shop wich looks like a walhalla of Dutch souvenirs. You'll find beautyful clogs in all kinds and sizes, unique designs you have never seen before. For example check out our stylisch denim wooden shoes. But we are more than just a clog store. We have all kinds of unique and stunning dutch souvenirs. What do you think about wooden tulips, delft blue ceramics, or maybe fancy some dutch christmas ornaments, We sell a wide range of Dutch souvenirs.
Opening Ours
We are opened 365 days a year and we do regular demonstrations. If you plan to come with a big (tour) group it is wise to contact us first to check what time is available to plan the demonstration. We are happy to tell you everything about the wooden shoes.
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Summer season: 10:00 - 19:45 (march 23 - oktober 30)
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Winter season: 11:00 - 17:30 (oktober 31 - march 22)
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On april 27 we close earlier due to kingsday.
Where to find us
You can find the Wooden Shoe Factory Marken at:
Kets 521156 AX Marken
The Netherlands
T: 0031 (0)299-601250
Many satisfied customers have preceded you. Read below their experiences about our clog factory / souvenir shop. Have you been to us before? don't hesitate to write a review.