It is located southwest of Schalsum and on the direct northeast side of Franeker, of which it is a part administratively.

Near the hamlet is Arkens, an eponymous windmill which is currently located within the built-up area of Franeker – it was moved to there in 1972.

Possibly a spelling error as it is mentioned as Erckens in 1499.

The place name is also said have derived from a compound of Arke, a personal name, and the suffix -ingi which developed into the Frisian -ens.

Media related to Arkens at Wikimedia Commons