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Schokland
For centuries, Schokland was a densely populated island in the Zuiderzee. When part
of the Zuiderzee was reclaimed, Schokland could be reached from all sides via the
former sea floor and the Schokland culture came to an end. Nowadays it stands proudly amidst the polder landscape and is a symbol of the battle against the sea. It is no
wonder that it became the first Dutch monument to be included on Unesco's World
Heritage List. According to Unesco, the 'island' in the Polder is a place of 'exceptional
universal value.'
Cultural history
Prehistoric and medieval habitation and nature disasters left many traces on Schokland Island. In 1948, the Schokland Museum was opened in a renovated church in
Middelbuurt, one of the old mound dwellings. The exhibitions in this museum bring the curious history
of the Noordoostpolder and of Schokland to life. The main purpose of "Natuurlijk Schokland" is to restore the original landscape and to organize tours on
Schokland, explaining the history of the Zuiderzee trade and the story of land
reclamation.
Roaming around Schokland
Visit the remnants of the lighthouse, the former harbor on the northern point, the church
ruins in the south and the Schokland Museum. The cultural history of the island and its
people symbolizes the unrivalled struggle the people of Holland have waged against water.
©Nederlands Bureau voor Toerisme & Congressen 2004
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