Once upon a time, Schokland was an island in the Zuiderzee (Southern Sea).
Hundreds of people lived here on dwelling mounds; farmers, fishermen and sea-faring men. Because of the dropping level of the land and persistent storm surges, the destructive sea continued to eat away pieces of the peninsula. Around 1450, it had devoured the last strip that connected Schokland to the mainland. Schokland became an island.
In the 19th century, it deteriorated more and more. The island kept getting smaller and smaller and it was in constant danger of flooding all the time. Schokland was the poorest constituency in the Netherlands and its inhabitants were depending on charity to live on. The future looked bleak. In 1859, the government decided to evacuate the island.
All 635 Schokkers left, with the exception of some government officials. Schokkers received a grant and were re-located to neighborhoods in the surrounding villages.
In 1942, during the Second World War, the Noordoostpolder was reclaimed. Schokland became part of the mainland. Its landscape contours are still visible. Schokland lies a bit higher and thus forms an island on dry land. Schokland became the symbol of the Netherlands’ relationship with water.
In case you did not know …
Schokland and its surroundings became the first UNESCO World Heritage site in The Netherlands, inscribed in 1995.
This elongated strip of peat land of Schokland remains in existence. Visiting Schokland is visiting Museum Schokland. On site, it has indoor and outdoor exhibitions about geology, archaeology and history of the Noordoostpolder, Schokland and its inhabitants. An entrance fee is required.
I was surprised Schokland has vestiges of human inhabitation going back to prehistoric times. The video presentation (in English or Dutch) was very informative. Museum artifacts showcasing heritage remnants and fascinating pictures of this former island and what preceded it. This site is an archaeological monument that covers over 8000 years of habitation history. So much treasures!
The museum gift shop was small and lovely and the museum restaurant attached to it served local homemade Schokkerbrok (forest fruit crumble pie).
We went in the Enserkerk or Enser Church that was right next to the museum. A former Reformed Church on the former island of Schokland built in 1834, to replace a church built in 1717. When Schokland was evacuated, the church was preserved. It is now used as an exhibition space and wedding venue for the municipality of Noordoostpolder.
Schokland was a quick detour on the way home. We did not have time to explore the 1300 hectares on foot or by bike. It is possible to rent bikes at the museum shop. €7.50 per bike / per day! Reservation is needed as they have limited quantity of bicycles. A €25.00 deposit is required. I was tempted but not during the cold windy months. This could have been a day trip!
Schokland still has 10 national monuments such as the lighthouse, lighthouse keeper’s house, the remains of two former churches, “de Gesteentetuin” or the Stone Garden and 3 terps (artificial dwellings). Visitors can download the free walking 11 km route and/or the cycling 10 km route online or get a printed version at the reception. The surrounding area is freely accessible to the public.
Definitely well worth a visit.
UNESCO World Heritage Schokland
Website: https://schokland.nl/en/
Address: Middelbuurt 1. 8319 AB SCHOKLAND.
Entrance Fees: €8.00 per adult, €5.00 for kids age 6 to 11 years old FREE for children up to 5 years old. Family card is available for €22.50 (2 adults + 2 kids). FREE entry for Museumkaart holders.
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun from 11 am to 5 pm. Also opens every Monday in the month of July & August.
Getting There: Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport connection to Museum Schokland. By car or taxi only.
Currently, there are 13 properties in the Netherlands and Curaçao are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This my 6th out of 13.