Spakenburg, July 10

Spakenburg developed its convenient position at the borders of the Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer) in 1400.  During the high-days of the fishing industry (19th century), the fleet consisted of 200 wooden ships, called “botters”.  The first part of the 20th century brought years of poverty; but after the damming of the ‘Zuiderzee’ (1932) the sweetened water provided rich eel fishing.  After World War II, tourism began in a modest way, and a booming trade in fish, bread, and cakes developed.  Spakenburg now has the largest ‘market fleet’ in the Netherlands.

In Spakenburg about 500 women still wear the traditional costume on a daily basis. However, men and children’s costumes can only be seen during special events. The women and children’s costumes have distinctive stages.  You will find more explanations about the traditional costumes of men, women, and children in the museum (visited during this excursion).

• 13.00 - 13.45 Transport to Spakenburg
• 14.00 - 15.00

 Visit the costume and fishery museum

This museum shows the local culture and traditions with more than 100 dolls in every variation of the costume, as well as scale models of wooden fishermen’s ships. In addition to this, there is a beautiful collection of local needlework as well as hand-painted shoulder pieces and quilts.  There is also an authentic replica, in miniature, of a fishermen’s village.

•
15.00 - 15.10
Walk to old harbor

The Old Harbor of Spakenburg is situated in the centre of the village. The authentic slipway with all its activity is typical historic Dutch décor.  Many ‘high-lows’ – which make up one-third of the total laced-boats in The Netherlands – have their own home base and are supported here.  The Old Harbor has existed as long as Spakenburg has and that has existed since around the 13th century.  The community of The Old Harbor is also referred as the ‘museum harbor’

•
15.30 - 18.00
Sail excursion

In groups of 12, you will take a sail excursion on the Eemmeer.  On the old fishermen’s ships you can have an active role or just enjoy sailing and nature.  The first ship that crosses the Eemmeer is the winner and can conquer a well-deserved (fish) barbecue.  Of course the rest can shuffle along
• 18.00 - 19.30 Barbecue
• 19.30 - 20.15 Transport to Utrecht

This trip includes:

     Transportation
     Entrance to the museum
     Sail excursion
     Barbecue

Total costs €55,-