Holiday apartment in Bunschoten: Harbour, History and Eemmeer

In Bunschoten and Spakenburg, the visible themes range from medieval traces and museums to dikes and Eemmeer. Between medieval traces, old fishing traditions, sailing events and paths through the polder landscape, a multifaceted picture of the Dutch Zuiderzee history emerges.

Culture and History

The Burgwal in Bunschoten is an archaeological Rijksmonument and preserves the remains of the medieval town of Bunschoten. Museum Spakenburg offers a broad insight into the region's past: on more than 1,500 m², a tour leads through fishermen's houses, a farmhouse, a shop, a school, a smokehouse and a temporary exhibition. The museum conveys the special features of Bunschoten-Spakenburg through fishing, traditional costume, industry and football.

Maritime history is also present in the museum harbour. Since the 13th century, it has served Zuiderzee fishermen as a mooring place for their Botters. The Botterwerf Spakenburg dates from 1750 and is still in operation every day; its slipway can accommodate four Botters at the same time for maintenance. De Visafslag is more than 100 years old and is located at the end of Havendijk next to the museum harbour. Since it ceased operations in 1986, it has served as a museum. Visitors can bid when the large auction clock is running and, if they win, take a fish home.

Further historical evidence can be found in the townscape. After its restoration in 1990, the Visrokerij at Oude Schans 56 was given a museum function. The Dutch Reformed Church at Dorpsstraat 21 has a massive tower. Originally, it was a single-nave Late Gothic cruciform church; the choir and transept were demolished in 1790. In the Klederdracht- & Visserijmuseum, more than 100 traditional-costume dolls can be seen during the summer months. They represent stages of life from infancy to marriage, as well as work clothing and various periods of mourning. The museum also displays miniature Botters, traditional costume fabrics, quilts, regional handicrafts and other traditional costume products.

Landscape

The Grebbelinie runs via Amersfoort to Bunschoten and remains clearly visible in the landscape as a cultural and historical monument. Cycling, hiking and canoeing are possible along the Grebbelinie. Cycle routes around Spakenburg run along the dike of Eemmeer and offer views of the former Zuiderzee, old farmhouses, the polder landscape and numerous bird species.

Water and Events

Spakenburg is situated on Eemmeer and can be reached by boat. Visitor boats can moor in the harbours for one or more overnight stays. Botters operate on Eemmeer from May through September inclusive. The Botterkerkhof is also located off the coast of Spakenburg. It consists of Botter wrecks that were sunk by their owners after the Zuiderzee was closed off.

Several events take up this maritime tradition. The Spakenburgse Dagen are a long-standing tradition with a cultural and historical programme and a large street market; during these days, visitors can sail across Eemmeer on Botters. During Visserijdag, visitors may board rigged fishing vessels. The Zuidwal Wedstrijden are a sailing event in Spakenburg for Botters and other round- and flat-bottomed vessels. The Kunstroute Spakenburg also takes place every year and leads through Bunschoten, Spakenburg and Eemdijk, where local artists present their work.

Walks and Routes

Guided walks through Spakenburg lead to historic sites, monuments and sculptures. They start at the Toeristisch Informatie Punt at Oude Schans 90 and take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. for a maximum of twelve people. A self-guided walk around the harbours of Spakenburg conveys the history and customs of the town.

For a longer route, there is the cycle route „Around Spakenburg“. It is 20 km long, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, starts at the TOP-point Museum Spakenburg and runs via Oostdijk, Eemdijk and Palendijk.

Local Flavours

The Klaas Hartog bakery is part of the local baking tradition. It bakes Molen bread and rolls from the flour of Korenmolen de Hoop. Spakenburgs hart is a local speciality available at all the village's bakeries.

Getting There and More Pages about the Area

Bus route 376 runs directly from Amersfoort Central Station to the centre of Spakenburg. For further navigation within the area, Bundschoten, Bunschoten-Spakenburg are also available.

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For the higher-level travel overview: Utrecht.

More Destinations

More places under the same destination:

Woudenberg, Vianen, Bunnik, Renswoude, Soest, Eemnes.