Schokland

Schokland used to be an island in the Dutch Zuiderzee. Schokland lost its status as an island when the Noordoostpolder was reclaimed from the sea in 1942. The remains are still visible as a slightly elevated part in the polder and by the waterfront of Middelbuurt that still is partly intact.

As a result from the increasing sea-level Schokland transformed from an attractive settlement area in the Middle Ages to a place under continuous threat by floods in the 19th century. By that time the Schoklanders had retreated to the three most elevated parts Emmeloord, Molenbuurt en Middelbuurt.

A major flood in 1825 brought massive destruction and in 1859 the government decided to end permanent settlement on Schokland.

Today Schokland is a popular archeological site and host to the Museum Schokland.

External links:

• Schokland