Museum Schokland is a fascinating museum located on a medieval mound of a former island. Presenting a picture of the geology and archeology of the Noordoostpolder, the museum offers a unique view of the island’s history and the way of life of its former inhabitants.
- Discover the hidden gems and intriguing history of a former island
- Explore geological and archeological artefacts from prehistoric and Medieval times
- Marvel at 4,000-year old footprints of prehistoric man, discovered beneath the island
A prehistoric wonder
Schokland is a former island in the Dutch Zuiderzee, an elongated strip of peat land which ceased to be an island when the Noordoostpolder was reclaimed from the sea in 1942. It used to be bustling settlement area in the Middle Ages, with traces of human presence from 10,000 years ago. It is the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Netherlands.
Secrets of a lost island
Located on one of the three dwelling mounds left on the former island, Museum Schokland presents indoor and outdoor exhibitions which showcases geological and archeological objects found in the island. These include rocks, fossils, historical artefacts, maps, photos and movies, which tell the story of the island’s intriguing history. The highlight of the collection is a number of well-preserved prehistoric footprints that are approximately 4,000 years old, the oldest in Western Europe.
The museum is an excellent starting point for a bike tour around the area. After delving into its history, rent a bike at the museum and venture further.