National monuments

Schokland is a remarkable destination for anyone interested in Dutch history, water management, and cultural heritage. As the first site in the Netherlands to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Schokland stands as a national monument that tells the story of the country’s ongoing battle with the sea. Once an island in the Zuiderzee, Schokland became landlocked after the creation of the Noordoostpolder in 1942, but its landscape still bears the marks of centuries of adaptation and resilience.

Visitors to Schokland can explore a range of national monuments, including ancient dwelling mounds, church ruins, and remnants of the island’s former harbor. The Museum Schokland, located on the Middelbuurt mound, offers engaging exhibitions about the area’s archaeological finds, prehistoric footprints, and the daily lives of those who lived on the edge of land and water. Walking and cycling trails connect the various monuments, guiding you through open fields, along old dikes, and past interpretive panels that bring the island’s dramatic history to life.

Schokland’s monuments are not just relics of the past—they are living reminders of Dutch ingenuity and the enduring relationship between people and their environment. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique day out, the national monuments of Schokland provide a memorable and thought-provoking experience in the heart of the polder.