Willem Barentsz Expedition Ship

Willem Barentsz is one of the great figures of Dutch exploration. He was born around the middle of the sixteenth century, probably on the island of Terschelling, and became a navigator and cartographer. In the 1590s he led several voyages into the Arctic in search of a northern sea route to Asia, which Dutch merchants hoped would give them a way to the spice trade that avoided the Portuguese and Spanish routes. The idea was bold, because no one knew what lay beyond the ice, and the voyages made him a national hero. The ship moored in Harlingen is a reconstruction that commemorates those expeditions.

The third voyage, in 1596 and 1597, became the most famous. The ships became trapped in the ice off the north of Novaya Zemlya, which the Dutch called Nova Zembla, and the crew was forced to spend the winter there. They built a house from driftwood and timbers from the ship, known as the Behouden Huys, the Safe House, and survived months of darkness, bitter cold and attacks by polar bears. In the summer of 1597 the survivors left in two small open boats and made a long journey over the sea to the Russian coast. Barentsz died during the voyage, but most of the men reached home, and the story became a classic of survival literature. Objects from the winter camp were found in the nineteenth century and are now in the Rijksmuseum.

The replica in Harlingen was built by local volunteers and craftspeople over several years, using traditional methods, so it reflects the pride of a seafaring town in a hero from the Frisian coast. Visitors can look at the hull and rigging and, when tours are offered, go aboard to explore the decks and cabins. Even a short look shows how small and cramped these ships were, and how much courage it took to take them into unknown waters. Guides explain navigation, life at sea and the dangers faced by the crews, and the exhibits often include information on the voyages.

The ship lies in the harbour, among other historic vessels and the activity of the port. Harlingen's old centre, the Hannemahuis museum and the quays are close, and ferries leave for Terschelling, Barentsz's island, from the same harbour.

The ship suits history lovers, families and anyone who enjoys ships and exploration. A visit takes half an hour to an hour. Check the schedule for tours before going, as access depends on the season and the volunteers.