Hindeloopen

Special picturesque atmosphere

The wooden bridges over the narrow canals give the town of Hindeloopen a special atmosphere. This Frisian town still reminds many of its glory days in the 17th and 18th centuries. There was lively trade with Norway, the Baltic countries and Russia. Much of the earnings were spent in Amsterdam on precious fabrics and objects. Hindeloopen had a good relationship with this city. Fabrics and objects were brought in by the VOC. As a result, Hindeloopen grew into a centre of interior design and painting.

Hindeloopen and its culture

Because of their wealth, the inhabitants had their own colourful costumes. The many contacts with northern countries gave rise to their own language, which is still spoken today. In the narrow streets there are still some captain’s houses with small anchors on the facade, as a sign that the skipper could still take on cargo. In summer, sailors’ wives lived with their children in the small houses behind the big houses, these are the “likhûzen”. In addition, at Museum Hindeloopen you will discover the rich history of the town in the 18th century and explore Hindelooper interiors, painted furniture, shipping and town history.

Curious about the history of the mecca of skating, Friesland. Then visit the Ice-skating Museum in Hindeloopen where you can discover the complete Elfstedentocht history the largest collection of skates in the world!