Ookflevoland

Schokland

In 1995, the Schokland area was the first Dutch monument to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. When visiting this former island, you immediately see why: the picturesque terp (artificial mound) village of Middelbuurt, the many listed buildings and the Gesteentetuin (rock garden) all bear silent witness to the lives people led here. This densely populated island was evacuated 150 years ago because of the persistent storm tides. When the Northeast Polder was reclaimed, Schokland became 'a high and dry island'. Today, Schokland is a worldwide symbol of the Dutch battle against the water. The numerous archaeological discoveries prove that Schokland was inhabited in prehistoric times; remains of prehistoric people have been found. A visit to Schokland and the Schokland museum provides an image of the particular past of this island on the mainland.