Holland has always been a seafaring nation. Many centuries ago, the Dutch set off in their ships to trade with other countries – during the Golden Age, the heyday of the VOC (the Dutch East India Company), Dutch explorers like Abel Tasman charted new territories, and wars were fought at sea. The heroes of these naval battles include Michiel de Ruyter, Piet Hein and Maarten Tromp.

A focus on the golden age
Maritime museums throughout the country will be focusing on this period from the country’s history. Replicas of famous 17th century ships are being built in Cape Holland and at the Batavia shipyard. Many museums have paintings dating form this period. The past will be brought to live in the VOC Kamers (the VOC’s former offices) in Texel, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Amsterdam, Delft, Rotterdam and Middelburg.

Pituresque places
Picturesque fishing villages ring the IJsselmeer. At the Zuiderzee museum in Enkhuizen you can experience for yourself how fishermen and their families lived. Feel the history in the harbours of Enkhuizen, Volendam, Marken, Spakenburg and Urk.