Culture & History Waterland
Culture & history in Waterland - Discover the stories that have shaped Waterland
Waterland is steeped in history. In its historic towns and villages, traces of the past are still visible. Wealthy shipowners, captains and merchants had beautiful wooden houses built in Broek in Waterland, whilst Monnickendam grew into an important port town with a rich fishing history. Stroll past monuments, old harbours and distinctive gable stones, and discover the stories that have characterised Waterland for centuries.
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Guided tour
Guided tour
Set off with a local guide and discover the hidden stories of Marken, Monnickendam and Broek in Waterland.
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Museums
Museums
Delve deeper into the history of Waterland and discover how life with the water has shaped the region over the centuries.
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Discover the stories of Waterland
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City walk
City walk
Explore historic towns and villages at your own pace and discover the stories behind monuments, harbours and characteristic streets.
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Living heritage
Living heritage
Discover traditions that are still very much alive today, from the Monnickendam Fish Days to the traditional costumes of Marker and ancient crafts.
A walking tour through history - Step into the stories of Waterland
The best way to discover Waterland historic towns and villages is on foot. Stroll at your own pace through charming streets, past listed buildings and historic harbours on a town or village walk. Would you like to find out more about the stories behind the façades, life by the water and the region’s rich history? Then set off with a local guide who brings Waterland to life with fascinating stories and hidden details.
Guided tour
You can discover Waterland ’s most fascinating stories with a local guide. Explore the historic streets of Monnickendam, discover the rich history of Broek in Waterland and, on Marken, let yourself be guided past the characteristic shipyards and centuries-old traditions. This way, you’ll experience Waterland history in a completely different way.
City walk
Discover the historic towns and villages of Waterland at your own pace. Stroll past listed buildings, charming harbours, characteristic wooden houses and distinctive gable stones. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the region’s rich history and discover how life on the water, trade and fishing have shaped Waterland over the centuries.
Museums in Waterland - Delve deeper into the history of Waterland
In Waterland museums, history truly comes to life. Here you can discover how life with the water, fishing, trade and shipping have shaped the region over the centuries. Admire historical artefacts, traditional costumes, old maps and personal stories that offer a unique insight into life in days gone by. Each museum highlights a different chapter in Waterland history and shows how the past is still visible in the landscape and the historic towns and villages.
More in Waterland
The stories of Waterland go beyond culture and history. Explore the historic towns and villages, discover the water-rich landscape from a boat, or be inspired by everything else the region has to offer.
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Cities & towns
Discover the characteristic towns and villages of Waterland, each with its own history, atmosphere and unique stories.
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Out on the water
Experience Waterland from the water. Take a trip on an electric boat, canoe or sailing ship and discover the region from a completely different perspective.
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Waterland
From nature and culture to routes, restaurants and events: discover everything Waterland has to offer and plan your next visit.
Frequently asked questions
Waterland culture is inextricably linked to the water. Fishing, trade, shipping and water management have shaped the historic towns and villages and are still evident in the landscape and local traditions.
You can discover Waterland history in its historic towns and villages, during a city walk or guided tour, and in the region’s various museums.
In Waterland , you’ll find various museums where you can learn more about life by the water, fishing, shipping and local traditions. Each museum tells its own story about the region.
Yes. In places such as Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland and Marken, you can take part in a guided tour with a local guide. This allows you to discover the stories behind the monuments, historic buildings and special places.
Living heritage comprises traditions, crafts and customs that are still practised today. In Waterland , this is evident at events such as the Monnickendammer Fish Days and in traditions such as the Marker traditional costume.
Yes. On a town or village walk, you can explore the historic towns and villages at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll pass monuments, harbours and other places that tell the story of Waterland .