Ship warf, museum and option to sail in our historic fisher boats

Visit our warf and museum! Immerse yourself in Elburg’s fishing history. A past concerning historic fisher ships, mainly called Botters or Bonzen, fishermen and the former sea, called Zuiderzee. And meanwhile you’re very welcome to look around…

ln 1920 about 72 fishing ships were still to be found in Elburg. Back then, the town was a real fishing community. But the Zuiderzee brought not only an income, the water was dangerous too. ln the storm flood of 1916 more than 50 souls were lost.
In the end a dam/dike was realized in the northern part of The Netherlands, which changed the sea in an area with lakes (called ‘de Randmeren’), and an area of land where cities and farms are found. The water changed towards fresh water and fishes like herring, flounder and anchovies disappeared. Only eel and smelt remained.

ln July 1956 the last Botter passed the hole in the ring dike. And then Elburg was cut off from the open water. The fishing boats became worthless and many were sunk on purpose to get rid of them. For some, the disappearance of the fishing boats did not feel well, as they were cultural heritage. The Foundation for the preservation of Elburger Botters (Botter Foundation Elburg) was founded in September 1975. Four young men from Elburg bought the first Botter with registration number EB24 for 3,000 Dutch guilders. 

The Botter association nowadays owns various models of fishing boats. Most of them are flat bottom ships because of the shallow see. The Botter was the common fishing vessel on the Zuiderzee ( ± 2500 in 1900). This type originated in the 2nd half of the 18th century. To build it, they used mainly oak. Botters have a high head so that the high waves at sea will be turned.This creates a living and storage space in the front. The stern is very low to create some ease in fishing activities. In the stern, the ‘bun is placed (In a double bottom). It consists of three boxes filled with fresh water, meant to keep the fish fresh for several days.

At the warf we take care of maintenance and restauration of the fishing boats.  The goal is to preserve the knowledge and interest for the next generations. Our learning traject concentrates in the smaller hall. This hall is used for a major restoration of our Botters. It is led by our teacher/carpenter. He works with trainees to maintain our Botters and re-use them in all their glory for future generations.

Want to go sailing?
By the way: in summer time we are sailing the lakes, because that is where the botters are ultimately best in their element. So… “Get on board and hoist the sails!” Wind in your hair, sun on your face, enjoying the elements and being together. An experience you won’t forget soon!
Single tickets can be purchased at the tourist office (VVV), or on specific days in July and August at the harbour, directly opposite the arch Vischpoort. Do you want to rent a botter with a group? Check the website and book (Boek een Botter) or take a leaflet with you while you are at the Botter museum.