Quiet evening at Spakenburg's Old Harbour by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

Spakenburg is a village in the Dutch province of Utrecht. Traditionally a fishing village, Spakenburg was located on the Zuiderzee until the construction of the Afsluitdijk. Since then, the fishing fleet has shrunk, but fish processing and fish trade still play an important role in the local economy.

As a fishing town on the former Zuiderzee, Spakenburg used to have its own character compared to the surrounding, more agricultural towns. In the first half of the 20th century, the village became known - rightly or wrongly - as a place where traditional folk culture was still present, leading to attention from folklorists and tourists.

The reclamation of the former Zuiderzee, the expansion of the place and the arrival of new employment opportunities changed the character of the place during the 20th century. The secluded character of the village has largely disappeared. The number of women in traditional costume is also declining sharply. The differences with the rest of the Netherlands are diminishing. However, these symbols of the old village of Spakenburg are used as attractions for the benefit of tourism.

This particular evening was a quiet one at Spakenburg's Old Harbour. The Brown Fleet was looking beautiful during the blue hour, and there was a nice reflection in the water.