Ship in Spaarndam at a misty sunrise by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About "Ship in Spaarndam at a misty sunrise"

by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

About the artwork

Spaarndam is a small, historic village in North Holland, located between Haarlem and the North Sea Canal. The village is known for its picturesque appearance, its charming lock complex, and its history closely linked to water management.

Spaarndam is famous for its old locks and has a long history in water management, a vital role in the Netherlands. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Spaarndammerdijk and locks were built to protect the area from flooding. These locks are one of the oldest still in use in the Netherlands and are known as the Kolksluis.

The village is associated with the well-known story of Hansje Brinker, the little boy who prevented a flood by sticking his finger in a hole in the dike. Although originally an American fiction story, it has become iconic and is often associated with the Dutch struggle against water. There is even a statue of Hansje Brinker in Spaarndam.

Spaarndam is a lovely village to walk through. It has many charming, historic houses along narrow streets and a characteristic harbour. This atmosphere attracts many tourists and makes the village a popular place for a day trip.

Besides the historical sights, Spaarndam offers access to nature around the IJ and the Spaarnwouderpolder, which is a great place for hiking and cycling. There are several routes in the area, including paths along the dykes and through the polder.