Commune: Nyefurd
The little town of Hindeloopen on the IJsselmeer, originally a small settlement established in the eighth century, developed in the 14th century into an important trading town and fishing port which enjoyed a period of great prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries. As a result of its international
connections, which extended as far afield as Spitzbergen and the Dutch colonies, Hindeloopen began to differ from the rest of Friesland in its way of life and its language. Characteristic features of the town are its commandeurshuizen (sea-captains' houses) and wooden footbridges. Hindeloopen is famed for its artwork, its painted furniture and its traditional costumes.