Schiermonnikoog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Schiermonnikoog | |||
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| Country | Netherlands | ||
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| Province | Friesland | ||
| Area (2006) | |||
| - Total | 199.07 km² (76.9 sq mi) | ||
| - Land | 40.54 km² (15.7 sq mi) | ||
| - Water | 158.52 km² (61.2 sq mi) | ||
| Population (1 January 2007) | |||
| - Total | 947 | ||
| - Density | 23/km² (59.6/sq mi) | ||
| Source: CBS, Statline. | |||
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||
Schiermonnikoog (pronunciation ; West Frisian: Skiermûntseach) is an island, a municipality, and a national park in the northern Netherlands. Schiermonnikoog is one of the West Frisian Islands, and is part of the province of Friesland. The only village on the island is also called Schiermonnikoog. The municipality is the least densely populated in the Netherlands.
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[edit] History
The first known owners of Schiermonnikoog were the monks of the Cistercian monastery Klaarkamp near Rinsumageest, on the mainland[1]. "Monnik" means "monk" and "schier" is an archaic word meaning "grey", referring to the colour of the monks' habits. The name Schiermonnikoog therefore translates as Island of the grey monks.
The tidal current, prevailing wind and the sea cause the island to slowly "move" to the south and the east. In the year 1250, it lay roughly 2 km to the north of its present position, and it had a significantly different shape[2]. In 1717 and 1720, storms flooded the village Westerburen that had developed in the vicinity of the monks' buildings. Consequently, the village was abandoned. From 1756 a new village, named Oosterburen, was built to the east. Nowadays this second village is named Schiermonnikoog, after the island.
On January 1, 2006 the eastern border of the island was moved eastbound, further into the now former territory of the municipality of Eemsmond in the province of Groningen, for a compensation of about 30.000 euros. This was done to give the municipality of Schiermonnikoog the possibility to act in case of a calamity or disaster.
[edit] Tourism
The main source of income on Schiermonnikoog is tourism. The island houses a campground, a ferry pier, a tidal harbour for small vessels and approximately 15 hotels and hundreds of vacation houses and apartments. The eastern part of the island forms an important nature reserve, with access very restricted during the breeding season of the many birds that nest there. The island as a whole is one of The Netherlands' national parks.
[edit] Travel
The only public transport to Schiermonnikoog is by ferry from the lock and harbour complex of Lauwersoog. Even during the winter months there is more than one connection per day. Tourists are not allowed to bring their cars with them on the ferry. The most common form of transport is by bicycle. A network of cycle paths criss crosses the island.
[edit] References
- ^ Stenvert, R. et al. (2000). Monumenten in Nederland: Friesland, p. 265–267. Zwolle: Waanders Uitgevers. ISBN 90-400-9476-4.
- ^ Van de Ven, G. (editor) (1996). Leefbaar laagland, p. 90. Utrecht: Uitgeverij Matrijs. ISBN 90-5345-031-9.
[edit] External links
- Official Website
- Tourism Office Website
- Wagenborg: Ferry Service to Schiermonnikoog and Ameland
- Circus Theater Dagen: Circus, Activities, Events in Schiermonnikoog, May 2008
- Barry Yeoman, Destination: Wadden Islands, Attaché magazine
- Dutch documentary soap opera about people living on Schiermonnikoog
- A travel account by a Yemeni who traveled to Schiermonnikoog, Yemen Observer newspaper
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