Haven Van Laaxum
Haven Van Laaxum
Haven van Laaxum is a small historic harbor on the IJsselmeer shore near the hamlet of Laaxum (West Frisian: Laaksum), in the Frisian municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân.
Often cited as the smallest fishing harbor in Europe, it sits at the foot of the dike in the Gaasterland region, south of Warns. The harbor was constructed in 1912, when the local fishing industry was at its peak, and was restored to its former state in 1998.
Fishing here dates back centuries — flounder was caught from Laaxum around 1500, and eel fishing followed from the 17th century onward. After the completion of the Afsluitdijk, commercial fishing largely came to an end.
Alongside the harbor stands the Hang, a small building once used for salting and smoking herring, and several restored brine barrels in which fishing nets were formerly preserved.
The harbor and its surroundings, including the traditional fishing cottages and the scenic dike setting along the IJsselmeer, are recognized as a cultural-historical monument.
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