Stavoren

Places to go
The Lady of Stavoren (Dutch: Vrouwtje van Stavoren) is a folk tale from the Netherlands which originated in the 16th century. Now a city of 1,000 inhabitants, Stavoren was once a wealthy port in the Dutch province of Friesland. The city began to decline in the late Middle Ages after a sandbank formed outside the harbour, blocking ships from entering and exiting.

Several stories have been told over the years to explain the forming of the sandbank, including the tale of the Lady of Stavoren. The story involves a wealthy woman who wanted ever more riches. She sent a captain out to look for the greatest treasure in the world. When he returned with wheat, saying wheat is "the most precious thing in the world", because it can feed the hungry’, the lady went furious.

The wheat was thrown in the harbor. She ordered the captain to find a much better treasure than wheat. Ultimately, the lady lost all her riches and ended up a beggar. In addition, she caused the ruination of the port and city. The tale has inspired songs, plays, operas and films. Since 1969, a statue of the fabled Lady of Stavoren stands in the town's harbor, gazing over the sea.

Be there
Visit the woods in Gaasterland. Breathe the fresh air.

Around Stavoren
During summer a ferry for pedestrians and cyclists operates between Stavoren and Enkhuizen.