Moddergat
Moddergat is a fishing village in Noardeast-Fryslân in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. It had a population of around 221 in January 2017.[3] Before 2019, the village was part of the Dongeradeel municipality.[4] The name of the village means 'mud hole' in Dutch and in West Frisian.[5] Moddergat is twinned with Peazens, and they are often referred to as "Peazens-Moddergat".[6][4] In 1883, 17 of the 22 ships of Moddergat were lost at sea during a storm killing 83 fishermen. In 1958, a monument was placed on the sea dike in their honour.[7] In 2004, NCRV television organized a competition for most beautiful place in the Netherlands. Moddergat came in second after Weerribben-Wieden National Park.[4] HistoryThe village was first mentioned in 1718 as Modde gat, and is supposed to mean "muddy pool".[8] The village of Peazens was founded first on the new dike along the Wadden Sea. Moddergat was founded later from Peazens, and used to consist of two hamlets: De Kamp and De Oere. The Reformed Church was built in 1912 with a wooden tower.[6] In 1840, Moddergat was home to 220 people. Moddergat used to belong to the municipality of Westdongeradeel and Peazens to Oostdongeradeel. In 1983, the municipalities merged.[4] ActivitiesMuseum 't Fiskershúske consists of four fishermen's houses, the oldest of which is from 1794, and gives a display of the life and history of the fishers in Moddergat.[9] Moddergat is one of the starting points for wadlopen (mudflat hiking). At low tide, it is possible to walk to the island of Schiermonnikoog.[10] Mudflat hiking is potentially dangerous, and is only allowed under the supervision of a licensed guide.[11] Gallery
References
External linksMedia related to Moddergat at Wikimedia Commons |