Scale model of the Hollandse tjalk Berend

In the past, everything was transported by water using a Tjalk, a large cargo ship that sailed the inland waterways of the Netherlands with its large sails. This included the former Zuiderzee.

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“The tjalk was one of the most common cargo ships on Dutch waters.”
André Groeneveld
Conservator Zuiderzeemuseum

The tjalk, the general Dutch name for a variety of flat-bottomed sailing barges, exists in different versions and sizes. They were used for the transport of all kinds of cargo, e.g. wood from Zaandam, stones from the large rivers, manure from Friesland and cheese from North Holland. Like many other vessels, the particular type of tjalk was frequently named after the area they were used in.

Initially, these boats were constructed from wood, later from iron, and eventually from steel.
These vessels are recognisable by their long shape, narrow dimensions, and rounded bow. Furthermore, the tjalk also features two swords on the side.

From de Staffordshire dogs to de Rudder decoration in the shape of a mermaid. Discover the online collection of the Zuiderzeemuseum.