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]
Moddergat | |
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Village | |
![]() View from the seaside | |
![]() Coat of arms | |
![]() Location in the former Dongeradeel municipality | |
Coordinates: | |
Country | ![]() |
Province | ![]() |
Municipality | Noardeast-Fryslân |
Area | |
• Total | 1.91 km2 (0.74 sq mi) |
Elevation | 1.1 m (3.6 ft) |
Population (2021)[1] | |
• Total | 235 |
• Density | 120/km2 (320/sq mi) |
Postal code | 9142[1] |
Dialing code | 0519 |
The name of the village means 'mud hole' in Dutch and in West Frisian.[5] Moddergat is twinned with Paesens, and they are often referred to as "Paesens and 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]
The village was first mentioned in 1718 as Modde gat, and is supposed to mean "muddy pool".[8] The village of Paesens was founded first on the new dike along the Wadden Sea. Moddergat was founded later from Paesens, 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 Paesens to Oostdongeradeel. In 1983, the municipalities merged.[4]
Museum '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]
two entries
Media related to Moddergat at Wikimedia Commons
Populated places in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân | |
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Towns |
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Villages |
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Hamlets |
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List of cities, towns and villages in Friesland |