Botterdagen and Open Monumentendag
For three days, Elburg will be all about an event that fits our beautiful fortified town like a glove.
The Botterdagen, this year on 11, 12 and 13 September, are always a highlight for Elburg, its residents and all visitors.
On Thursday evening, we start with a Fleet Review of all the botters in the harbour. One by one, the restored flat-bottomed boats sail into the harbour and look for a spot on the quay. The music bands also sail along and enter the harbour playing loudly. When all the botters are in place, you imagine yourself back in time before the closure of the Zuiderzee.
Friday is the day of the Business Competition. Early in the morning, the crew members are already eating their breakfast of eggs and bacon, after which they sail towards the Veluwemeer and show a spectacular sailing competition there. In the meantime, there are performances by shanty choirs in Elburg, special exhibitions at various locations, the Botterwerf and the Botter Museum can be visited and it is pleasantly busy on the terraces.
(photo of a business competition for botters under full sail)
On Saturday there is a Bottermarkt with old crafts such as smoking eel and salmon at the harbour. The Botters sail back and forth with visitors. All museums are open and can be visited free of charge or for a small fee. Special monuments such as the casemates, the De Tijd mill in Oostendorp, the army museums on the 't Harde are open to the public.
(photo bottermarkt)
The complete programme can be viewed at www.botterdagenelburg.nl.
