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De Overhaal

The Overhaal in the harbour of Bovenkarspel is an important industrial monument.

As early as the 17th century, barges were ferried from the polder to this harbour on the Zuiderzee. At that time, this was done with paddles on a bank. This facility was important for trading and transporting the supply of vegetables to Amsterdam and to the countries along the Baltic Sea.

There was great competition with the harbour in Enkhuizen. The electrical installation for this boat lift was made in 1923. When trading was done via auctions and transport via freight train (headlands at the station in Bovenkarspel) and roads, the Overhaal fell into disrepair after some time in the second half of the previous century.

In 1993, the municipality of Stede Broec, with the help of government subsidies, completely restored the Overhaal, including the electrical installation. Since then, it has served as a barge and boat lift for recreation.

For current operating hours, please visit this location’s website.