Laaxum on the IJsselmeer: Harbour, Fishing and Nature

Laaxum lies on the dike beside the IJsselmeer, a location that makes the village a sight to see. Its harbour is described as Europe’s smallest fishing harbour. If you are considering Laaxum as a destination, you will find distinctive themes to help plan your visit: the history of fishing, paths through the coastal landscape, and places to observe the water and nature.

Harbour and fishing history

Fishing shaped Laaxum for a long time. Plaice were caught first, followed later by eels. Fishing ended in 1932 with the construction of the Afsluitdijk. An earlier chapter of this story is told by the building De Hang: herring was once salted and smoked there. Today, a fish restaurant occupies the former building, where fish is served.

There are still connections to fishing today. Two professional fishermen continue to catch Laaksumer Bot from the harbour using traditional methods. Two brothers fish together on the IJsselmeer; their boat is moored in Laaxum harbour. Laaksumer Bot is recognised as a Frisian regional product. You can try it at restaurants in the surrounding area during the summer. The timeframe and location are specific: fishing ended in 1932, while the present-day account refers both to catches from the harbour and to fishing together on the IJsselmeer.

The village’s history also includes the year 1345: Laaxum played a role in the Battle of Warns, when an army of Count Willem IV from Holland landed there to attack the Frisians. Laaxum is considered a cultural and historical monument. Together with De Hang’s former use and the history of fishing, this gives the village a maritime character that goes beyond the harbour as a landscape feature.

Literary cycling route and paths through the landscape

The literary cycling route “Tusken Himel en Ierde” passes through Warns to Laaxum. Its artistic background includes roof texts on a total of 17 farms in Molkwerum, Warns, Laaxum and Scharl. Together, the texts formed a poem, some of which have since disappeared. The Vissersroute has a different focus. It runs along the coast of the former Zuiderzee and includes Laaxum as one of the fishing villages.

A 6.7-kilometre circular route between Warns, Laaxum and Skarl is described for a specific walk. Its first section leads downhill from Warns to the hamlet of Laaxum. The Kuiertocht Warns follows paved paths throughout and is considered accessible for wheelchairs, rollators and pushchairs. The two descriptions offer different guidance: the Kuiertocht specifies the paved surface and accessibility, while the circular route gives its length, places along the way and the downhill first section.

Another described route leads from Laaxum harbour along the Wieldijk, with views of the IJsselmeer, towards Bakhuizen. A walking connection also runs along the former refuge harbour, still visible in the landscape, via a Struinpad. Local routes may change; check the current route before setting out.

Birds, the IJsselmeer and a distinctive landscape

The Mokkebank nature reserve comprises shallow-water areas, reed beds and shoreline areas that provide a habitat for breeding birds. From the nearby De Mok birdwatching hide, you can get a view of the Mokkebank. The hide is accessible year-round; nevertheless, check access before your trip. A visit therefore centres on both the area’s landscape features and birdwatching.

Since 2024, the Laaxum bathing steps have provided access to a refreshing swim in the IJsselmeer; you can also enjoy the view across the lake there. The Rode Klif on the IJsselmeer is nearby. The cliff is ten metres high and was formed during the penultimate ice age. These landscape features add two distinct perspectives to the harbour’s history: direct access to the water and the geological formation of a prominent rise.

Discover more destinations: Heeg, Westhem, Stavoren, Wons, Kimswerd, Parrega, Cornwerd, Hindeloopen.

For the full travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.