Photos, videos and docs of Jaap van 't Veen

Nederland - Egmond aan den Hoef, Slotkapel

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:02:06 +0000

The first Slotkapel (Castle Chapel) - dedicated to Saint Catherine, the patron of the nobility, was built in 1229, commissioned by Willem I van Egmont. It was located next to the castle of Egmond. In 1430 Count Jan van Egmond ordered the demolition and rebuilding of the chapel in its current simple Gothic style as a one-aisled church.

The chapel and castle were destroyed in 1573 in the Eighty Years War, during the siege of the city of Alkmaar. In 1633 the chapel was restored by the States of Holland and West Frisia. Various cities, aristocrats and companies from that time made donations for the restoration, including the fantastic stained-glass windows. The unique clock in the centuries-old tower was made in 1682 by Christiaan Huygens.

In 1960 the Slotkapel was in a very poor condition and the municipality intended the demolition of the church. Due to the efforts of a group of citizens the chapel was restored and does still exist. Nowadays it serves as a venue for weddings, exhibitions and concerts.

Nederland - Bergen, Ruïnekerk

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:03:49 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Ruïnekerk (Ruined Church) is dating back to the second quarter of the 15th century and was built on the site of a smaller pilgrimage chapel, which was built after the so called ’Miracle of Bergen’ in 1422.

At time of the construction the church was the largest in the province of North-Holland. Originally it was a Gothic church, dedicated to Peter and Paul. In 1574, during the Eighty Years’ War against Spain, the church was looted and burned down by Dutch Protestants troops. The tower was lost completely, but the rulers of Bergen prevented the eventual destruction of the other remains, parts of the outer walls of the nave and the walls of the choir with its flanking chapels. The choir was rebuilt in 1594-1597 to serve as a Protestant church.

Between 1955 and 1961 the church was restored and became a new wooden porch. The date 1958 is inscribed on the church facade to commemorate the restoration. In 1970, a 26-bell carillon was installed.

Nowadays the church is still used for weekly services, but also for weddings, funerals and other cultural events. The Ruïnekerk - a national monument - is the landmark of Bergen, located right in the heart of the village.

Nederland - Groet, Witte Kerkje

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:43:58 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The single nave Witte Kerkje (White Little Church) is dating back to the year of 1639. The tower is made of wood and has an octagonal spire. It is located on a so called “terp”, a man made elevation.

In 1825 the church was thoroughly restored. During World War II the building was used as a school. German soldiers have pulled the bell from the tower for use of the material in the war industry. A new bell was donated and replaced by the municipality of Schoorl in 1949.

Since 1972 the Witte Kerkje has been recognized and protected as a Dutch national monument. Nowadays the church is still used for services.

The statue in front of the church (PiP1), Wasvrouwen (Laundry Women), is a reminder of the old days, when the lawn was used as a bleaching field for laundry.

Nederland - Workum, Grote of Sint-Gertrudiskerk

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:56:30 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Grote of Sint-Gertrudiskerk (Great or Saint Gertrudis Church) is a huge late Gothic hall church, which is quite unusual for this part of the Netherlands. The church was built at the end of the 15th century (1480) by adding a choir to its single-nave predecessor. Shortly afterwards a transept was also built. Around 1515, work began on replacing the old one-aisled cruciform with the present three-aisled hall church. Due to a war, work was only restarted in 1523.

The nave was never completed and in 1615 was closed by a wooden wall - which remained until the restoration of 1939/1951 - leaving the still unfinished tower standing at some distance in front of the church. In 1613 a crown with an onion-shaped dome was added to the tower. A sacristy was built between the choir and the transept (main image), which also served as the Latin School of Workum.

The church, sacristy and tower are designated national Dutch monuments.
The Grote of Sint-Gertrudiskerk is still used for services by the Protestant church of Workum. .

Nederland - Sint Maartensvlotbrug, Wildrijk

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:26:06 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Wildrijk is one of the smallest (800 x 240 meters) forests in the Netherlands. Yet this nature reserve is one of the most beautiful spots of the province of North Holland, especially in spring. During that time of the year it is surrounded by colourful bulb fields. The forest itself is covered with a blue carpet of thousands and thousands of wild bluebells, with some pink or white species. The flowers alternate with the fresh green of ferns.

The Wildrijk is located in the Zijperpolder, where in the past wealthy merchants from Amsterdam owned wooded country estates. Later, during the construction of the Noordhollandsch Kanaal, a lot of forest was cut down. In 1940 the area came into the possession of Landschap Noord-Holland, a Dutch foundation which aims to protect the landscape and nature of the province of North Holland.

Nederland - Noordoostpolder

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:41:42 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Noordoostpolder is a landmass of reclaimed land in the former Zuiderzee on average more than four meters below sea level. It turned out that the bottom of this sea is very suited for the cultivation of tulips. Nowadays it has one of the largest area of bulb fields in the Netherlands with many multi-acre fields of tulips that bloom every spring.

Nederland - Sint Maartensbrug, Stolpbrug

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:56:49 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Making a road trip in North Holland, I came across the Stolpbrug just outside the village of Sint Maartensbrug. At first glance it didn’t look like a bridge and is located somewhere ‘in the middle of nowhere’ over the Grote Sloot. The structure is quite unique and can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists.

After some research I found that the Stolpbrug is an artwork designed by Joke Zaal. The ‘bridge’ is a monument to mark the 400 years of existence of the Zijpepolder. The skeleton of the bridge has the shape of a stolpboerderij (haubarg), which is typical for this part of the province. Former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opened this artwork bridge in May 1997.

The Stolpbrug is made of African azobé wood and has a height of thirteen meters. Except a bridge it is also a platform for cultural events and has a lookout with great views over the flat polders.

Germany - Schloss Montabaur

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:00:51 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Schloss Montabaur is dating back to the year of 959, when it was first mentioned as “Castellum Humbacense”. It was initially a residence for Duke Hermann of Swabia. In 1018, the castle and its surrounding lands came under the control of the Archbishop of Trier. The castle was destroyed in 1212, but rebuilt five years later by Archbishop Theoderich von Wied. The castle was renamed “Mons Tabor” - inspired by Mount Tabor in Israel - which evolved into Montabaur.

In the late 17th century Schloss Montabaur underwent a baroque transformation.This renovation gave the castle much of its current appearance. Nowadays the unusual yellow castle - situated on a hilltop high above the town of Montabaur - is visible from afar.

The castle functions today as a conference- training center and hotel while maintaining its status as a protected monument of German architecture.

Germany - Triberg, Maria in der Tanne

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:45:14 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The legend behind the Maria in der Tanne - a small baroque church – is dating back to 1644. In that year a young girl was cured from an eye disease by the water of a nearby spring. Within the next year, a local tailor cured his leprosy by washing in the same spring. The thankful tailor placed a small statue of Mary in the cavity of a fir tree (from which the church draws its name: Maria in der Tanne = Mary in the Fir).

The statue was forgotten, but rediscovered around the year 1700 by three Tyrolean soldiers. First a wooden chapel and later a simple stone chapel were built before the present pilgrimage church was constructed in 1705. Highlights of the church are the baroque high altar and the pulpit.

Germany - Triberg, Triberger Wasserfälle

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 29 May 2026 07:17:56 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

The Triberger Wasserfälle with a total drop of 163 meters above sea level - are among the highest and most well known waterfalls in Germany. The waters of the River Gutach plunge from 872 meters to 711 meters above sea level.

The Gutach plunges from a gently sloping plateau over more than seven large granite steps into the rocky, V-shaped valley of Triberg. The steep waterfalls were formed by two faults in the granite and by glaciers.

Germany - Meersburg

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 27 May 2026 07:27:56 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Not much is known about the foundation of Meersburg. It is thought that there might have been a fortification here constructed by the Franks. The first use of a name recognisable as a forerunner of Meersburg was in the 11th century. The town became the property of the bishops of Konstanz in the 13th century when the ruler of the town died without any heirs. They developed what at the time was a small town around the old castle with city walls and obtained the rights to hold a market.

Nowadays Meersburg is considered being one of the most beautiful spots along the Bodensee. One can still feel the spirit of history in the alleys and cobbled streets with many half-timbered buildings and picturesque corners. The so called Oberstadt is dominated by two castles; 'old' and 'new' castle are formerly residences of the prince bishops of Konstanz.

Meersburg still has two ancient city gates. The Oberes Tor (main image) was built in the 15th century and was part of the defensive city wall.

Switzerland - Stein am Rhein

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 25 May 2026 07:50:09 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Stein am Rhein - originally a small fishing village, located where Lake Constance becomes river Rhine (again) – developed in the 11the century when Emperor Henry II transferred the St. Benedictine St. George’s Abbey to its current location. He granted the abbey ample rights and the hamlet became a prosperous commercial center.

Nowadays Stein am Rhein is well known for its preserved old center, with narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses. But the highlight of the town is the Rathausplatz (City hall square), whose perimeter is lined with houses with magnificent painted façades. Many of the houses have beautiful bay windows. For good reason the square is considered being the most picturesque of the country.

Switzerland - Neuhausen, Rhine Falls

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 22 May 2026 07:02:27 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

Around 15.000 years ago - during the last Ice Age - the course of the Rhine River changed dramatically. The Rhine Falls came into being at the transition point where hard chalk turned into soft gravel.

The Rhine Falls - the most powerful waterfall of Europe - is 150 meters wide and has a height of 23 meters. The average water flow in winter is 250 m³/s, while in the summer the average water flow is 600 m³/s.

Nederland - Tiengemeten

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:18:15 +0000

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Tiengemeten used to be about five hectares in size. But due to siltation and reclamation this sandbank in the Haringvliet grew into a real island. In 2006 the island was returned to nature. A hole was made in the dike in the south, so that a large part of the island is now under the daily influence of the river. Similarly, the island offers grasslands, mud flats, swamp and forest.

Tiengemeten gets its name from the “gemet,” an old surface measure, about half a hectare. This island originated around 1600 as a small sandbar of about 10 “gemet” (= Tiengemeten in Dutch).

Since 1997 Tiengemeten is owned and managed by Natuurmonumenten (a Dutch society for preservation of nature monuments).

Nederland - Goedereede

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:40:40 +0000

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Goedereede was an important medieval trading town with its own city walls and a unique charm. Goedereede literally means ‘safe harbour’ and, according to archaeological excavations, the town’s harbour was already an important site as far back as Roman times.

Goedereede was formerly used as a place to ship goods and received city rights in 1312. In the centuries that followed, water, storms and fires destroyed the town on several occasions. The town went into a long decline, losing trade to better-sited ports.

The only Dutch Pope Adrian VI (1522-1523) was priest in Goedereede and is commemorated with a statue (PiP5).

Nederland - Zierikzee, Nieuwe Kerk

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 15 May 2026 06:37:19 +0000

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The present Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was built between 1835 and 1848, replacing the large St. Lievensmonster Kerk, which was destroyed bij a fire in 1832; only the tower remains today (PiP3).

The design of the church is executed in a neoclassical style with symmetrical facades, impressive pillars, tall windows and a spacious interior.

The Nieuwe Kerk was closed in 1971. The Reformed church was sufficiently served by another building. Nowadays the ‘church’ is used for (music) performances, expositions and other cultural events.

Germany - Lindau, Altes Rathaus

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:32:28 +0000

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The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) with its colourful façade was built from 1422 in Gothic style. Work on the impressive building lasted 14 years. In 1576, the building was modified with a Renaissance-style stepped gable. The bells at the top bear the date 1617. There were also changes in the 16th and 17th centuries. The town hall was renovated in 1885/87 and the façade paintings were renewed in 1972-1975 based on 19th century originals

The facade, decorated with paintings, a covered staircase leading upstairs, jagged shapes and a beautiful Renaissance door - all this makes it one of the mosty beautiful buildings in South Germany.

The rooms on the upper floors of the Altes Rathaus are still regularly used for meetings of the city council and committees as well as for receptions. The Reichsstädtische Bibliothek (Imperial City Library) and municipal archive are located on the ground floor.

Germany - Lindau, Mangturm

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Mon, 11 May 2026 06:50:19 +0000

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The Mangturm (Mang Tower) - located on the harbour promenade - is a square stone building, which was constructed in the 12th century as part of the medieval city fortifications. The tower had a height of 35 metres high and was equipped with embrasures. The Mangturm was a perfect observation post at the end of the city wall, which also included two neighbouring towers. In order to send signals to ships on Lake Constance, fire baskets were hung on a pole outside the tower.

After the construction of a new lighthouse in 1856, the Mangturm lost its function as a watchtower and signal tower. It was raised by one storey and covered with the distinctive glazed tiles. In 1914, the former tower keeper’s apartment on the upper floor was converted into a viewing room.

Austria - Hittisau, Kommabrücke

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:42:11 +0000

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The current Kommabrücke was built in 1720. It is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Vorarlberg. The bridge spans the river Bolgenach at a height of 15 metres.

Nederland - Anna Paulowna, Poldertuin

nobody@ipernity.com (Jaap van 't Veen) — Wed, 06 May 2026 06:37:47 +0000

Jaap van 't Veen has posted:

After the construction of the Anna Paulownapolder an office of the water board was built. This stately home is locally known as Polderhuis. In 1885 the Poldertuin (Polder Garden) around the house was designed by landscape architect Jan David Zocher jr., who also designed the well known Vondelpark in Amsterdam and the garden of Soestdijk Palace. His gardens are characterized by winding paths and water features with bridges.

Polderhuis (nowadays privately owned) and Poldertuin were sold to the municipality. The garden is still owned by the municipality of Hollands Kroon, but since 2014 it is managed by a foundation. In autumn volunteers plant thousands and thousands flower bulbs, which are blooming between early April and mid May. The flower bulbs are donated by about hundred flower bulb growers in the region. The Poldertuin offers a large variety of springtime flowers like tulips (220 species), daffodils (125 species), hyacinths (30 species) and 35 special bulbs and tubers.

The garden is also called ‘Little Keukenhof’, although the comparison is not appropriate. Keukenhof is no less than 25 times bigger and just open for eight weeks a year. Poldertuin is open all year, can be visited free of charge and is a real hidden gem and not very known to tourists.