Vijfhuizen in Haarlemmermeer, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Eend
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 31, 2026
1. Eend Marker
Note that the URL on the marker does not lead to an English-language route, but rather to the Haarlemmermeer Museum de Cruquius (Dutch-language) website.
Here, you step far back in time. In the Middle Ages, this area was known as De Vijfhuizena sparsely populated region situated between the Haarlemmermeer and the Spieringmeer. In 1508, the land connection between De Vijfhuizen and Nieuwerkerk was lost. The resulting peninsula, located near the Zuid-Schalkwijk grasslands, proved ideal for the construction of a duck decoy a trap used to catch ducks. Gerrit Stokman purchased the decoy along with the surrounding farmland, house, and orchard in 1757. The decoy remained in the family's possession for many generations; today, it is owned by the organization Landschap Noord-Holland. The belt of ash trees surrounding the decoy has stood there for over 300 yearsmaking them the oldest trees in the polder!
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1508.
Location. 52° 21.351′ N, 4° 41.262′ E. Marker is in Vijfhuizen, Noord-Holland (North Holland), in Haarlemmermeer. It is on Kromme Spieringweg, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Kromme Spieringweg 359, Vijfhuizen, Noord-Holland 2141 BW, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Molen de Veer / The Veer Windmill (approx. 4 kilometers away); De Waag / The Weigh House (approx. 4.2 kilometers away); Teylers Fundatiehuis / The Teyler Foundation House (approx. 4.3 kilometers away); Hofje van Bakenes / Van Bakenes Almshouse (approx. 4.3
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 31, 2026
2. Eend Marker - wide view
The duck decoy, mentioned on the marker, is visible here as the stand of trees in the distance, on the right. Using the satellite view of the area and zooming in, one sees that the decoy is essentially a rectangular pond densely surrounded by trees, with some of the trap netting being visible in the lower left of the pond. The decoy is not publicly accessible except by reservation/tour.
Also see . . . Wat is een eendenkooi (Eendenkooi Stokman, in Dutch). The owners of the duck decoy explain what it is and how they work. Excerpt (in translation):
A duck decoy consists of a large pond surrounded by protected woodland, often situated in a quiet spot within a wetland area. A catching pipe extends from each of the pond's four corners. The decoyman uses these pipesalong with a specialized decoy dog and tame decoy ducksto lure and capture wild ducks for consumption.(Submitted on July 10, 2026.)
Duck decoys are a uniquely Dutch phenomenon with a history spanning nearly 700 years. It is estimated that there were once around 1,000 such decoys. Over the years, their numbers have declined sharply; today, only about 118 remain in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the number of duck decoys in the country is at risk of further decline. In the past, being a decoyman was a profession that could support a family. Nowadays, the decoyman often carries out these duties alongside a regular job or during retirement, maintaining the centuries-old trade as a labor of love. An aging population means the craft of the decoyman is disappearing, taking with it the knowledge required for the site's management. Nature conservation organizations and site managers play a vital role in preserving these duck decoys and the tradition of decoy management.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
