Westerpark in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Nova Zembla / Novaya Zemlya
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 7, 2023
1. Nova Zembla / Novaya Zemlya Marker
(English translation:)
Novaya Zemlya is a Russian archipelago, consisting of two large islands and together more than twice the size of the Netherlands. In 1594 Willem Barentsz and crew left Amsterdam for their search for the northern passage to Asia. Their ship got stuck in the ice and they built the “Saved House” for wintering on Novaya Zemlya. Thanks to the stories, this barren journey became a permanent anchor point in our national history.
Erected by Geef Straten Een Gezicht.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration.
this page online
Location. 52° 23.429′ N, 4° 52.934′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Westerpark. Marker is at the intersection of Nova Zemblastraat and Noordkaapstraat, on the left when traveling east on Nova Zemblastraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Nova Zemblastraat 192, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1013 RJ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Willem IJsbrandszoon Bontekoe (within shouting distance of this marker); Henk Curière sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Le Maire (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Cornelis de Houtman (about 180 meters away); Wester Suiker Raffinaderij / Wester Sugar Refinery (about 180 meters away); Martin Vlaar (about 180 meters away); Aert Jansse van Nes (about 180 meters away); a different marker also named Wester Suiker Raffinaderij / Wester Sugar Refinery (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Also see . . .
1. Overwintering: the Dutch search for the Northwest Passage (British Library).
Overview: The phrases ‘Overwintering on Nova Zembla’ and ‘The Saved House’(Submitted on June 12, 2023.)are ubiquitous in Dutch culture. They refer to one of the most remarkable events in Dutch maritime history that took place at the end of the 16th Century. To this day every Dutch schoolchild learns about Willem Barents and Jacob van Heemskerck’s ill-fated expedition of 1596, which saw its 17 members stranded on Novaya Zemlya for ten months during the polar winter.Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 7, 20232. Nova Zembla / Novaya Zemlya Marker - wide view, looking east on Nova ZemblastraatThe marker is visible here above the first white car on the left.
2. Willem Barentsz (Wikipedia).
Overview: Willem Barentsz (c. 1550 – 20 June 1597), anglicized as William Barents or Barentz, was a Dutch navigator, cartographer, and Arctic explorer.(Submitted on June 12, 2023.)
Barentsz went on three expeditions to the far north in search for a Northeast passage. He reached as far as Novaya Zemlya and the Kara Sea in his first two voyages, but was turned back on both occasions by ice. During a third expedition, the crew discovered Spitsbergen and Bear Island, but subsequently became stranded on Novaya Zemlya for almost a year. Barentsz died on the return voyage in 1597.
The Barents Sea, among many other places, is named after him.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
