Bolsward
Hanseatic League
Until 1100, Bolsward had an open link with the Middelzee, which eventually silted up and was then surrounded by dykes built by monks. A link with the Zuiderzee (today the IJsselmeer) also existed until 1200. The town developed into an important transshipment and trading harbour and flourished primarily during the 15th century. A document dating from 1412 is thought to show that Bolsward was a member of the Hanseatic League, just like Stavoren on the Zuiderzee.