Little Amsterdam in North Frisia
Friedrichstadt’s cognomen is "Little Amsterdam" – for a reason. Although the North Frisian town is situated more than 500 kilometers away from the Netherlands, its lay-out is definitely Dutch. You can even book a “Grachtenfahrt” - canal cruise - on the rivers Treene and Eider. Friedrichstadt is home to the only Remonstrant church outside the Netherlands, and on several houses, you will find traditional
Dutch house marks – small reliefs that pointed to the profession of the residents. The reason for all this outlandishness is rooted in the town's history: About 400 years ago, Duke Friedrich III of Schleswig-Gottorf had plans for a new trading metropolis. He promised religious freedom to the Dutch Brotherhood of Remonstrants, as they were being persecuted in the Netherlands. They were allowed to settle in Schleswig-Holstein and in return built up a city – based on the Dutch model.
Dutch house marks – small reliefs that pointed to the profession of the residents. The reason for all this outlandishness is rooted in the town's history: About 400 years ago, Duke Friedrich III of Schleswig-Gottorf had plans for a new trading metropolis. He promised religious freedom to the Dutch Brotherhood of Remonstrants, as they were being persecuted in the Netherlands. They were allowed to settle in Schleswig-Holstein and in return built up a city – based on the Dutch model.