Zoutkamp is a village with a long history. The name "Soltcampum" was first used in 1418. Most probably because there was salt mined in this area: "sol" means salt and "campum" means fenced field.

In the Eighty Years' War (1568 – 1648), Zoutkamp was a defensive fortification and after that it was mainly a bustling fishing village situated on the Lauwerszee. Once Zoutkamp was the 'gateway' to the city of Groningen, as the passage via the Lauwerszee was for ships the only route from sea to the city.

Until 1960 Zoutkamp had a large fishing port, but after the Lauwerszee was closed off the village lost this important position. The village still has the appearance of an ancient fishing village, thanks to the monumental locks and still widely used old inner harbour. There are still fishing boats moored next to a striking row of brightly coloured buildings with shops, an eel smokehouse and a café/restaurant.