If visiting the village of De Rijp (or nearby Graft ) it is almost impossible to imagine that herring, whale and merchant ships from these villages could sail directly to the sea. These nautical activities brought unprecedented prosperity to the villages. The magnificent city hall and the homes of wealthy ship owners bear witness to the style and glory of the past steeped in a long tradition of whale and herring fishing. After draining of the surrounding lakes the herring industry disappeared and it was done with the wealth of the villages.

Nowadays De Rijp is a not so well known village, which attracts not that many tourists with still centuries of history. First of all its unique town hall, which is dating back to the year of 1630. The old part of the village offers also picturesque farms, typical green half-wooden houses along small canals and narrow streets.