Around 1900, many different types of ships sailed the Zuiderzee and the adjoining inland waterways. As a result of the rise of iron ship-building and the closing off of the Zuiderzee in 1932 the number of wooden ship types decreased. 

The most important collection of wooden ships in the Netherlands is on view in the Ships' Hall of the Zuiderzeemuseum. It consists mainly of fishing boats and pleasure yachts, but an ice barge, a transport ship and a Frisian hunter are also on display.

The wooden ships in the Ships' Hall have all been photographed, often with special attention for their most attractive details. Of some of the ships, pictures have been added from the period they were still in service.