Schiermonnikoog, the idyllic island off the northern coast of the Netherlands, harbors a secret that has intrigued treasure hunters and historians for decades. Legends of Nazi treasures, hidden during World War II, have captured the imagination of many, sparking a quest to uncover the truth behind the stories that shroud the island in mystery.
As the Nazi regime crumbled in the spring of 1945, a desperate scramble ensued to conceal stolen loot. Art, gold, and other valuables amassed through pillaging occupied territories were hurriedly hidden or transported in a bid to escape the Allied forces. On April 15, as the Allies closed in on German forces, approximately 120 members of the notorious Scholtenhuis in Groningen, including SD, NSB (National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands), and SS officers, fled to Schiermonnikoog. Carrying with them a trove of valuables, they sought refuge on the remote island. However, the whereabouts of their ill-gotten gains remain a mystery to this day.
Schiermonnikoog: A potential hiding ground?
Given the proximity of Schiermonnikoog to mainland Netherlands and Germany, the island’s secluded nature might have presented itself as a suitable location to stash away looted valuables. The possibility of utilizing the island’s remote beaches, sand dunes, or even abandoned buildings for concealment becomes a logical consideration in this context.
Following the war, whispers of hidden Nazi treasures began to emerge. Local stories and anecdotal accounts, fueled by the undeniable reality of Nazi looting across Europe, added weight to the rumors. Unsubstantiated claims of witnessed suspicious activity by German soldiers during the war further ignited speculation.
The allure of buried riches, coupled with the mystique surrounding the Nazi era, has persistently drawn treasure hunters to Schiermonnikoog. Equipped with metal detectors and fueled by the thrill of discovery, they meticulously search the island’s landscape.
The Nostalgists’ investigation
In 2023, a team from the Dutch history podcast “De Nostalgisten” set out to investigate the rumors of Nazi treasure on Schiermonnikoog. Armed with a map believed to have been sketched by a German soldier, they combed the island for hints and traces.
The team spoke with eyewitnesses who recalled the relationship between the islanders and the German garrison during the occupation. While the relationship was generally cordial, the arrival of the 120 SD (Sicherheitsdienst) members from Groningen in April 1945 changed the dynamic. The SD were known for their brutality and were responsible for carrying out Nazi security and intelligence operations.
The SD brought with them a significant amount of stolen valuables, which they hid in various locations on the island. It is believed that they may have buried some of the treasure in the dunes before fleeing Schiermonnikoog on June 11, 1945, the last day of the German occupation.
The search continues
The Nostalgists’ investigation uncovered some intriguing evidence, including the remains of a makeshift camp where the SD may have been based. While they did not find any definitive proof of buried treasure, their findings add weight to the possibility that some of the loot remains hidden on Schiermonnikoog.
The ongoing quest, even in the absence of conclusive evidence, serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the enduring human desire to unearth the truth.
