Skarsterlân

Skarsterlân was a municipality in the northern Netherlands, located in the province of Friesland. It was established in 1984 through the amalgamation of several smaller municipalities, including Joure, Haskerland, and parts of Doniawerstal. The name itself, Skarsterlân, is derived from the Frisian word "skar" meaning a shallow water body or fen, and "lân" meaning land, suggesting a landscape historically characterized by wetlands and water.

The administrative center of Skarsterlân was Joure, a town renowned for its historic clockmaking tradition and its pleasant canals. Other notable villages within the municipality included Sintjohannesga, Rotsterhaule, and Langweer, each with its own distinct character and history. The region was largely agricultural, with dairy farming being a significant economic activity. Its geography was marked by a network of lakes and waterways, making it popular for water sports and recreation during the summer months.

In 2014, as part of a provincial reorganization, Skarsterlân was merged with three other municipalities to form the new municipality of De Friese Meren, meaning "The Frisian Lakes." This consolidation aimed to create larger, more efficient administrative units. While Skarsterlân no longer exists as an independent entity, its former territory continues to be a vital part of the modern municipality of De Friese Meren, retaining its characteristic landscapes and cultural heritage.