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This 1660s sea chart by Pieter Goos is a finely detailed nautical map depicting the coast of Lapland, the Kola River, and the surrounding islands in the Arctic region.  The chart is divided into three distinct sections, each focusing on key geographical and navigational features crucial for Arctic exploration and trade.

Oriented with west at the top, the lower portion of the map presents a detailed rendering of the Lapland coast, stretching from the Kola River to the island of Swetenoes (modern Svyatoy Nos, Russia). This area, located along the Barents Sea, was an important maritime route for Dutch traders and explorers seeking access to the rich natural resources of the Arctic. The coastline is meticulously charted, showing numerous bays, inlets, and headlands, which would have been critical for navigation. Typical of Dutch sea charts, the waters are crisscrossed with rhumb lines, aiding sailors in plotting their courses using a compass. A Dutch sailing vessel is prominently depicted offshore, symbolizing the commercial and exploratory interests of the Netherlands in the Arctic region.

Also oriented with west at the top, the upper right section of the chart is dedicated to a detailed inset of the Kola River, which flows into the Barents Sea near present-day Murmansk, Russia. This river was an important trade route for Russian and Scandinavian merchants, particularly in the fur trade. The map’s detailed representation of the river’s winding course, along with the surrounding settlements, indicates its significance for navigation and commerce.  The Kola Peninsula would later become a key military and commercial hub for the Russian Empire and, eventually, the Soviet Union and Russian Federation.

Oriented with south at the top, tthe upper left section features an inset map of Kilduyn Island (likely Kil’din Island, Russia), which was a significant waypoint for Arctic navigation. The reefs, anchorages, and topographical features of the island are carefully illustrated, highlighting its importance as a safe harbor for ships navigating the frigid waters of the Barents Sea. The notation that the island is located at 69 degrees 40 minutes latitude demonstrates the precision of Dutch cartographers in Arctic navigation. Given the treacherous conditions of northern waters, accurate depictions of such islands were crucial for avoiding shipwrecks and ensuring successful voyages.

Pieter Goos’ maps are renowned for their ornate decorative elements, and this chart is no exception. The title and regional labels are enclosed within elaborate cartouches, adding an artistic flourish to the map.  A settlement is shown, with soundings and anchorages.

This map reflects the Dutch Republic’s growing interest in Arctic exploration and trade, particularly in securing maritime routes to northern Europe and Russia. During this period, the Dutch were dominant in global commerce, and detailed charts such as this one were essential for merchants and explorers seeking to expand their reach. The Kola Peninsula, in particular, was a strategic location for access to Scandinavian, Russian, and Baltic trade networks.

Today, the regions depicted in this map fall under the jurisdiction of modern-day Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Lapland coast is shared between Norway, Sweden, and Finland, while the Kola Peninsula, Kola River, and Kil’din Island are located within Russia. These areas remain significant for their maritime industries, Arctic research, and geopolitical importance. Goos' 1660s chart of Lapland and the Kola Peninsula thus remains a valuable historical document, offering insight into 17th-century navigation, trade, and the Dutch role in Arctic exploration.