It is part of the municipality of Westerkwartier, and is located near the river Lauwers, the border between Friesland and Groningen.

In 734, the Battle of the Boarn was fought between the Frisians and the Franks, and the river Lauwers became the border between the Province of Friesland and Groningen.

[8] In 1581, Friesland, who sided with the Dutch Republic, attacked and conquered the village in the Battle of Visvliet.

[5] The heerlijkheid Visvliet was established, and a grietman (combination of mayor and judge) was appointed for the village.

[4] In 1965, Visvliet was bypassed, and a 400 metres (1,300 ft) section of 2x2 road with hard shoulders was laid near the village.

The building was reasonably large, and set in an endless landscape seemingly without human habitation, because the village of Visvliet was hidden from view by a forest.