The Forest Pond
DISCOVER THE POWER OF STEAM
If you visit Friesland, you will pass Lemmer, the 'gateway' to Friesland. Whether you travel by water or by land via the A6, somewhere on the horizon you can see the 60-metre-long chimney of one of the Netherlands' most beautiful crown jewels; the Ir. DF Woudagemaal. The largest still-functioning steam pumping station in the world dates from 1920 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998. This monumental steam giant is still used by Wetterskip Fryslân when the water levels are too high to ensure dry feet in Friesland.
Dry feet
The steam pumping station from 1920 is owned by Wetterskip Fryslân. To this day, the pumping station has an important function in water management. During extremely high water, it still ensures dry feet in Friesland.
Water management and climate change
Frisian water management and the consequences of climate change are central to the exhibition in the visitors' centre. Visitors are introduced to dilemmas and issues that not only the water board, but also society, is faced with in an interactive way. They can also discover which sustainable and climate-proof choices they can make themselves. After the tour of the Woudagemaal, a walk along the landscape route is worthwhile. Via this route, interested parties can enjoy the special architecture and technology of the steam pumping station and the beautiful surroundings where all facets of water management are visible.
Opposite hotel Iselmar lies the Ir. DF Woudagemaal. A special sight. It is the largest, still working, steam pumping station in the world. This pumping station was opened by Queen Wilhelmina in 1920.
This monumental pumping station still ensures dry feet in Friesland during high water levels. This means that it can be seen working. A spectacular experience. The 'cathedral of steam' then pumps four million litres of water per minute from the Frisian bosom to the IJsselmeer.
The Woudagemaal has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998. This list includes monuments of such exceptional value that they are considered part of the collective heritage of humanity. UNESCO calls the pumping station 'a highlight of Dutch hydraulic engineering' because it shows in a special way how man can control nature with steam power.
During opening hours, guided tours to the steam pumping station are regularly held from the visitors' centre. The Woudagemaal is only accessible by means of a guided tour. Volunteers from the Woudagemaal Foundation provide the guided tours.
At Iselmar you can park for free, the Woudagemaal is within walking distance from us. You can also visit our café or restaurant for coffee and cake, lunch or dinner.
The Woudagemaal can also be visited by groups, based on reservation. This can be done in combination with a family party or company party at our location.
For more information and opening hours, visit www.woudagemaal.nl