Steamcathedral Woudagemaal

The ir. D.F. Woudagemaal in Lemmer

Across Hotel Iselmar, you will find the Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal. The ir. D.F. Woudagemaal in Lemmer, opened in 1920 by Queen Wilhelmina, is the largest steam-driven pumping station in the world still in use, which means you can see it in action, an absolutely spectacular experience. 

Even today the monumental pumping station ensures that the people of Fryslân keep their feet dry during high water. When that happens, the ‘cathedral of steam’pumps up over four million litres of water per minute from the Frisian ‘boezem’(drainage pool) into the IJsselmeer.

Since 1998 the Woudagemaal is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This list includes monuments of such exceptional value, that they rank as the common heritage of humanity. Among others UNESCO calls the pumping station ‘a highlight of the Dutch hydraulic engineering’ because it shows a special manner how man controls nature by steam power.

During the opening hours of the visitor center regular tours of the pumping station are organised. The Woudagemaal is only to visit by tour.

You can park your car at Iselmar free of charge, Woudagemaal is within walking distance. You can visit our café or restaurant to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with cake, lunch or dinner.

Woudagemaal is also open to groups, but you have to make a booking first. You can also combine it with an business meeting or company party at our venue.

More information your will find on www.woudagemaal.nl