The Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal Lemmer

Remarkable experience of steam, architecture and water

The Woudagemaal in Lemmer is the biggest still functioning steam powered pumping station in the world. It is owned by Wetterskip Fryslân and is still part of the water management system Fryslân. Since 1998 the pumping station is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Over a hundred enthusiastic volunteers of the ir. D. F. Woudagemaal foundation provide guided tours for those interested six days a week. There is also an audio guide app available for download to smartphone or tabled that gives a short tour in nine different languages.

Experience the power of steam

In the visitor center young and old will be informed about the workings of the pumping station and the water management system in Fryslân. The interactive exposition offers a view into the world of steam, power and movement. Children are challenged with an exciting scavenger hunt. When completed they receive a diploma as an assistant engineer of the pumping station.

Technology in focus

In the interactive visitor center of the Woudagemaal the machines and the workings of the pumping station are explained, as well as the underlying physics, engineering and technological principles. In a simple and clear way the function of the pumping station is explained and why UNESCO has acknowledged the station as having outstanding universal value.

Versatile location

A visit to the Woudagemaal in Lemmer is not only an educational destination for school trips or a pleasant day out but also a good place to go for a special occasion. In the visitor center there is a coffee and tea room with a spectacular view over the IJsselmeer en the bay of Lemmer. It is possible to rent this room (or part of it) for events. It is a location with charm for meetings, events, presentations, weddings and lunches or diners.