ソンデラー・ライエンのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

To reach Friesland, you pass through Lemmer, the "gateway" to Friesland. Whether you travel by water or land, somewhere on the horizon looms the 60-meter-long chimney of one of the Netherlands' finest crown jewels: the Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal. The largest still-functioning steam pumping station in the world dates back to 1920 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. This monumental steam-powered giant is still used by Wetterskip Fryslân to ensure water levels in Friesland are kept dry. The Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal in Lemmer has a rich history. The first construction plans for the old steam pumping station were drawn up back in the steam era, in 1913. Chief Engineer of the Provincial Water Authority of Friesland, Ir. D.F. Wouda designed the pumping station in 1917–1918 in a traditional style with rationalist influences. Queen Wilhelmina opened the Woudagemaal on October 7, 1920. The Woudagemaal was urgently needed because during the winters of the 19th and early 20th centuries, parts of Friesland were flooded. This caused considerable disruption. The Woudagemaal was deployed to support the locks and windmills in discharging excess inland water. Since its opening in 1920, the Woudagemaal has made a significant contribution to preventing the Frisian countryside from flooding during heavy rainfall. Before the steam pumping station came into operation, excess Frisian inland water was discharged to the Zuiderzee and the Wadden Sea for centuries using windmills and locks. Due to the subsidence of peat soil, this became increasingly problematic over the course of the 19th century, which is why the construction of the steam pumping station near Lemmer represented a major leap forward in water management in our water-rich province. Once a year, the pumping station is put into operation. Enthusiasts can purchase tickets for access to a steam-powered pumping station. This year, the event runs from Tuesday, October 14th to Thursday, October 16th. The Wetterskip Fryslân (Fryslân Water Board) is using the pumping station to train its operating staff. Tickets for this experience can be ordered on the website.

The sheep weren't happy with our walk. They fled en masse, even though we tried to calm them down.

In the first photo, you can clearly see that we were caught in rain. The lens was covered in drops. This makes the walk beautiful again. The views over the IJsselmeer were fantastic.

in wrap

The world's largest functioning steam pumping station dates back to 1920 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998.

Entrance to oak coppice. Note the badger sett at the back of the coppice.

A must for anyone visiting Lemmer. The guided tour is absolutely interesting (also in German, English, French...)

Absolutely interesting steam pumping station. A visit is highly recommended.