Discover Lemmer on the IJsselmeer

Lemmer lies on the IJsselmeer and combines technical history with maritime sites, walking routes and a wide beach. These different highlights offer clear guidance when planning a stay: Woudagemaal represents technology and World Heritage, Fiskerhaven and Museum Lemmer tell the story of the town, while the beach, walking routes and boat trips open up views of the water. If you are looking for a hotel in Lemmer, you can start by asking whether culture, activity or a stay on the IJsselmeer should be the focus.

Woudagemaal: technology and World Heritage

The Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal is the largest steam-powered pumping station ever built and also the largest steam-powered pumping station still in operation. The Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998. In addition to the building itself, the World Heritage site includes the dikes on the IJsselmeer and the surrounding expanse of pastureland. The visitor centre offers an interactive exhibition. Guided tours take visitors through the engine room and the adjacent boiler house. Both the exhibition and the guided tour are therefore available if you are interested in the technical side of Lemmer.

Maritime history and townscapes

At the Lemster Sluis, the lock keepers’ houses, the lock and two small buildings together form a Rijksmonument. The two small buildings on either side of the lock date from 1888. Fiskerhaven is Lemmer’s museum harbour and is home to Lemsteraken, which reflect the town’s rich maritime history. At Museum Lemmer, a special collection of Lemster carved ceramics displayed in six cases offers another glimpse into local cultural history. The museum also has models of Lemsteraken, Botters and Schouwen. The buildings, harbour and museum collections therefore offer different ways to explore Lemmer’s history.

Beach and walking routes

Lemsterstrand is a wide beach on the IJsselmeer near Lemmer. Part of it is designated as a dog beach; seasonal access rules apply to visits with dogs. For walks, there are two routes in particular whose lengths make for a useful comparison. The Dorpskuier is four kilometres long and starts at the VVV in Lemmer. Rondje Dok is a walking route of about two kilometres through the centre. Along the way, you pass historic buildings protected as national or municipal monuments. At about two kilometres, Rondje Dok is shorter than the Dorpskuier; it also runs through the centre and past the protected buildings.

Boat trips and event dates

The historic LE50 offers trips on the IJsselmeer from Lemmer; in bad weather, trips take place on inland waters. Check the current sailing calendar before travelling. The Zuiderzeeroute runs from Lemmer in Friesland to Kraggenburg in the Noordoostpolder. The Lemster Dickens Festijn takes place every two years and features a three-kilometre route through the centre with performances, craftspeople and music. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the dates of the next edition in advance.

Discover more destinations: Follega, Delfstrahuizen, Echten, Bantega.

Back to the regional travel overview: Lemsterland.