Discover Ijlst: De Geeuw, woodworking and city history

In Ijlst, you can discover the city’s history, woodworking and the landscape along De Geeuw through specific places and experiences. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, it may help to consider which aspects of the city you want to shape your trip: architectural history, working with wood, waterways or a walk through the countryside. The time of year also matters for some visits.

Cityscape, gardens and history

A distinctive feature of Ijlst’s skyline is the old chimney of the Nooitgedagt factory. The name “Nooitgedagt” can be read on it from top to bottom. Another glimpse into the city’s history is the Oude Stadhuis Ijlst: the building is a state-protected monument, built in 1859 to a design by architect Albert Breunissen Troost. Together, these two places offer different ways to get to know Ijlst through its industrial history and architecture.

The overtuinen are located on both sides of the river De Geeuw. They were once used as bleaching grounds: after being boiled, white laundry was spread out on the grass to dry and bleach in the sun. This former use explains part of the gardens’ history; it should not be confused with their present-day function. The outdoor exhibition “Stads- en Schepenfries” focuses in particular on shipbuilding, shipping and trade. At the same time, its visual and written presentation covers Ijlst’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

Culture and nature also come together in Ijlst. The fountain “Onsterfelijke bloemen - Rikka” connects flowering stinzen plants, an element of Frisian nature, with the Japanese art of flower arranging, Ikebana. The work symbolizes the eternal connection between people, culture and nature. Those interested in these themes will find different ways to explore them in Ijlst: historic places, an exhibition and a work of art that brings together Frisian nature and a Japanese artistic tradition.

Woodworking and experiences

At the De Rat sawmill, visitors can enter through a narrow passage beneath the mill. Inside, they can hear the sawing and smell the wood, while volunteer millers explain the entire process. The Museum en Werkplaats Houtstad Ijlst tells the story of the city, particularly its wood industry and shipbuilding. During your stay, you can choose between a firsthand impression of the sawing and a broader exploration of local history.

The workshop at the Museum en Werkplaats Houtstad Ijlst offers various workshops and courses, including woodcarving and sculpture. Another hands-on activity can be booked at the Fierljepschans Ijlst: during an introductory session lasting about two hours, participants can try Fierljeppen under the guidance of an instructor. The duration is approximate; check availability before your visit, as booking arrangements may change. So, in addition to watching and listening, you can choose guided activities related to crafts and Frisian tradition.

On a boat trip along the Ee and De Geeuw, boats can moor in Ijlst at a quay or in the visitor harbour at Tsjerkesleat. These two options offer a specific connection to the city’s waterways. For your stay, you can weigh up different themes: the history of shipbuilding on land, the sights and sounds of the sawmill, or a trip along the waterways.

Landscape and time of year

The Wandeling Ruterpolder Ijlst walking route is 3.5 kilometres long and runs through the countryside around Ijlst. During the breeding season, from 15 March to 15 June, the route is closed. The Ruterpolder lies southwest of the city; from there, the route offers the best view of Ijlst. If you are planning a walk, take the closure period into account when choosing your travel dates and check the conditions before setting out.

Another seasonal date is the Overtuinenfair, held once a year in the overtuinen on the first Saturday in June. Check the exact date before travelling. The event date and the walking route’s closure period are two separate planning considerations: in early June, the fair falls within the stated period when the 3.5-kilometre route is closed. If both are important to your stay, do not plan to use the same place or route for both at the same time.

Ijlst is easily reached by Arriva train from Leeuwarden via Sneek. Timetables may change, so check the current connection before travelling. You can then coordinate your journey with the things you want to focus on locally—whether you are most interested in the historic city, woodworking, waterways or the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Offingawier, Westhem, Cornwerd, Laaxum, Hindeloopen, Wons, Sneek, Koudum.

For the regional travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.