Woudsend: Historic Churches, Mills and Waterways

Woudsend lies between Heegermeer and Slotermeer and on the Elfstedentochtroute; the village is described as a watersports village. The Ie runs through Woudsend, where sloops, sailboats and yachts travel to the Frisian lakes. Alongside its waterways, churches, mills and the protected village setting shape the history of the area. This offers a range of ways to spend your time: getting out and about, discovering architectural history or planning around an event.

Waterways and routes through the village

The Elfstegentocht is a 2.5-kilometre walking route through the lanes of Woudsend. Each lane has its own story. You can explore the village on foot, while the Ie and the boats travelling along it draw your attention to the waterways. You can moor in Woudsend on the Rondje Fluezen-Luts route; no specific mooring location is identified.

At TOP Woudsend, a sign with a large map of the surrounding area provides information about cycling and walking routes, themed routes and nearby sights. The Rondje Sleattemer Mar route also starts there: the first part of the route goes over De Greiden and then along Yndyk. As route details may change, check them before setting out. The VVV information point in Woudsend offers personal advice from locals, free visitor magazines and information about events. Check the opening arrangements separately.

Landscape nearby

Nearby, between Woudsend and Heeg, lies the De Gouden Boaiem nature area on an island. It is surrounded by the Wâldseinster Rakken, the Noarder Ie, the Nauwe Wimerts, the Jeltesleat and the Hegemer Mar. The reserve covers more than 175 hectares and consists mainly of 158 hectares of grassland, as well as wetlands and reed beds. The land is managed to protect meadow birds. This open landscape, with its own nature-conservation and habitat theme, offers a contrast to the historic buildings and waterways.

Churches and mills with a history of their own

The built-up centre of Woudsend was officially designated a protected village setting on 18 February 1980 to preserve its historic value. The churches reflect different periods and architectural styles: the Karmel Church was built in 1837 as a brick, cruciform Waterstaatskerk in the Neoclassical style. De Karmel houses an organ made by Bakker and Timmenga in 1938, in an organ case by J. C. Scheuer dating from 1839.

The Sint Michaëlkerk was built in 1792 and is described as the oldest Roman Catholic church in the north. During the summer months, it is scheduled to be open on Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, with hosts present while it is open. Before visiting, check whether these hours apply to your visit. Another notable building is the former Mennonite church: built in 1858 to a design by S. Oppedijk, it was originally a Schuilkerk and has no tower.

The mills also reflect different periods in the village's history. The wooden Dutch-style windmill De Jager is documented as a sawmill owned by Jelle Jurjens in 1719; 1719 is also given as the year the mill was built. The present-day Korenmolen 't Lam was built in the second half of the 17th century to replace a post mill and is considered Friesland's oldest grain mill. The miller and his wife traditionally process locally grown organic grain there into flour and various bread mixes; the mill also produces flakes and muesli. The product range may change.

Events and seasonal dates

A SKS Skûtsjesilen race has been held on the Heegermeer in Woudsend since 1968. Traditionally, it takes place on the second Monday of the SKS Skûtsjesilen event. The Friese Sleepbootdagen returns to Woudsend every two years: various tugboats and towboats are displayed along the Iewal and in the marina for visiting boats; there is also a market and festivities.

A farmers' market is held in Woudsend on Thursdays during the summer holidays, offering fresh regional produce and gifts from local makers. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the exact dates in advance: the race schedule, the dates of the biennial Sleepbootdagen and the summer market may change.

Discover more destinations: Offingawier, Heeg, Laaxum, Parrega, Workum, Warns, Ysbrechtum, Gaast

For the main travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.