Discover Ulft

The DRU Industriepark on the Oude IJssel in Ulft represents more than 250 years of ironworking. As centuries-old industrial heritage and a Rijksmonument (national heritage site), it gives your stay in Ulft a tangible cultural landmark. Preserved factory buildings, museum themes and contemporary art offer different ways to engage with the place.

Industrial history and the museum at DRU Industriepark

The historic complex includes preserved monumental factory buildings: the Portiersgebouw, the Emaillefabriek with its water tower, the Afbramerij, the tall Giethal, the old office and the old boiler house. Their names bring the different parts of the industrial park to life. Alongside the long history of ironworking, you can also explore the site’s architecture and its range of buildings.

At De Afbramerij, four core themes of the Nederlands IJzermuseum can be explored in themed cabinets: Oer, Hitte, Vormen and Gieten. These keywords offer a concise introduction to topics related to iron and its processing. If these cabinets are important to your visit, check the visitor arrangements in advance; they may change.

Contemporary visual art is also part of the cultural offering: DRU Galerie organizes eight exhibitions a year in the Portiersgebouw. This brings two different perspectives together in the historic industrial complex: the history of ironworking and changing exhibitions of contemporary visual art. If you are interested in both, you can take the exhibitions into account when planning your stay.

On foot or on a boat trip

The Rondje Ulft route leads through Ulft’s center, across the DRU Industriepark grounds, along the banks of the Oude IJssel and through the extensive countryside between Ulft and Varsselder. It connects the town center, industrial park, riverbank and surrounding countryside. If you want to explore Ulft on foot, this walking route takes you through these different areas. Route details may change; check them before setting out.

Another option is to take a boat trip with De Iesselganger. The 2026 passenger information lists the landing stage at DRU Industriepark in Ulft as the departure point. This is a clear practical difference from the Rondje Ulft: the walking route passes through the town, industrial park and surrounding countryside, while the landing stage is the key departure point for the boat trip. You can reserve places online or at the VVV Oude IJsselstreek counter. Check the dates and currently available booking options before planning your trip.

Getting there and finding your way around

DRU Industriepark has its own bus stop, named “Ulft, DRU Industriepark”. For visitors arriving by car, the stated parking option on the opposite side of the Oude IJssel is relevant: from there, you can reach the buildings on foot via the pedestrian bridge. As parking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check this information before travelling.

The VVV Inspiratiepunt in the Loonbureau offers interactive information about the region’s iron and industrial history, the Oude IJssel, and walking and cycling routes in the surrounding area. You can find information there both on regional history and on planning outdoor activities. Together with the Rondje Ulft route and the boat trips, this gives you various ways to plan your stay in Ulft according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Silvolde, Westendorp, Breedenbroek, Sinderen, Terborg, Varsseveld, Varsselder

Return to the main travel overview: Oude Ijsselstreek.