Holiday apartment in Woudsend: waterways and Frisian history

Woudsend combines Frisian waterways with a protected historic village centre, old windmills, churches and natural areas. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Woudsend, you will find a range of ideas here for peaceful, active and culturally rich days away.

Waterways and orientation for your days

Woudsend lies between the Heegermeer and Slotermeer, along the Elfstedentocht route, and is considered a water sports village. The Ie runs through the village; sloops, sailing boats and yachts travel along it to the Frisian lakes. You can moor in Woudsend on the Rondje Fluezen-Luts route. The Rondje Sleattemer Mar route begins at TOP Woudsend and initially runs via De Greiden, followed by the Yndyk.

At TOP Woudsend, a sign with a large map of the surrounding area provides information about cycling and walking routes, themed routes and nearby attractions. The VVV information point offers personal advice from local residents, as well as free visitor magazines and information about events.

Discover historic Woudsend

The built-up centre of Woudsend was officially designated a protected village view on 18 February 1980 in order to preserve its historic value. The Karmel Church was built in 1837 as a brick, cruciform Waterstaat church in the Neoclassical style. De Karmel contains an organ made by Bakker and Timmenga in 1938, housed in an organ case by J. C. Scheuer dating from 1839.

The Sint Michaëlkerk was built in 1792 and is considered the oldest Roman Catholic church in the north. It is scheduled to open on Saturday afternoons from 13:30 to 17:00 during the summer months; hosts are present while it is open. The former Mennonite church building was built in 1858 to a design by S. Oppedijk. Originally, it was a Schuilkerk; the building also has no tower.

Windmills, nature and regional products

The wooden Dutch windmill De Jager can be traced back to 1719; that year, it was a sawmill owned by Jelle Jurjens, and 1719 is also considered the year the windmill 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 the oldest grain mill in Friesland. The miller and his wife grind grain there by traditional methods to make flour products and various bread mixes. Regional organic grain is used to produce flour, baking mixes, flakes and muesli.

In the immediate vicinity, between Woudsend and Heeg, lies the De Gouden Boaiem nature reserve on an island 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, wetlands and reed beds; it is managed to protect meadow birds.

Seasonal experiences and your holiday apartment

The 2.5-kilometre-long Elfstegentocht leads through the streets of Woudsend, with each street having its own story. During the summer holidays, a farmers' market with fresh regional produce and gifts from local producers takes place every Thursday. An SKS Skûtsjesilen race has been held on the Heegermeer since 1968, traditionally on the second Monday of the SKS Skûtsjesilen. The Friese Sleepbootdagen take place every two years; various tugboats and towboats are displayed along the Iewal and in the visitor harbour, complemented by a market and various festive events.

When choosing your holiday apartment in Woudsend, you can make your preferred holiday pace the focus: walks through the historic village centre, experiences on the water, nature observation, the history of the windmills or seasonal events can be combined as different focal points in planning your trip.

More destinations

For your further planning: Gaast, Sneek, Ijlst, Koudum, Parrega, Kimswerd, Stavoren, Wons

For the overarching travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.