Woudsend lies between the Heegermeer and Slotermeer lakes and on the Elfstedentochtroute, in a waterscape that gives the village its character as a water sports destination. At the same time, its lanes, mills and churches tell different chapters of its history. The 2.5-kilometre Elfstegentocht is a walking route through the lanes, each with its own story. You can moor in Woudsend on the Rondje Fluezen-Luts route. Whether exploring the village on foot or stopping off as part of a water route, these paths offer different perspectives on Woudsend.
Getting Your Bearings and Routes
At the TOP Woudsend, an information pillar features a large map of the surrounding area, along with details of cycling and walking routes, themed routes and nearby attractions. The Rondje Sleattemer Mar also starts at the TOP: it first leads across De Greiden and then via Yndyk. As route details may change, check the starting route before setting out. The VVV information point in Woudsend offers personal advice from locals, free visitor magazines and information about events. Check the information point’s opening hours separately.
Water and Landscape
The Ie runs through Woudsend, where sloops, sailboats and yachts travel towards the Frisian lakes. Together with its location between the Heegermeer and Slotermeer lakes, this passage explains the village’s character as a water sports destination. You can moor in Woudsend on the Rondje Fluezen-Luts route.
Nearby, between Woudsend and Heeg, the De Gouden Boaiem nature reserve lies 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, including 158 hectares of grassland, wetlands and reed beds. It is managed to protect meadow birds. The open landscape and waterways thus complement the historic village centre, making the lanes only one part of the appeal of an outing.
Churches, Mills and Local History
The built-up centre of Woudsend was officially designated a protected townscape on 18 February 1980 to preserve its historic value. The Karmel Church dates from 1837: it was built as a brick, cross-shaped 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. It is scheduled to be open on Saturday afternoons from 1:30 to 5 pm during the summer months, with hosts present while it is open. Before visiting, check whether these seasonal hours apply to your chosen date. Another chapter of local history is told by the former Mennonite church building: built in 1858 to a design by S. Oppedijk, it was originally a Schuilkerk and has no tower.
The mills also reveal different traces of history. The wooden Dutch 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 the oldest grain mill in Friesland. There, the miller and his wife grind grain using traditional methods. Regional organic grain is made into flour, baking mixes, flakes and muesli.
Events and Seasonal Highlights
Event dates follow different rhythms, too. Since 1968, a SKS Skûtsjesilen race has been held on the Heegermeer in Woudsend, traditionally on the second Monday of the SKS Skûtsjesilen. The Friese Sleepbootdagen takes place every two years: various tugboats and towboats are displayed along the Iewal and in the visitor marina, with a market and festivities also held. During the summer holidays, a farmers’ market is held every Thursday, offering fresh regional produce and gifts from local makers. These events vary by season and frequency; check the specific dates for your trip, as schedules may change.
Discover more destinations: Laaxum, Offingawier, Molkwerum, Ysbrechtum, Cornwerd, Wons, Kimswerd, Stavoren.
For the broader travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.
