DRU Industriepark gives Ulft a clear focus for a stay: here, you can explore the town’s industrial history, contemporary art and attractions around the Oude IJssel. DRU Industriepark is located on the Oude IJssel in Ulft and is a centuries-old industrial heritage site as well as a Rijksmonument (national heritage site). Iron was processed here for more than 250 years. The site can be explored from several perspectives: through its preserved factory buildings, museum exhibits and art, as well as a walking route.
Industrial History at DRU Industriepark
The preserved historic complex includes monumental factory buildings: Portiersgebouw, the enamel factory with its water tower, Afbramerij, the tall foundry hall, the old office and the old boiler house. The many named buildings make the complex itself a subject of interest; its industrial history is not limited to a single building.
At De Afbramerij, you can visit four core themes of the Nederlands IJzermuseum in themed galleries: Oer, Hitte, Vormen and Gieten. These four themes give the museum visit a clear structure. Visitor policies may change; check them before your visit.
Art and Regional Information
The DRU Galerie organizes eight exhibitions of contemporary visual art each year at Portiersgebouw. This adds another cultural dimension to the historic industrial setting: alongside the history of ironworking, contemporary art is also in the spotlight here.
At Loonbureau, the VVV Inspiratiepunt offers interactive information about the region’s iron and industrial history, the Oude IJssel, and walking and cycling routes nearby. This means visitors can learn about both the history of the industrial park and the region’s themes and routes. If you’d like to explore beyond the DRU complex, you’ll find ideas there for walking and cycling trips in the surrounding area.
Rondje Ulft and Boat Trips
The Rondje Ulft walking route passes through the centre of Ulft, across the DRU Industriepark grounds, along the banks of the Oude IJssel and through the expansive countryside between Ulft and Varsselder. The route thus connects the town centre, industrial park, riverbank and surrounding area in one walk. Route details may change, so check the current route description before setting off.
You can also include boat trips with De Iesselganger in your plans. Travel information from 2026 lists the landing stage near DRU Industriepark in Ulft as the departure point. Booking information from 2026 states that reservations can be made online or at the VVV Oude IJsselstreek desk.
Getting to DRU Industriepark
The site has its own bus stop, named “Ulft, DRU Industriepark”. Visitors to DRU Industriepark can park on the opposite side of the Oude IJssel and reach the buildings on foot via the pedestrian bridge. Parking policies may change; take this into account when planning your journey.
Discover more destinations: Sinderen, Varsselder, Silvolde, Breedenbroek, Varsseveld, Westendorp, Terborg
Return to the main travel overview: Oude Ijsselstreek.
