Lemmer - The DF Woudagemaal Steam Pumping Station.

From Sloten we took the Langesloot canal into the Prinses Margriet Canal and down to Lemmer on the coast of the Ijsselmeer. We came here to see the largest steam powered water pumping station in Freisland situated at the end of the Groote Brekken.
It is a very impressive building both inside and out. Built in 1920 it prevents a large part of Friesland from flooding in times of extreme rainfall. It was selected by UNESCO and placed on the World Heritage List as a symbol of Dutch water management and Steam Power. The building is from the Amsterdam School of Architecture in design and the majestic steam hall has lovely oak doors and beautifully tiled walls. The 4 huge black steam machines and flywheels drive 8 centrifugal pumps that can move 6 million m3 water per day from the polder drainage area to the Ijselmeer.





The NAP in this part of Friesland is 40 cm lower than the Ijsselmeer. Which means the water outside of the land is 40cm higher.