IJlst: Elevencities City and Woodcity

Unique and characteristic to IJlst are the waterside gardens on each side of the Ee. A river that almost resembles a city moat. In days gone by, the small common yards were used as bleaches, a spot where the white laundry could be left in the sun to bleach. The Netherlands had many more of these shared gardens back then, but virtually all of them have disappeared by now. Luckily for us, IJlst has preserved them, and the villagers cherish them for the historic jewels that they are.  

Nearly everyday, this iconic IJlst mill still produces shelves from sturdy timber. After all, the UNESCO trade of miller is practised here. A visit to this wood sawmill brings history back to life. Were you aware that this mill was actually first built in the Zaanstreek region in the northwest of the Netherlands, and then moved to IJlst as a construction package, to be rebuilt on De Geeuw river? 

The 'immortal flowers' fountain visualises the age-old connection between mankind, culture and nature. The Japanese artist Shinji Ohmaki has brought the origins of the city to life by combining flowering plants native to Friesland with the ancient Japanese flower arranging art of 'Ikebana'. The most colourful fountain of the 11Fountains project can be admired in a small park created specially for that purpose at Dassenboarch in IJlst.

The Frisian city of IJlst is sometimes also called 'Wood city'. If you would like to know why, pop into the Museum Houtstad IJlst, only a hop skip and jump from the mill and the fountain. Here you'll find the old steam saw previously owned by the Wood merchant known as Wed. W.J. Oppedijk, still in operation. During special steam festivals, the original sawing frame is once again driven by a steam locomobile. 

Many of the older generation of Dutch children will remember playing with wooden toys made at the famous Nooitgedagt factory. The silhouette of IJlst would not be the same without the old factory chimney, on which the letters of the Nooitgedagt name can be read from top to bottom. For many decades, this was a leading factory in the design and production of ice skates, children's toys and particularly tools. 

Number 49 Galamagracht, with its slate roof, towers above its neighbouring buildings. This is the former city hall of IJlst. Now a listed building, it was constructed in 1859 to a design by Albert Breunissen Troost. It was the third city hall on this site. IJlst is now part of the of Súdwest Fryslân municipality, whose city hall is in Sneek. 49 Galamagracht has been turned into a residential home. IJlst’s coat of arms and the ship De IJlster Kogge can be seen above the door.

Take a good look at the nine panels of this permanent outdoor exhibition in IJlst. See and read the illustrated narratives of the highlights of IJlst history. The central theme in this case is shipbuilding, shipping and trade. The paintings are a visualised perception by artist Johannes Terpstra, based on information gained by historian Jan Tabak during his research.