Ontdek het prachtige IJlst – Een verborgen parel van Friesland!

Discover beautiful IJlst – A hidden gem of Friesland! Welcome to this vlog about IJlst – one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in Friesland! In this video, I'll take you on a journey of discovery through this historic city of the eleven cities, where water, history, and craftsmanship come together perfectly. IJlst may be small, but it's a true hidden gem full of surprises. We'll start our walk at the famous Galamagracht, IJlst's main canal. Here you'll see the unique overtuinen: narrow gardens located directly on the waterfront, across the street. These gardens belong to the houses on the canal side and are only accessible by street. The overtuinen are typical of IJlst and give the town a picturesque character. The trees, flowers, and benches create an idyllic streetscape you won't find anywhere else. Next, we'll take a look at the Ee-gracht, with the magnificent Mauritius Church as its highlight. This church, dedicated to Saint Maurice, has a long history dating back to the 13th century. The current hall church from 1830, with its striking tower and historic bells, forms the heart of the town. Remarkably, the pulpit from the old, medieval church can still be admired here. On the Galamagracht canal, we also come across the stately mayor's residence. This elegant building is a beautiful example of the prosperity IJlst once enjoyed, thanks in part to shipping and trade. The house is striking for its large windows and classical façade and gives a good impression of how the elite once lived here. We continue our wanderings along the canals, where every perspective is worthy of a postcard. From different angles, you see how the water, the gardens, and the historic buildings converge into an image of tranquility and beauty. A glance into the window of an old-fashioned bicycle shop takes us back to times gone by, with its classic bicycles and nostalgic details. At the edge of the town center, we see the old chimney and grindstone of the Nooitgedagt factory. This monument commemorates the famous factory that put IJlst on the map as a producer of skates, tools, and wooden toys. Millions of wooden skates once rolled off the production line here, and until its closure in the 1990s, Nooitgedagt was a major employer in the region. Today, these remnants mark the town's industrial history. We continue our way to the ferry from IJlst to the Rutepolder. A charming piece of local transport still used daily by walkers and cyclists exploring IJlst's green surroundings. In the town center, we then visit Houtstad-IJlst, a small but fascinating museum. Here you'll learn all about IJlst's rich woodcraft tradition, the old timber trade, and how this small town grew thanks to its waterfront location. Interactive exhibits and historical artifacts give you a vivid impression of the craftsmen who once made IJlst a wood-based town. A highlight is the sawmill "De Rat," a working sawmill dating back to 1828 that still uses wind power to cut logs into planks. The mill can be visited inside and offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional woodworking traditions of the past. In the harbor in front of the mill, logs often float in the water, ready to be processed – a unique sight that recalls the time when the timber trade flourished here. We conclude with the Sint Odulphuspad, a pilgrimage route that connects IJlst with other Frisian cities. This walking path leads along waterways, meadows, and reed beds, offering peace-seekers and hikers a beautiful slice of nature around the city. This vlog shows that IJlst is much more than a stopover on the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour). It's a charming city brimming with history, craftsmanship, and unique spots that you simply must see. Curious about this hidden gem in Friesland? Then take a look and enjoy the images! 👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more videos about special cities, nature, and hidden gems in the Netherlands! #IJlst #Friesland #ElevenCitiesTour