The Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal is a UNESCO World Heritage site listed location in the Netherlands. I have never heard of this place but it is very important in keeping Friesland dry. The country relies on a huge network of pumping stations to pump out excess water from certain areas. Through the years, the Dutch have honed their expertise in pumping water and are arguably the experts in the field. After all their entire country depends on their system working. The Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal is the world’s largest steam driven pump and it is still working though for only a few days a year. The pumping station is open for tourists to visit and it is a marvel see these kinds of places.
I can’t say I appreciate places like these. Industrial design isn’t exactly one of my favorite things. But it is specifically the industrial design of the boilers the pumps which make this place so interesting. The boilers and the pumps are still in very good working condition which is surprising since more modern pumps have already taken over its job. I think it was nice of the Dutch to hang on to this one since it is the largest steam pump in the world. Visitors may want to pay attention to the knobs and displays to better appreciate these complicated machines.
[xmlgm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/Ir.D.F.Woudagemaal.kmz} zoom=19]