The Putter Stoomgemaal a unique experience!

In the Netherlands' oldest Zuiderzee polder "Arkemheen", the silhouette of the Putter Steam Pumping Station dominates. A beautiful sight and Putter's pearl of industrial heritage. This national monument (1885) has been responsible for keeping the Arkemheen polder dry for no less than 100 years and is still working! The Putter stoomgemaal is one of eight still working steam pumping stations in the Netherlands. This has always fascinated me. Thanks to the efforts of skilled volunteers, the steam pumping station is in operation on the turning days and open to the public. The first turning day this year was a great opportunity for me to experience how the steam engine works. I would like to take you along to this beautiful example of 19th century steam technology.

After a beautiful trip through polder Arkemheen, the Putter Stoomgemaal with its unmistakable chimney already greeted us in the distance. Arriving at Arlersteeg 32, we were pleasantly surprised by the very good condition of the building and adjoining machinist's house. It was also funny that especially for the guests, the laundry was already hanging outside and the garage had been transformed into a kind of vintage store. with mini steam engines. Too tempting not to browse around there and .... the coffee was already ready. I haven't photographed everything from the vintage store as I want to whet your curiosity so you go and take a look for yourself.

Battle against the water

We were warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic volunteers, who even wore clogs with the Steam Pumping Station logo on them. First, they took us to the scoop wheel. The scoop wheel draws hundreds of litres of water from the Arkemheen polder and in the past was a powerful weapon in the battle against the water. What a powerhouse!

Craftsmanship and tradition
After all that water action, it was time to warm up by the coal-fired boiler. As soon as we entered the boiler room, the heat hit us and the smell of steam filled our nostrils. Yes, indeed, the steam pumping station was up and running! The stoker skilfully explained how the boiler worked and shared interesting facts, such as the fact that there was a dyke breach in 1916. This caused salt water to enter the pumping station. Unfortunately, the boiler had to be replaced at the time. Another fun fact: when children help this skilled stoker, they can earn a proper stoker’s certificate. But for now, we’d warmed up enough, so on to the engine room.

The engine room; the beating heart of the steam pumping station is a feast for the eyes. The copper gleams and shines. What a paragon of industrial heritage. The engine driver expertly explains the workings of the pumping station to us. And even for my not-so-technical brain, it is clear to me too, thanks to the clear explanations.

Polder Arkemheen natura 2000 area

Leaving behind the Putter Stoomgemaal in all its glory, we set out to spot birds in the beautiful Arkemheen polder, where many meadow birds find their feeding, breeding, resting and migrating grounds in this oldest Zuiderzee polder. Fortunately, we were treated to many visits from these feathered friends. What a beautiful sight! Want to know more about the Arkemheen? Then take a look here Arkemheen | natura 2000

Want to visit the Putter Stoomgemaal and learn more about it now? Then take a look at Maaldag Putter Stoomgemaal | VVV Putten and Home - Putter Stoomgemaal Here, in addition to lots of extra information, you will also find all the operating days listed. Do you like walking? Then you might like to combine your visit with the Klompenpad trail the Hoeverveldpad. This multi-faceted route passes the Putter Stoomgemaal oomgemaal and among others through the beautiful polder landscape of the Arkemheen.

Entrance to the Putter Stoomgemaal is free. Thanks to the efforts of its skilled enthusiastic volunteers, the Putter Putter Stoomgemaal is in excellent condition and this piece of industrial heritage is kept in honour. Thanks to them, turning days are possible and the Putter Steam Pumping Station is open to the public on Wednesdays. At the end of your visit, you can make a small donation in the donation box, in support of this wonderful initiative.

Take a "snapshot" at the Putter Stoomgemaal.

This blog was written by Lia Nijkeuter on 24 April 2023.