A unique ribbon village: that's Den Ilp. Not only because of its long main street, but particularly the location between two nature and recreation areas. Het Twiske, with its Stootersplas, lies ready to be discovered; by bike, on foot or on rollerblades. Swimming here is also wonderful! Moreover, this is an absolute paradise for the many marsh, reed and water birds. Around the small pools and lakes you will find meadows with Scottish Highland cattle, foxes and stoats. Nature reserve Het Ilpenerveld stretches out eastwards. This peatland meadow area with its ditches, canals, reeds and the unique 'quaking fen' is definitely worth a visit.
Since time immemorial, the houses in the village have been beautifully illuminated with fairy lights and lamps during the Christmas holidays. A succession of viewers are fascinated, preferably when darkness sets in, at the exquisitely illuminated houses. Hopefully they also take the time to stop at the Anton Heijboer gallery. His eccentric lifestyle (he had five wives, for example), made him a legend within his own lifetime. One of his brides keeps the memory of Anton and his painting alive in the gallery that still bears the name the bird of paradise.
Photo By Jane023 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26446697