IJsselstein

Hotel Epping is a quiet hotel in the old town of IJsselstein,  about 10 kilometres southwest of Utrecht. IJsselstein is an old medieval town in the heart of the Netherlands, surrounded by a moat and in possession of a large number of monuments.

History

 IJsselstein was founded in the 14th century, but there has been habitation in the IJsselstein area at least from the 11th century. The city owes its name to its location between the rivers Lek and Hollandse IJssel and the castle “castle by the IJssel riverside”. The Baronial city was the scene of battle for centuries. Battle against the nearby city of Utrecht, but also against the rising waters. Around 1310 a statue of Mary was found in a field. A chapel was built in honour of “Our Lady of Eiteren” . IJsselstein became one of the few pilgrimages in the Netherlands.

With its rich history a visit to IJsselstein is more than worthwhile. Besides the castle tower, remains of the original city walls and city gates are preserved. You can also visit the 14th century St. Nicholas Church, the 19th century St. Nicholas Basilica and the operating grain mill. In the summer season you can visit the castle tower, where a drama about life on the castle in mediaeval times is played every hour. Other recommendations: a visit to the city museum and a cruise through the moats.

The landmark of the present IJsselstein is the Gerbrandy Tower, better known as TV Tower Lopik.

The Gerbrandy  Tower is 367 meter high mast  for FM radio and TV broadcasts. The television tower was opened by HM Queen Juliana on May 9th 1961. In the first years the mast belonged to the town of Lopik. Since the 1989 municipal reorganization of the territory the tower belongs to IJsselstein. The structure consists of an approximately 100 meter high concrete tower with a steel tube mast of 259.6 meters. On top of the tube is an antenna mast which makes the total height of the tower  366.8 meters. The tower has long been the highest building of Europe. The overall height was originally 382.5 meters, but in 1987 this was reduced to 375.7 meters. On August 2nd, 2007 the old antenna was brought down with a helicopter. The old antenna weighed over 8000 pounds.  After placing the new antenna, the Gerbrandy Tower is 9 meter shorter, 366.8 meters. This is still 43 meter higher than the Eiffel Tower. During the Christmas season the mast is decorated as the largest Christmas tree in the world. The photo on this page is taken from the roof of the hotel. The lighting of the world’s largest Christmas tree is the starting signal for the annual Christmas market, one of IJsselsteins  many events. Read more about things to do in IJsselstein on the events calendar page.

 700 years city of IJsselstein

In the year 2010 the city of IJsselstein celebrates it’s 700 anniversary.

The theme for these celebrations is:  time in motion. Banners in the downtown, theatrical settings and a especially designed city coin set the tone for the jubilee year. It will not only look back to 1310-2010, it will also look forward. Where does IJsselstein stand in 2310? The festivities will take place all through the year, divided into four quarters with their own characters. Each quarter has its own event.

Friday June 4th, a big party is planned at City Event field The Podium.