Consider this. Den Ilp is not just a village. It is a story etched in water and light. We are standing in Den Ilp. It is a place where history whispers from the ditches lining the narrow road.
Den Ilp sits in the municipality of Landsmeer, North Holland. It is a quick trip north from Amsterdam. The village’s population was 809 in January 2007. Now, the population is 870.
Den Ilp is known for its Christmas lights. The displays shine brightly in the weeks before Christmas. The shape of Den Ilp is nearly vertical. It mainly follows a single road. Two roads branch off to the west. The village is a narrow road with ditches. Bridges lead to each house.
The village connects to Landsmeer. Landsmeer then connects to Amsterdam and Oostzaan. Purmerland sits to the north. It is closer to Purmerend.
Den Ilp’s name comes from the local dialect. It is called Illip in Waterlands dialect. Illip comes from “ilapa”. This means rapidly flowing water. The village was on the banks of the Ilp stream. It was a peatland stream.
Den Ilp was its own municipality once. In 1991, it joined Landsmeer. It merged with two other municipalities.
Anton Heyboer lived in Den Ilp. He was a painter and engraver. He was known for his bigamist relationships. He died in 2005. His five widows still live here. Saskia Laroo grew up in Den Ilp. She is a famous trumpeter. Thea Dubelaar was born here. She writes children’s books.
Den Ilp has a modern fanfare orchestra. It is called De Eendracht. The village is also known for its Mennonite history. Anabaptists lived here early on.
In 1673, the Mennonites of Den Ilp belonged to the Waterlander congregation. They were in Landsmeer. In 1863, lightning burned down the church. It also burned the parsonage. Support from other congregations rebuilt them. The new church was dedicated in 1865. An organ was added in 1901.
In 1847, the congregation had 116 members. By 1931, it had 130 members. Today, Den Ilp blends history with modern life. It is a unique village. It is full of stories. It is a place of art, music, and community. The lights of Den Ilp shine. They reflect its vibrant spirit.