The village was first mentioned in the 13th century Wicle. The etymology is unclear.[4] Wijckel is a spread out village along the roads. The Dutch Reformed Church has a 15th-century tower which has been enlarged in 1821. In 1671, a new church has been adjacent to the tower.[5] In 1840, Wijckel was home to 470 people.[6] In 1975, the tjasker Zandpoel was built.[5]
Before 2014, Wijckel was part of the Gaasterlân-Sleat municipality and before 1984 it was part of Gaasterland.[6]