That it is beautiful to walk, cycle, and sail in Weerribben-Wieden National Park is obvious. But canoeing is the most beautiful way to discover this park. You paddle further into the area through the reeds until you only hear your own paddles and the singing of reed warblers and great reed warblers. Meanwhile, mute swans and purple herons fly overhead, and who knows, you might see an otter swimming in the distance.
Marsh forest, water, birds, and endless reed fields; nature in the Weerribben seems untouched. But appearances are deceiving... Humans have made every inch of ground here. By extracting peat, the landscape transformed into a swampy water-rich area with valuable marshland nature. A place where the otter, a smart and playful animal that, with a little luck, can be spotted, feels completely at home.
"De Weerribben is just one big, green maze. You can wander endlessly, but no one ever gets lost. All the channels and little canals eventually always lead back to the Kalenbergergracht."
Egbert Beens, forester
Buitencentrum Weerribben is the starting point for a boat trip through the area. In addition to nature, you'll see typical bridges and peat houses along the way, taking you back to the world of the early peat cutters. Three different canoe routes are marked in the Weerribben. Aside from renting a canoe, you can join a covered tour boat or whisper boat where the ranger shares the area's special features along the way.
An adventure-filled overnight stay in the Netherlands hardly exists: right in the heart of De Wieden's nature, with the sounds of unique birds and other animals as your lullaby. This is only possible at a few special canoe camping spots in the area! Paddle through the area by canoe in search of a suitable sleeping place. There are several providers offering canoe camping trips. Looking for more sleeping comfort? Then stay at one of the B&Bs by the water. You can stay for one or multiple nights in the park. Discover the available packages below.
