Whoever sails over the Beulakerwijde suddenly sees the outlines of a spire appear in the middle of the imposing lake. The artwork of steel pipes recalls the tragic history of the drowned village of Beulake. An all-devastating storm in the 18th century caused the village of peat cutters to disappear underwater. As you sail through the area, you truly get to know the history and the story.
A Place with a Story
The lively village of Beulake emerged in 1360 around the activities of the peat cutters. From the Middle Ages onwards, peat extraction played an even larger role in the area. Ultimately, it played too large a role. The excavation of the peat left narrow, vulnerable strips of land. This land was later destroyed by severe natural disasters.
The drowned village of Beulake uniquely tells the story of the former peat cutters and the consequences of their work on the landscape. Its archaeological and cultural-historical value is therefore significant. Today, beneath the water, lie the foundations of a church and the remains of a cemetery.
The Destruction of the Northwestern Storms
During two northwestern storms, the consequences of years of peat extraction for Beulake became painfully clear. The Zuiderzee dike broke through in multiple places both times. The incoming water washed away the dikes and destroyed the houses and peat sheds. The unstable wet peatlands were also unable to withstand the strong winds and waves. Entire pieces of peatland drifted away.
During the first storm, the village almost completely disappeared underwater. Only the stone church remained standing. In the second major storm surge, this too disappeared underwater. So much land was washed away that large parts of the area were transformed into peat lakes, known as "wieden." The largest wiede was named after the drowned village.
Boat excursions through De Wieden
Regular boat excursions to the submerged village are organized for people who want to enjoy the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. During the trip, the ranger will teach you all about the special history. The boat trips depart from the visitor center De Wieden.