Natuurmonumenten
Visitor Centre De Wieden
The southern gateway to the park, on the water. Tel. 0527 205 660.
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Surroundings
Weerribben-Wieden National Park
A hundred square kilometres of lakes, reed beds and peat canals, with the lakes of Giethoorn right in it. Explore the park by whisper boat, by bike or on foot.
The park
The largest lowland peat marsh in north-west Europe
Weerribben-Wieden covers roughly 100 km² of water, reed and peat land in the north-west corner of Overijssel. The Weerribben became a national park in 1992; De Wieden, the southern half with the lakes around Giethoorn, joined in 2009. The area has been a Ramsar wetland of international importance since 2000.
The landscape was dug by hand: centuries of peat cutting left long strips of water and land, later flooded into lakes by storms. Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer manage the park today, and about 1,000 hectares are still used for reed cultivation, which is why so many roofs in Giethoorn are thatched.
It is home to otters, black terns, sundew and water soldier plants. From a whisper boat you see it at eye level: reed beds, water lilies and birds that barely notice you.
- About 100 km², managed by Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer
- National park since 1992, De Wieden included since 2009
- Ramsar wetland since 2000
- Otters, black terns, sundew and water soldier
Distances and times
How far is the park from our dock?
The Bovenwijde lake next to Giethoorn is part of De Wieden, so you are in the park within minutes of leaving the dock.
On the lake in 20 minutesOur 2-hour route already takes you onto the Bovenwijde; the 4-hour route (16.8 km) covers the lakes and canals north of the village.
Ossenzijl: 23 km, 25 minBuitencentrum Weerribben in Ossenzijl is the gateway to the northern half of the park.
By boat to Ossenzijl: 21 kmThe marked waterway from Giethoorn to Ossenzijl is 21 km, about 2 hours 40 one way. A trip for a full day or your own boat.
Sint Jansklooster: about 27 km by bikeThe cycling route from Giethoorn to Visitor Centre De Wieden runs through the heart of the park.
Start here
Two visitor centres
Both centres have exhibitions, walking and cycling routes and up-to-date information on closed areas. Check their websites before you go; hours change per season.
Staatsbosbeheer
Buitencentrum Weerribben
Starting point for the northern half of the park, the Weerribben.
Things to do
Four ways to see the park
By whisper boat
Silent, electric, no licence
A whisper boat is the natural way to see a wetland: no noise, no fumes, and you can drift right up to the reed beds. Our navigation app shows the routes.
By bike
Loops of 27 to 44 km
The Giethoorn to Ossenzijl loop is 43.7 km; Natuurmonumenten has a “De Wieden along Giethoorn” cycling route. Bikes from €10 a day at our dock.
With a skipper
Canal cruise or private tour
Prefer to sit back? Our canal cruise (€10 p.p.) sails the village and the lake; a private tour with skipper goes wherever you like.
Canoe, kayak or SUP
Paddle power
Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are allowed in the park. Respect closed areas during the breeding season and keep clear of the reed cutters at work.
Breeding season: 15 March to 15 July
Parts of the park, both paths and waterways, are closed from 15 March to 15 July to protect breeding birds. Natuurmonumenten publishes an interactive map of the closed areas. Our marked routes stay on the village canals and the lakes, so you can sail all season; if you explore beyond them, check the map first.
Keep to the 6 km/h limit in the canals, keep right on open water and give way to the large cruise boats. More on the boating rules.
The 4-hour route: our park tour
Village canals, the lakes and canals north of Giethoorn and the Bovenwijde in one 16.8 km loop. Bring a picnic basket and moor at a quiet spot along the reed. Four hours from €77 for a 4-person boat on weekdays.
Questions about Weerribben-Wieden
Can I sail into the national park with a rental boat from Giethoorn?
Yes. The Bovenwijde lake beside the village is part of De Wieden. Our 2-, 3- and 4-hour routes all take you onto the lakes and canals of the park; the routes page shows them on a map.
How big is Weerribben-Wieden?
About 100 km², roughly 10,000 to 11,000 hectares, which makes it the largest lowland peat marsh in north-west Europe.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the park is freely accessible. Check the websites of the visitor centres for their own opening hours and activities.
Will I see otters?
Otters live in the park, but they are shy and mostly active when it is quiet. Seeing one is luck; black terns, herons and other water birds are far more common from the boat.
What is closed during the breeding season?
Parts of the paths and waterways are closed from 15 March to 15 July. Natuurmonumenten publishes an interactive map. Our marked routes remain open.
Can I sail to Ossenzijl?
The waterway from Giethoorn to Ossenzijl is 21 km, about 2 hours 40 one way, so more than five hours there and back. That only fits a full-day rental (6 hours of sailing) on a calm day. Talk to us at check-in before you set off.
See the park from the water
Book a whisper boat online and sail from our dock straight onto the lakes of De Wieden.