Experience De Wieden from the water with the Ecowaterbus
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As the largest bog swamp in Western Europe, National Park Weerribben-Wieden is perhaps best experienced from the water. In addition to excursion boats, hikers and cyclists can use two electric "Ecowater buses" for this purpose, which sail back and forth between the visitor center in Sint Jansklooster and Blokzijl or Giethoorn. Even for experienced boaters of these boats, each trip remains a special experience.
The whisper quiet Ecowater buses sail daily up the vast 'Beulaker' towards water village Giethoorn (one hour) or Zuiderzee town Blokzijl (one and a half hours). Along the way you sail through the middle of nature, also on narrower waterways, surrounded by floating land and reed beds. The boat pauses for a moment at the artwork of the drowned village of Beulake. 'The trip is special every time,' says skipper Koos (74), one of more than twenty skippers who volunteer to make this special 'bus connection' possible. 'Every season and even every day is different. Because of the weather, the light and the special animals and plants we encounter. On the water I experience freedom. And no matter how many times I have seen the Beulaker, I still enjoy it. At the end of a trip I often feel the urge to sail back again.'
On the divide between water and land it happens
Special observations
From the water you experience the land differently than when you walk or cycle, outlines skipper Frans (77). 'Many people recreate with nice weather. On our boat you can experience the water and nature under all conditions: outside on the deck or if you are inside when it rains. That also makes it different all the time. Only when it's windy, we don't sail.'
Special sightings are regularly made along the way. Birds such as the osprey, purple heron and nesting black terns, for example. Or deer, of course, or swimming ring snakes. If you are very lucky, you may from the water might even spot an otter or, for example, a bittern. Koos: 'A bittern is really very special. You mostly hear them, but rarely see them. I haven't seen an otter myself, but other boaters have. And we will probably get beavers here, because they are also advancing. I did see cranes and a stray flamingo. Because we sail along the separation of water and land, you see a lot. Because on that "watershed" a lot happens! I think because many animals find everything there: food and protection.' Current sightings are also kept in a logbook at the visitor center.
Colorful company
The boats are widely used by cyclists and hikers from all over the world. 'Many Dutch, Germans and Belgians of course, but I have also had Brazilians, Japanese and Frisians on board,' jokes Frans. Those who sail to Blokzijl in the morning and take the boat back in the afternoon have plenty of time to see the town and grab a terrace. Cyclists also often board the boat for a one-way trip from Giethoorn or Blokzijl. Along the way, the boatmen do tell a few things about the area. 'But not too much, because some guests know much more about nature than I do. And we are not an excursion boat. If you really want to know a lot more, you can take that too.'
Sail along?
Natuurmonumenten's Ecowater buses sail twice a day from the visitors' center in Sint Jansklooster to Giethoorn and Blokzijl (there and back). Tickets can be purchased online or on the day itself at the visitor center or on the boat. Bicycles can be taken on the outside deck. This is also accessible for wheelchairs. During the winter period, the boats do not sail.
