Weerribben walking route

  • Type

    Wandelen

  • Distance

    12.9 km

  • Period

    3:13

  • Intersection

    12

  • Places

    6

Walk through a natural tableau full of flora and fauna. There is a good reason Weerribben between Kalenberg, Ossenzijl, Oldemarkt and Paasloo have been awarded a European certificate for good nature conservation. Spot the otter, enjoy the meadows and reedbeds, and listen to the noises of the birds.


Starting point

The walking route follows the walking network, so you can join anywhere along this route. A great departure point for this route is the Weerribben Outdoor Centre in Ossenzijl (Hoogeweg 27). Route marker A20 can be found by the car park. From here, follow the coloured route arrows as shown on the infostrip towards the next marker. For this route: in a westerly direction from A20 yellow.

  7. Water Pineapple

    Water Pineapple

    Water plant with an important role in Weerribben-Wieden. In this area, ponds and lakes are overrun with these plants. The vegetation forms into such a dense layer that after 50 years, it is possible to walk across this ‘floating land’. This ‘land accretion’ makes Weerribben-Wieden so special.

  9. Yellow Iris

    Yellow Iris

    The yellow iris adds a splash of colour to the water’s edges at Weerribben-Wieden in late spring, when this beautiful waterside plant flowers all around the area. Plenty of meadows also bloom during this time, showcasing a brilliant palette of colours.

    Photo Philip Friskorn

  12. Großer Feuerfalter

    Großer Feuerfalter

    The rarest butterfly in the Netherlands only graces the Weerribben and immediate surroundings. This batavus subspecies is not found anywhere else in the world: it is an endangered species that loves the marshy low peat at Weerribben-Wieden.

    Photo Philip Friskorn

  13. Dragonflies and butterflies

    Dragonflies and butterflies

    There are 50 types of dragonflies in Weerribben-Wieden. Thanks to the Siberian Winter Damselfly, the Green Hawker, and Whiteface Dragonfly (among others), this region is one of the best dragonfly areas in Europe. The Large Copper butterfly is particularly special: the only place it flutters is here.

    Photo Philip Friskorn

  15. Otter

    Otter

    The ultimate symbol of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. This area is home to the largest otter population in the Netherlands. However, you will only see one if you’re very lucky.

    Photo Philip Friskorn

  16. Don’t be afraid: a snake

    Don’t be afraid: a snake

    You might get a fright: a snake darting past. There is no need to be afraid of a grass snake, because the timid and non-venomous animal would rather scarper as soon as it sees people. The grass snake population at Weerribben-Wieden has grown considerably in recent years.