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Living landscape full of stories

National Park Weerribben-Wieden

With over 10,000 acres, National Park Weerribben-Wieden is the largest contiguous low moorland swamp area in northwestern Europe. A labyrinth of ponds, lakes, ditches, mysterious-looking marsh forests, extensive reed beds and flowery hay meadows. A breeding ground for special plant and animal species and a base for boating, cycling and walking recreationists.

Origins of National Park Weerribben-Wieden

The nature of National Park Weerribben-Wieden looks pristine, but that is only appearance. From the twelfth century this peat bog changed under the influence of man. Read more about its genesis.

Special nature created under the influence of human hands

The nature of National Park Weerribben-Wieden looks pristine, but that is only appearance. Starting in the twelfth century, this peat bog changed under the influence of man. In earlier times, the peat was cut and laid out to dry on narrow strips of land known as "the ribs. To transport peat, ditches and moats, called "the weres," were dug by human hands. Unfortunately, dike breaches during heavy storms led to major floods, flooding large parts of the excavated area. This is how the lakes of the Wieden were created. The characteristic landscape of National Park Weerribben-Wieden was thus largely created by human hands.