The 5 Most Beautiful Boating Routes through the Weerribben-Wieden

National Park Weerribben-Wieden is the largest contiguous lowland peat bog in Northwest Europe. More than 10,000 hectares of water, reed beds, swamp forest and meadows — connected by a network of waterways, ditches and lakes.

It is one of the most beautiful boating areas in the Netherlands. But where do you start? In this article, we share five routes — from a short 90-minute cruise to a full-day trip.

Route 1: Wanneperveen loop (beginner-friendly)

Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours | Distance: ~8 km | Level: easy

The perfect introduction. You cruise through the canals around Wanneperveen, past reed beds and meadows. The water is calm and easy to navigate — ideal if you are boating for the first time or travelling with young children.

Highlights:

• Views over the open meadows of the Wieden
• Spotting reed birds (great egret, marsh harrier)
• Glimpses of farms along the water
• Hardly any other boat traffic

Tip: Bring binoculars. In spring, dozens of bird species nest here.

Route 2: Wanneperveen – Giethoorn and back

Duration: 3 – 4 hours | Distance: ~14 km | Level: easy to moderate

The most popular route. You start in Wanneperveen and cruise via quiet canals to Giethoorn. You enter the village from the back — much quieter than the main entrance where the tourist buses stop.

Highlights:

• The canals of Giethoorn with thatched roofs and wooden bridges
• Mooring for coffee or lunch in the village
• The return journey via an alternative route through the polder

Tip: Enter Giethoorn before 11:00. Then you will have the canals almost to yourself. On the way back, it is quiet everywhere.

Route 3: Belt-Schutsloot – the hidden gem

Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours | Distance: ~12 km | Level: easy

Belt-Schutsloot is Giethoorn's "lesser-known sister" — at least as beautiful, but without the tourist masses. You cruise through narrow waterways with reed banks, past picturesque cottages and through a landscape that has barely changed in centuries.

Highlights:

• The village of Belt-Schutsloot with its characteristic wooden bridges
• The Beulakerweide — an open lake with panoramic views
• Chance of spotting otters (the population is growing here!)
• Mooring spots for a picnic on the shore

Tip: Belt-Schutsloot is at its most beautiful in the early morning light. The mist above the water makes it magical.

Route 4: Great Weerribben route via Kalenberg

Duration: 5 – 7 hours | Distance: ~25 km | Level: moderate

A full-day trip through the heart of the Weerribben. You cruise via wide waterways and narrow ditches to Kalenberg — a small village in the middle of the national park. Along the way, you pass through the most remote parts of the area.

Highlights:

• Kalenberg — a car-free village that feels accessible only by water
• Reed fields as far as the eye can see
• The Weerribben at their finest: no houses, no roads, just nature
• Chance of rare birds: purple heron, bittern, black tern

Tip: Bring plenty of food and drinks — there are few facilities along the way. Check in advance whether your boat has enough range for the entire route.

Route 5: Blokzijl loop via the Vollenhover Canal

Duration: 4 – 6 hours | Distance: ~20 km | Level: moderate to advanced

Blokzijl is a former Zuiderzee town with a historic harbour, waterside terraces and the Michelin-star restaurant De Swaen. You cruise over wider waters — more open sky and larger lakes.

Highlights:

• The historic harbour of Blokzijl (mooring available)
• Lunch or coffee at the harbour
• Open lakes with sweeping views
• The lock at Blokzijl — an experience in itself

Tip: On the open lakes, it can be windier. Check the wind force before departure. At wind force 4+, this route is less suitable for small boats.

Which route for which boat?

*Pay attention to the range of electric boats on longer routes.

Practical tips for every route

Navigation: The waterway network is well signposted with ANWB markers. Apps such as Waterkaart and Stentec also work well in this area. Always ask for a paper map as a backup when boarding.

Traffic rules: Keep to the right, go slowly in narrow waterways and canals. In Giethoorn, a speed limit applies. At bridges: the boat closest to the bridge has right of way.

Season: April through October is boating season. May and June are the most beautiful (flowering meadows, breeding season). July and August are the busiest. September is ideal: quiet, with the first autumn colours appearing.

Weather: Always check the forecast. In thunderstorms: get off the water immediately. In rain: a sloop with a bimini (sun canopy) keeps you dry.

Summary

Nijenhuis Botenverhuur is centrally located in the Weerribben-Wieden area — the ideal starting point for all these routes. Plan your boating trip →