---
title: "The 5 Most Beautiful Boating Routes through the Weerribben-Wieden"
slug: mooiste-vaarroutes-weerribben-wieden
description: "From a short cruise to a full-day trip — discover the 5 most beautiful boating routes through National Park Weerribben-Wieden, with distances and tips."
keywords: boating routes Weerribben-Wieden, boating Weerribben, boating route Giethoorn, boat route Overijssel, boating Belt-Schutsloot, boating route Blokzijl
author: Nijenhuis Botenverhuur
date: 2026-05-22
lang: en
---

# 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?

| Route | Electric boat | Sloop | Canoe | Motorboat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wanneperveen loop | ✅ Ideal | ✅ | ✅ Ideal | Unnecessary |
| 2. To Giethoorn | ✅ | ✅ Ideal | Possible (sporty) | ✅ |
| 3. Belt-Schutsloot | ✅ Ideal | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4. Great Weerribben route | Possible* | ✅ | Not recommended | ✅ Ideal |
| 5. Blokzijl loop | Possible* | ✅ | Not recommended | ✅ Ideal |

*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

| Route | Duration | Level | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wanneperveen loop | 1.5–2 hours | Easy | Beginners, children |
| 2. To Giethoorn | 3–4 hours | Easy | First visit to the region |
| 3. Belt-Schutsloot | 2.5–3.5 hours | Easy | Peace, nature, otters |
| 4. Great Weerribben | 5–7 hours | Moderate | Adventurers, birdwatchers |
| 5. Blokzijl loop | 4–6 hours | Moderate+ | Day trip with lunch |

---

*Nijenhuis Botenverhuur is centrally located in the Weerribben-Wieden area — the ideal starting point for all these routes. [Plan your boating trip →](https://nijenhuis-botenverhuur.com/)*