De Wieden

De Wieden Visitor Center is located in Sint Jansklooster, not Winterswijk, and serves as the gateway to the National Park Weerribben-Wieden. This area is part of a larger wetland landscape that extends into Germany, characterized by peat bogs, reed beds, and numerous waterways. The visitor center provides essential information for exploring this unique natural environment.

Visitors can engage in various activities, including boat trips on electric boats such as the ‘Aalscholver’ and ‘Zwarte Stern’. These tours offer a quiet way to observe the local wildlife, including diverse bird species. Waterbus services connect the area to nearby towns like Giethoorn and Blokzijl, operating twice daily between the May holidays and September. The center also provides information on walking and cycling routes that wind through the park’s scenic landscapes.

Facilities at the center include a shop and a café, where visitors can relax after their excursions. A film about the sunken village of Beulake is available, providing historical context to the area’s transformation from peat extraction to nature conservation. Birdwatching points are located nearby, including huts north of Giethoorn and at the Beulakerpolder, as well as a watchtower at Wanneperveen.

For travelers staying in Winterswijk, De Wieden is a feasible day trip, offering a stark contrast to the heathlands and forests of the Winterswijk region. The center is open during specific hours, and boat trips may require advance booking. A visit here provides an immersive experience in the Dutch wetlands, highlighting the importance of conservation and the beauty of the water-based landscape. It serves as a peaceful retreat for those interested in nature and ecology.