Book a Weerribben holiday home and enjoy the wide and idyllic reed landscape

Glide silently through the waterways lined with reeds as you carefully try to spot herons — that’s one of the magical scenes you’ll experience in the Weerribben! Admittedly, in places like Giethoorn, peace and quiet can be harder to find, but that’s all the more reason to take to the water early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise. What an idyllic sight to see the landscape bathed in mist and soft morning light! From your Weerribben holiday home, you can also enjoy perfect hiking opportunities and explore charming villages such as Vollenhove and Blokzijl by bike.

Weerribben holiday home: explore a maze of canals in a whisper boat

Would you like to discover Europe’s largest low peat bog area from a holiday home in the Weerribben? Boating through the Weerribben is the best way to explore the intricate network of ditches and canals! Glide under Giethoorn’s bridges and admire the traditional thatched farmhouses along the banks. Rental options range from two-hour trips to full-day adventures, ideal for small groups or larger gatherings.

Follow the boardwalk trail De Wieden and cycle to the village of Vollenhove

The Weerribben is not only perfect for boating — it’s also wonderful to explore on foot! A boardwalk trail along the wide canal of De Wieden offers sweeping views over the polders and the rustic wind-powered water pumps known as tjaskers. Marsh forests, reed fields, and floating land dominate the scenery along the way. On a sunny day, take a bike from your Weerribben holiday home and head towards Vollenhove, a medieval gem with characteristic churches. The Mariakerk (Church of St. Mary) is especially worth a stop, thanks to its lovely adjoining hedge garden that’s ideal for a short stroll.

Sail through Dwarsgracht and Kralenberg

A lesser-known village than Giethoorn, but almost as beautiful, is Dwarsgracht. This water village is perfect to explore by canoe, where you can paddle past thatched farmhouses with neat lawns and under picturesque bridges. Another lovely canoe route to consider is through Kralenberg. Start your trip at one of the local rental spots and navigate via the canal and narrow ditches into the open countryside. Before or after your trip, enjoy a drink or meal on a terrace by the water and bridge — the perfect bonus experience.

Cycle to Blokzijl from your Weerribben holiday home

After watching a magical sunrise over the reed fields in the morning, end your day in Blokzijl with an enchanting evening stroll! Wander through the picturesque streets as the town glows in the soft evening light, and stop at a terrace by the inner harbor. Blokzijl is often called one of the most picturesque towns in the Netherlands — and it’s easy to see why, as you admire the waterside houses and the elegant church tower.

Tip: visit Blokzijl as part of a boat tour or hop aboard the water taxi for a scenic ride.

Relax by the water at ’t Vonder and Grand Café Prins Mauritshuis

Relaxing by the water is an essential part of any holiday in the Weerribben. In Giethoorn, you can enjoy pancakes and other Dutch favorites on the terrace or in the glass conservatory at ’t Vonder. You can also book a cruise in a heated tour boat or rent bikes and canoes. Another terrace that truly stands out is at Prins Mauritshuis in Blokzijl. The terrace extends all the way to the quay, and on cooler days you can retreat to the cozy indoor conservatory. In autumn, they also offer a special three-course seasonal menu.

Take a walk through the Zwarte Dennen nature reserve

To the east of the Weerribben lies the Zwarte Dennen nature reserve, easily reachable by bike. Unlike the reed marshes, here you’ll find forests, heathlands, and ponds. Follow the signposted routes that start from the car park in Punthorst. Along the way, benches are placed near a small lake — perfect for a picnic. The surrounding sandy beach makes the area an inviting spot for a longer break or even a swim.

Tip: bring your dog! At Punthorst, dogs are welcome to roam freely in the dedicated dog play forest.

Visit the square and zoo in Steenwijk

Plan a day trip to Steenwijk, where the town center reveals a surprising charm with old gabled houses and a striking yellow building that houses a restaurant. Let your kids play in the fountains on the square while you relax on a nearby terrace. The splashing water is always a joyful welcome for the little ones! And the fun doesn’t stop there — after cooling off, head to the Taman Indonesia Zoo, where you can see exotic Asian animals such as the Bengal cat, Japanese nightingale, and many other tropical birds.

Pick your own tulips in Marknesse

A unique springtime activity you shouldn’t miss is visiting the tulip picking garden in Marknesse. In addition to the wide fields of red, yellow, and pink tulips, there’s also a colorful mixed field where you can pick your own flowers. This tulip paradise on the edge of the Noordoostpolder is close to Blokzijl and Vollenhove — perfect for planning a scenic bike ride through the blooming bulb fields.

Rent a Weerribben holiday home

The Weerribben is a nature reserve of international renown — and for good reason! Reed beds, lakes, canals, and marsh forests create a stunning variety of landscapes. Boating isn’t the only way to enjoy your stay — there are also excellent cycling and hiking trails through the low peatlands. In autumn, you can book a covered boat tour, and families will love a visit to the Asian-themed zoo in Steenwijk. Do you want to spot water birds from a silent boat and relax on terraces or in heated conservatories by the water? Then rent a holiday home in the Weerribben — any season of the year!