Alde Feanen National Park

Cultural heritage

De Alde Feanen National Park is one of the largest lowland fen marshes in the Netherlands and consists of a network of lakes, ditches and reed beds. Every year it attracts thousands of people who enjoy scenery and water recreation. The area’s long history of peat extraction and turf-cutting has shaped the landscape and this area used to play an important role in the local economy. Visitors can discover traces of this history, such as old farms and waterways still in use today.

The park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The rich ecosystem offers more than 450 plant species, including orchids and rare bog plants. It is also home to many species of animals, such as deer, otters and water birds. The permanent residents of the area are the birds. There are several observation huts in the National Park, from where you can spot many species of birds, such as bitterns, spoonbills and sedge warblers.

Water activities and more

One of the best ways to explore The Alde Feanen is by taking to the water. You can take the ferry to the village Earnewâld, where you can rent canoes, rowboats, sail boats and power boats. If you do not want to steer a boat yourself, there are several cruise companies to choose from. Besides boating, you can hike and cycle along well-marked trails. During the breeding season, there are nature excursions to see special birds up close. You can find out more about all the trails, excursions and activities at the visitor centre. They will also tell you how to reach the stork station in Eibertshiem.

Skating and sailing on the Alde Feanen

National Park De Alde Feanen is a beautiful area to relax throughout the year. In summer, thousands sail the lakes and during icy winters the area is a popular venue for ice skating. Both seasons in the Alde Feanen offer special experiences that create a lifetime of memories.

When visiting the Alde Feanen, have a look in the Skûtsje Museum in Earnewâld. The historic shipyard De Stripe can teach you everything from craftsmanship to the history behind these beautiful ships, which are typical for Friesland.