Canoe camping in the Weerribben-Wieden

Multi-day canoe camping trips in Europe often focus on Sweden, but there’s exciting news for those seeking a closer adventure. Just 300 kilometers from Brussels awaits the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest peat bog area in northwestern Europe and a true canoe paradise. Join us for a canoe camping expedition in Weerribben-Wieden, where enchantment awaits.

This extensive cultural landscape is meticulously managed to preserve biodiversity and diverse terrain, creating a habitat for a rich variety of species. Over this 3-day, roughly 60-kilometer canoe camping journey, you’ll encounter grass snakes, otters, ospreys, egrets, storks, purple herons, and numerous bird species. All of this unfolds within a remarkably diverse landscape, from swamp forests to reed-covered expanses and lush hay meadows, culminating in expansive open water areas.

Trip highlights

  • Paddle through an amazing area with ever changing landscapes, from dense swamp forest to large open water
  • Develop your canoe skills under the guidance of your expert guides
  • Learn how to cook on an open fire and enjoy great meals
  • Visit some of the most beautiful villages the Netherlands holds
  • Experience being outdoors and who knows, catch some fish

Trip details

When: 3 days / 2 nights
Region: Overijsel
Trip type: Canoe camping
Comfort: Campsites and pole camping
Length/day: 20 km – 20 km – 20 km
Group size: 8 maximum
Confirmed: When 2 travellers book
Difficulty: For all paddlers with advanced canoeing skills and some previous experience with canoe trips

Saturday May 18, 2024 to Monday May 20, 2024 // €435 pp

Practical

€ 435 per person

Reservation Request

Trip dates

Saturday May 18, 2024 to Monday May 20, 2024

The Fine Print

Minimum age to participate is 14 years with an adult or 18 years without. We reserve the right to cancel any program with less than 24 hours notice due to changing weather conditions such as strong winds or thunderstorms. Please check your email for cancellation notices before arriving. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but your safety and well-being is our top priority.

Canoe camping trip prerequisites

This canoe camping trip is accessible for all paddlers with advanced canoeing skills and a good level of fitness. We will mostly be paddling on small canals and waterways but will have to cross some large bodies of water. Competence steering the canoe and good boat controle are advisable skills. You can expect up to 5-7 hours of paddling a day plus breaks.

What's included?

  • Paddle
  • Lifejacket
  • Canoe
  • Drybag of 50L for your personal affairs
  • Tent
  • Water
  • Lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Sunday, breakfast, lunch on Monday

What to bring?

  • Matress & sleeping bag
  • Active clothing and personal stuff
  • Personal medication
  • Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses with floater string.
  • Snacks & drinks if desired
  • Download our extensive packing list here

Arrival and departure

We make a start in Ossenzijl. You are expected Saturday at 10:00am. We will be back on tuesday afternoon at approximately 05:00pm. Cars will be parked safely.

Accommodation

On this canoe camping trip, we pole camp and stay on a small nature camping. We provide tents and also carry a base camp shelter, which means that we can all gather together for dinner and a hot drink even if the weather is inclement. If you require a single tent we are happy to provide this, but otherwise, we do ask that those who are happy to share a tent with other travellers do so. This helps to keep our camp size small, giving us more options of where to pitch and reducing our environmental impact on these precious places.

Meals

Great food is essential to all our trips and canoe trekkings. While the guide will co-ordinate the cooking and help out, everyone is asked to lend a hand as this ensures the best meals in a reasonable time after what are often long days. We will carry plenty of fresh food to cater a varied and satisfying menu throughout the trip, all of these will be prepared on an open fire. We will also carry fresh water. Dietary requirements can still be catered for but please ensure we know at the time of booking.

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