De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
| De Weerribben-Wieden National Park | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Overijssel, Netherlands |
| Coordinates | 52°44′N 6°02′E / 52.73°N 6.03°E |
| Area | 100 kilometres (62 mi) |
| Created | 1882 |
| Operated by | Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer |
De Weerribben-Wieden National Park is a national park in the Steenwijkerland municipality of the province of Overijssel, Netherlands. Comprising the largest bog of northwestern Europe, the park consists of two areas, De Weerribben and De Wieden, and has an area of roughly 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi). The park was founded in 1982, but De Wieden was added only in 2009.
History and former use
Large parts of the area were used for peat production till the Second World War. Since then a part of the area has been used for cane production.
Present management
The area is managed by the large private nature-conservation organisation Natuurmonumenten and by the Staatsbosbeheer (State Forest Service). Other parties are involved in management issues as well, such as local communities. About 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) is still used for cane production. Villages like the picturesque Giethoorn are important for tourism and recreation.
Vegetation and wildlife
The vegetation and wildlife are typical for such an area, full of peat and water. Resident species include the water soldier, the sundew, the black tern, the northern pike and, recently, the otter. In addition, the Green Hawker and the Large Copper are found here.
Visitor centres
- Visitor centre De Weerribben in Ossenzijl
- Information centre of the national park in Kalenberg
- Visitor centre De Wieden in Sint Jansklooster
- Schoonewelle 'Centrum Natuur en Ambacht' in Zwartsluis
Pictures
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Weerribben-Wieden National Park
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Visitor Centre Ossenzijl from the riverside
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Weerribben
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Waterpump in the Weerribben
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Canoeist in the Weerribben
External links
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Weerribben-Wieden National Park. |
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