The best of Friesland: Packrafting in De Alde Feanen National Park
National Park De Alde Feanen is an enchanting piece of nature in Friesland, where water and land come together in a beautiful landscape of reed beds, marsh forests and vast lakes. The name “Alde Feanen” literally means “Old Fens,” and that is exactly what makes this area so special. The park is home to rich biodiversity and is an important stopping place for migratory birds, making it a true paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. What makes this trail even more special is that it is a true family trail. It is the perfect way for young and old to explore nature together. Be surprised by the beauty of De Alde Feanen and enjoy quality time with your family!
The preparation
Start by renting your Packraft equipment through Rent a Packraft. On their user-friendly website, you can easily choose the right gear and the great thing is that everything is delivered to your home quickly and safely. This gives you more time to prepare for the adventure ahead!
The night before, make sure everything is ready. Here are some items you absolutely must not forget:
- Check the weather forecast.
- Sportswear and good, waterproof hiking boots: Choose comfortable, breathable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. If it is hot, be sure to bring protective headgear and sunscreen.
- Snacks and lunch: Bring enough with you so that you continue to have enough energy.
- Adequate water: Hydration is super important. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle.
- First aid kit: For minor accidents, a first aid kit is always handy to have with you with such things as blister plasters and tick pliers.
- Charged smartphone and any power bank: make sure you already have the gpx route on your phone and that everything is properly charged.
- Your full packraft equipment: it’s already fully supplied, of course.
Read the National Park’s rules of conduct here by. With these tips, you are well prepared for a great day in De Alde Feanen.
Starting point - Alde Feanen in Friesland
We park the car in the large parking lot. For those who like to come with a camper; along this parking is ‘Camperplaats Parking Jachthaven Earnewâld’ where you can park for a maximum of 32 hrs. Would you like to go to the toilet? Then turn right past ice cream parlor Adema, cross the water and continue until you see the toilets on the right side. We leave at the parking lot to the right and at the fork, turn left. We follow the route until we reach the water. Here we take the ferry ‘Hin & Wer’. You can find the opening hours on the website of the tourist office. Once on the other side we are almost at our boarding point. You can also walk around it via the Feantersdyk, the Koaiedyk and the Walddyk.
Packrafting through the Jan Durkspolder
Jan Durkspolder, an enchanting piece of nature to paddle through. At 6.54 km (no. 65) we pass a 13 m high watchtower Romsicht. There is room for mooring in front of the bridge so you can go and enjoy the magnificent view from the tower. Shortly afterwards, at 6.9 km (no. 70), we had to change ships. We dock at the provided place and lift
our raft to the other side. There is also a place there to get back into the water. You can also cross the bridge at the tower, turn right and you will end up at the same crossing. Always stay alert for other vessels. Keep well to the right and cross the water straight across. At the Grutte Krite, we immediately turn right. We paddle through a beautiful piece of nature and arrive at Ule Krite. We continue paddling along the right side, towards our disembarkation point. Our disembarkation point is near the parking lot. You can use the restrooms here again. First stow your packraft gear and check that you haven’t forgotten anything. There are a few eateries nearby: brasserie Westersail, lunch & ice cream parlor Adema and the Fisrinder. If you have a picnic with you, it’s best to save it for a while so you can eat at one of the many scenic points ahead.
Hiking through reed beds, swamp forests and bogs - Friesland
We are walking along Smidspaed. On the left we see the water of the Lange Sleatten and on the right the reed beds. We continue until we see a small wooden bridge on the right side, we cross it. At 13.1 km you have a nice boardwalk over the water. Do you have binoculars with you? Then you can use the bird-watching hut at 18.5 km (no. 104). Of course, you can also take a look without binoculars. We pass a small windmill and see a bridge. Want to enjoy another panoramic view? Then walk past the small bridge to the Wikelslân tower. Once over the little bridge we are already almost to the next bird-watching hut (20 km). A perfect place to stop for a moment and enjoy the view. The trail leads us further, and soon we find ourselves in a shady forest, where stately birches and graceful alders surround us. We conclude our hike with a nice deck bridge on the Kuier trail.
Unwind at De Alde Feanen National Park
The combination of the serene waters, beautiful nature and the opportunity to enjoy everything this unique park has to offer with your family makes it a perfect getaway for young and old. From spotting impressive birds to packrafting together through the reed beds. This is an adventure you won’t soon forget. So what are you waiting for? Make this experience a reality and rent your packraft equipment from Rent a Packraft today! It’s easy, fast and delivered straight to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is packrafting on the lakes and canals of De Alde Feanen suitable for beginners?
Yes, National Park De Alde Feanen in Friesland is suitable for beginner friendly. You don’t need any previous packraft experience. Rent a Packraft provides a complete set including paddle, life jacket and instructional materials just get on and enjoy.
What is the best time to packraft on the lakes and canals of De Alde Feanen?
The best period for National Park De Alde Feanen in Friesland is May to September. In high season (July-August) it is busier on popular trails. Book your gear on time through Rent a Packraft for delivery within 24 hours.
Can I determine my own route in the Alde Feanen?
Yes, the network of lakes and canals in De Alde Feanen is free to paddle. You can choose how long and where to paddle. Use the Packraft Club app for route suggestions and maps.
Rent from 21.50 per day
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