The ideal packraft route for beginners in National Park the Weerribben
National Park the Weerribben-Wieden is the largest low moorland swamp in northwestern Europe. This unique nature reserve, with its quiet waterways and beautiful landscapes, provides an ideal setting for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of nature in a relaxed way. Whether you’ve never been in a packraft before or just want to enjoy a beautiful day on the water, this route is just what you’re looking for.
Packraft Route National Park: practical info at a glance
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Class 1 – suitable for beginners |
| Water type | Lakes and quiet waterways |
| Recommended duration | 3-6 hours |
| Minimum age | No minimum on calm water (children with adult in duo) |
| Need a permit? | No – free waterways in the National Park |
| Accessibility | Good accessibility by car and public transport |
Proper preparation for the best experience
Before you hit the road, you have some preparing to do. Fortunately, that’s easy to arrange! At Rent a Packraft, you can rent everything you need online for a successful day. And that’s not all … the entire packraft equipment is delivered to your door as soon as possible. That way you don’t have to drive around and you can start your adventure with peace of mind. It is wise to prepare your pack the day before you leave. Take your packraft gear bag and supplement it with a few essential items. Make sure you bring a basic first aid kit. It is always good to be prepared for minor mishaps. A charged power bank is handy so you can use your smartphone for navigation or to capture those wonderful moments without worrying about a dead battery. Also consider sunscreen, headgear and sunglasses in warm weather – a scarf, hat and gloves in cold weather.
Check the weather forecast on the morning of departure and adjust your clothing accordingly. Wearing several layers is a smart choice. It allows you to adapt to changing conditions. It may be chilly in the morning, but by the afternoon the temperature can rise considerably. Layering keeps you comfortable no matter the weather. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, snacks and a nice lunch.
A refreshing walk
You start right away with a refreshing walk from the parking lot. The walk is only 8.9 km and easy to walk for young and old. Along the way we encounter many water mills. These mills serve to bring water to the reed bed to counteract acidification. This way the reed land is preserved for reed cultivation. When we are almost halfway through our hiking section, we see peat workers’ houses to our left. Peat cutters lived here with their families until the end of the 19th century. Peat cutters earned money with peat digging and reed cutting in this area. A little further on you can also take a look at the bird-watching hut Meenthebrug and the observation platform Lokkenpolder. Maybe you’ll spot an otter or the rare Great Firefly? At 6.91 km we cross Hoogeweg and continue our route along a nice singletrack until we see a canoe pier on our left (no. 8). We come to the end of our hiking section. This is the perfect time to unwind, take in the scenery and prepare for packrafting.
A paddling trip for everyone
Inflating the packraft is a simple and fun process. An air bag allows us to fill the raft quickly and efficiently. The air bag makes inflating a lot easier and gets us ready to go on the water in no time. At the end, for a proper closure, we inflate the packraft by mouth. This place is also ideal for a nice picnic by the water. Enjoy a simple meal. After the picnic, with our energy restored, we refuel the packraft once again with the mouth. This last bit of air ensures that we are well prepared for the trip on the water. Once everything is in order, we can launch the packrafts and begin our adventure on the quiet waterways of National Park de Weerribben. Nature in National Park Weerribben-Wieden seems pristine, but that is only appearances. Ever since the twelfth century, man has influenced this peat bog. In earlier times, peat was extracted and laid out to dry on narrow plots called “the ribs. For the transportation of peat, people dug ditches and moats, known as “the weres.
Unfortunately, dike breaches during heavy storms caused considerable flooding, flooding large parts of the drained area and thus creating the lakes of the Wieden. So the special landscape of National Park Weerrribben-Wieden is largely the result of human activities.
Relaxation and enjoyment
This route in the Weerribben National Park is the ideal route for anyone who wants a taste of packrafting or just wants a relaxing day out. Gather your friends or the whole family and get ready for a wonderful day! Rent your full packraft equipment online now from Rent a Packraft and get your equipment delivered to your home quickly – it’s so easy even your grandmother could do it. Get ready for a day of fun, relaxation and a little healthy competition. Who can pass a reed bed the fastest? Go for it and see you on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Weerribben suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Weerribben has no current and is ideal for beginners and families. The calm water and wide canals make it easy and safe to packraft.
What is the best season for packrafting in the Weerribben?
The best period is April to October. In spring and summer, nature is at its best. Keep in mind breeding season in April and May and avoid resting areas for birds.
How long does a packraft trip in the Weerribben take?
A leisurely trip takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on your itinerary. You can easily fill a half-day or full day in this vast wetland. Ideal for beginners and families.
Rent from 21.50 per day
Includes paddle and backpack. We deliver to your door within 24 hours. You choose where to go.
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