It Wikelslân Nature Reserve Walk | De Alde Feanen National Park

This beautiful and very varied trail makes for a wonderful walk for all ages. But the ground can be quite wet here, especially in autumn and winter, so be sure to wear waterproof shoes or boots. This is, after all, the largest wetland in Friesland!

Behind the gasworks site at the start of the walk you can see the It Eibertshiem area, which is home to several pairs of breeding storks. These majestic birds are very visible during the nesting season in spring and summer. They also make themselves heard. The clattering noise they make when greeting their mate is a very distinctive sound.

Go through the swing gate in the car park and follow the arrows to junction 75. You will quickly find yourself walking beneath a swamp forest canopy. The rectangular pits you will pass were created by peat cutting in the past. Today, they contain pools of water and provide habitat for dozens of species of plants and animals. Greylag geese can almost always be seen here. And if you look into the clear water from one of the bridges, with a bit of luck and some patience, you will see fish swimming by. Be sure to bring your binoculars! From the bird-watching hides you may spot various bird species depending on the season! For example, in winter you can see various types of ducks and geese. The watchtower in the middle of the area offers stunning views of the reserve. In the spring, you may want to stop and listen now and again. Who knows? You may hear the haunting cry of the Eurasian bittern. The bird is rarely seen, but the male has a very distinctive call that sounds like a foghorn.

You can find more information about this nature reserve here.