In the 16th century, there were cranes here, so the area came to be known as ‘De Kraanlannen’, which means ‘crane territory’. These exotic birds have since moved to the peat bogs at the Fochteloërveen nature reserve, but there are other birds here so there is still plenty to experience.
If the cranes return to Kraanlannen, they will have to share their territory with the otters that have also returned to the area. This shows that the water in the marshes is of excellent quality. Â
It is possible to walk through most parts of the reserve all year round. There are three well-marked scenic hiking trails with coloured guide posts. All three trails start and end at the gate next to Restaurant It Polderhûs at Kraenslnswei 1 in the village of De Veenhoop. At the restaurant you can try some of the local eel. Â
The Green, Red and Yellow routes are 2, 3 and 4.5 kilometres long and can be combined to make a longer walk. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash as required by It Fryske Gea, the organisation that protects nature, the natural landscape and cultural heritage in Friesland.Â
