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It Wikelslân Nature Reserve Walk | De Alde Feanen National Park

(5 km)

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 p…

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.

Sights on this route

Starting point:

Dominee van der Veenweg
9264 Earnewâld
Navigate to starting point

Nationaal Park de Alde Feanen

Informatiepunt Nationaal Park de Alde Feanen: Op woensdag 5 juni opende It Fryske Gea in samenwerking met het nationaal park het ‘Informati...

Nationaal Park de Alde Feanen
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75
71
78
44
63

Alde Feanen - Ierdige Mar - Vogelkijkhut

Aan de Ierdige Mar, onderdeel van een groot laagveenmoeras.

Alde Feanen - Ierdige Mar - Vogelkijkhut
31
72

Alde Feanen - Earnesleat - Uitkijktoren

Dit grote laagveenmoeras van bijna 4.000 hectare heeft moerasbossen, petgaten, rietlanden en enkele grote open wateren. Het is daardoor niet alleen landschappelijk gevarieerd, maar ook qua vogels. U kunt in de Alde Feanen zomertalingen zien, grote karekieten, purperreigers, zwarte sterns en allerlei soorten rietvogels. Let ook op voor geoorde futen.

Alde Feanen - Earnesleat - Uitkijktoren
43
65

Alde Feanen - Reid om 'e Krite - Vogelkijkhut

Uitzicht op een plas en uitgestrekte rietvelden.

Alde Feanen - Reid om 'e Krite - Vogelkijkhut
35

Skûtsjemuseum Earnewâld

This museum focuses on the lives of earlier generations of skûtsje skippers.

Skûtsjemuseum Earnewâld
55
44
78
71
46
75
66

End point:

Dominee van der Veenweg
9264 Earnewâld
Navigate to endpoint
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  • 71
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  • 63
  • 31
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