The longest canoeing loop in the Biesbosch

Where

Biesbosch National Park, The Netherlands

Length

28.2 km, loop

Duration

Full day

Difficulty

Intense

submitted by: Anneleen Ophoff

pictures by: Anneleen Ophoff

Why you should do this route

The Biesbosch National Park is one of Europe’s last extensive freshwater tidal wetlands. Canoe or kayak through its maze of rivers, creeks, basins and pass islands and even the occasional, tiny white-sand beach. The waterways are lined by willow forests and largely shaded – with open spaces of wet grasslands and fields of reed breaking up the calming canopy.

This long loop will take you through the diverse options of landscape the park has to offer and passes both beaver lodges and white-tailed eagle nesting grounds. Chances are high you’ll see egrets, bitterns and kingfishers, ospreys and migrating ducks.

The water levels in the Biesbosch are tidal, so visitors who spend more than a few hours touring the park can witness mudflats turn into mangroves when the water rises.

You can rent canoes and kayaks at the marina that is the starting point of this loop, but beware: this route is not for the inexperienced. While the waters on the Biesbosch are always calm, the total distance of this loop will require quite some stamina.

How to follow the route

There is almost no signage in the area, so make sure to keep your map close and your phone or GPS charged. You can get print-out maps at the marina, though this loop combines various smaller routes they have included on the small-scale map.

Some entrances of smaller waterways might seem blocked by a set of floating barrels. These are inaccessible for boats, but leave a space through which canoes and kayaks are allowed to pass.

In the last stretch on your way back, you’ll pass the “Polder Jantjes Plaat”, where a network of hiking paths often crosses the waterways with foot bridges. Lie flat on you back in you canoe or kayak to pass underneath the bridges.

Additional information

The route passes by swaths of drained and cultivated land called “polders”. At km 13, moor at a watchtower on one of such polders, Polder Turfzakken, for a view over the park. If you want to stretch your legs, follow the walking path and watch the herd of Highland cows that graze several islands in the national park.

Don’t disturb the animals: always keep 25 meters away from them and put dogs on a leash. If the herd is divided along different sides of the path, never cross in between the flock. While Highlander cows are very tolerant, they can panic and run wild when disturbed.

There are no stores in the park, nor is there a lot of water supply. Bring enough food and drinks to spend the day.

Two spots in the national park allow for wildcamping, with the route passing by one at ‘Jonge Deen‘.

Navigate with Outdoor Active

Do it yourself

Parking lot and bus stop

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Get off the Pyg Track, onto Crib Goch on your right

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Mount Snowdon

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Follow along the Miner’s Track on your right

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