737 views
Weerribben-Wieden was created by human hands: a cultural landscape. Peat cutters started working in the middle of the 16th century. The wet peat sludge was dried on narrow strips of land, known as ribs. This is how the rectangular landscape model was created, consisting of bog holes (weirs) and ribs (Riedeln), which were used to dry and transport the peat. Overly intensive peat cutting in De Wieden resulted in Riedels that were too narrow, and these were washed away by wind and waves, forming lakes (Wieden). De Weerribben was spared this fate. After peat cutting ceased in the 20th century, a unique natural area remained as a legacy of the peat cutters. The local population gradually switched to managing reeds and hay meadows. With a size of over 10,000 hectares, Weerribben-Wieden National Park is the largest continuous fen in northwest Europe. A labyrinth of ponds, lakes, ditches, mysterious swamp forests, extensive reed areas and hay meadows full of flowers and the breeding ground of special plant and animal species as well as a starting point for those seeking relaxation who travel by boat, bicycle or on foot.