10 Places of Interest Near the Weerribben: Discover the Gems of Overijssel
Would you like to discover the most beautiful places in the area during your stay at Villapark de Weerribben? The region around our holiday park in Paasloo has so much to offer, from idyllic villages to impressive nature reserves. Here are 10 must-see attractions that will make your holiday in Weerribben-Wieden National Park complete.
Giethoorn: the Venice of the North
Just a short distance from Villapark de Weerribben, you will find the world-famous Giethoorn. This fairytale village is known for its characteristic bridges, thatched farms and idyllic waterways. Explore Giethoorn on a canal boat tour or hire an electric boat to sail through this water-rich village at your own pace. The car-free village centre makes it a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Weerribben-Wieden National Park: Nature at its Best
Directly from your holiday in Overijssel, you can step into the largest lowland moor in Western Europe. The Weerribben-Wieden National Park offers unrivalled biodiversity with rare plants, birds and otters. Explore the area by canoe, take a bike ride along the winding paths or discover nature during a guided walk. The variety of water, reed beds and swamp forest makes every trip an adventure.
Blokzijl: Historic Harbour Town
Picturesque Blokzijl exudes history. This former Zuiderzee town has perfectly preserved its characteristic harbour quay and monumental buildings. Stroll along the cobblestones by the harbour, visit the large church dating from 1609 and enjoy a drink at one of the cosy terraces by the water. The combination of maritime heritage and conviviality makes Blokzijl one of the most charming sights in the vicinity of the Weerribben.
Steenwijk: Culture and Shopping
The fortified town of Steenwijk offers a perfect combination of culture, shopping and history. The old city walls and historic town centre tell the story of this centuries-old trading post. Visit St. Clement's Church with its impressive tower or stroll through the charming shopping streets. Every Wednesday there is a market in the centre, where you can discover local products and crafts during your stay at our holiday park.
A special attraction near the Weerribben is the Orchid Farm in Luttelgeest. In these indoor tropical gardens, you will feel like you are in a completely different world. Stroll among thousands of orchids, encounter butterflies in the Butterfly Valley, spot turtles in the Lorituin or admire the floating flower garden. An ideal day trip for the whole family, especially when the weather is less than ideal.
Vollenhove: Town with Character
The former Zuiderzee town of Vollenhove is rich in monuments and history. The town was once called “The town of palaces” because of its many manors and country houses. Stroll through the historic centre and discover the remains of Toutenburg Castle, St. Nicholas Church and the characteristic facades. The marina and beach make Vollenhove a versatile destination close to the Weerribben.
Museum Schoonewelle: Discover Nature
In Zwartsluis, you will find Museum Schoonewelle, a nature museum where you can discover the rich biodiversity of the Weerribben-Wieden in an interactive way. The lifelike dioramas show the local animal species in their natural habitat. With changing exhibitions and activities for children, this museum is an educational and fun destination during your holiday in the region.
Colonies of Benevolence: UNESCO World Heritage Site
About half an hour's drive from Villapark de Weerribben are the Colonies of Benevolence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. In the 19th century, poor families from the big cities were housed in these unique settlements, including Frederiksoord and Willemsoord, to build a new life. The Museum De Proefkolonie tells the remarkable story of this social experiment. The colony houses and the colony centre are definitely worth a visit.
Oldemarkt: Local Market and Ambiance
The village of Oldemarkt, near Villapark de Weerribben, owes its name to its centuries-old market tradition. You can still visit an authentic weekly market here on Thursday mornings. The village has a pleasant centre with various shops and restaurants. The historic church tower and characteristic buildings make a walk through Oldemarkt well worth your while.
Ossenzijl: Gateway to the Weerribben
Ossenzijl is also known as the gateway to the Weerribben and is an ideal starting point for nature excursions. Visit the Staatsbosbeheer information centre to learn more about the origins of the area. From the jetties, you can explore the nature reserve by electric boat, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. In the village centre, you will find cosy terraces where you can enjoy the lively boat traffic on the Steenwijk-Ossenzijl Canal. During your stay at Villapark de Weerribben, you will be surrounded by all these beautiful sights. Our spacious villas offer the perfect base from which to explore the area. With our indoor swimming pool, tennis court and restaurant, you will also have every comfort at your fingertips for a complete holiday experience. Ready to discover the most beautiful sights near the Weerribben for yourself? Book your stay in one of our comfortable accommodations and enjoy everything this versatile region has to offer. Whether you come for an active nature holiday, a cultural discovery tour or just want to relax, in the Weerribben and its surroundings you will find exactly what you are looking for for an unforgettable holiday in Overijssel.
