Wanneperveen is a long, narrow village on the banks of large lakes and is one of the Netherlands’ water villages. It lies in Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where water and land alternate between lakes, ditches, extensive reed beds, flower-rich hay meadows and densely wooded peat forests. Wanneperveen grew up during peat extraction; farmhouses and smaller houses form a ribbon-like settlement. This gives you several different ways to plan your trip: life by the water, wildlife watching, walking trails and historic architecture.

Water activities in Wanneperveen

From Wanneperveen, you can go boating on the Belterwijde and Beulakerwijde lakes. In the waters around the village, you can also canoe and punt, surf or sail. The lakes are also suitable for swimming, fishing, ice skating, water skiing and wakeboarding. The options range from boating and watersports to activities on the lakes themselves.

This variety makes water a clear focus for a stay, while recognizing that not every activity offers the same experience: boating, paddling and sailing are joined by swimming, fishing and other sports. If you choose Wanneperveen based on the water activities that interest you, you can plan your trip around them.

Walking and nature watching

The local walking options include six circular routes with two starting points; the routes are between 2.1 and 8.2 kilometres long. The Veenweidepad is a walking route in Weerribben-Wieden National Park. It passes meadows and ponds where unusual bird species can be found. Rare plants such as grass-of-Parnassus and marsh gentian also grow in this natural area.

Along the Kiersche Wijdepad, there are two viewing points and birdwatching screens where you can observe various bird species. The Kiersche Wijdekooi is also on this route: it was once used for catching ducks and is no longer used as a duck decoy. Here, birdwatching and the historic use of the landscape come together.

Two route details are useful when finding the starting points: the Veenweidepad starts at the Kiersche Wijde car park on the Lozedijk between Wanneperveen and Doosje. The Wiedenroute uses the Kiersche Wijde car park at Lozedijk 20 in Wanneperveen. A nature toilet opened on 30 April 2025 in the car park for the Veenweidepad and Kiersche Wijdepad near Wanneperveen; check its current availability before your visit.

Architecture and history

The village’s architectural history also reflects different periods. The Schultehuis on the Veneweg is a Renaissance building with a distinctive stepped gable. Inside, rare 17th-century wall paintings can be found on the beams of the upper room.

Veneweg 56 is one of the oldest surviving livestock farms on the Veneweg. The present building dates from 1762 and features details from the 17th century, including a carved lion’s head on the barn section. Inside, there is a bed alcove with Louis XV panelling and a red, white and blue imitation-marble finish. The Protestant church at Veneweg 188 was built in 1502. Together, these buildings offer a glimpse into Wanneperveen’s architectural and agricultural history.

Practical information

Steenwijkerland’s municipal e-bike sharing network has a location in Wanneperveen. If you plan to use this option, check the latest information about the location beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Steenwijkerwold, Vollenhove, Kalenberg, Kallenkote, Paasloo, Giethoorn, Ossenzijl, Sint Jansklooster

For the main travel overview: Steenwijkerland.