Welcome to one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets: Biesbosch National Park, a lush maze of rivers, creeks, and islands where nature and water work in perfect harmony. Located near the charming city of Dordrecht, this unique national park is the perfect place to trade bustling cities for quiet waterways, whispering reeds, and curious birds flying overhead. If you’re looking for something different, this is your chance to explore a side of the Netherlands that many visitors miss.
What makes De Biesbosch so special is that it is one of the few remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in Europe. Here, the tides of the Nieuwe Merwede River gently rise and fall, shaping a landscape that is always changing. The park stretches across several provinces, including North Brabant and South Holland, with different areas like the Brabantse Biesbosch, Sliedrechtse Biesbosch, and Hollandse Biesbosch each offering their own charm.
Start your adventure at the Biesbosch MuseumEiland, a striking, modern building on an island that tells the story of the park’s history and ecosystem. Then, head out on the water in a rented canoe, hop aboard a solar-powered whisper boat, or take an organized boat tour from the Biesboschcentrum Dordrecht. Whether you paddle through narrow creeks or cruise along open channels, the experience is always peaceful, scenic, and full of surprises.
The park is also part of the wider Delta Works and Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, two important Dutch water management systems that highlight the country’s deep connection with its environment. As you glide past grassy banks and tree-lined shores, you’ll feel that connection too.
Biesbosch National Park is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing escape outdoors. It’s a place where you can unplug and reconnect with the rhythms of nature, whether you’re watching herons take flight or simply drifting along a quiet canal.
And if you are visiting from abroad, consider staying at our family-run Bungalow Park ’t Eekhoornnest in Soest. Its central location makes it easy to explore the Netherlands, including a day trip to the park. After a full day of paddling and exploring, you can return to a cozy, peaceful spot surrounded by woods and birdsong.
Hidden Corners, Local Bites, and Peaceful Moments in Biesbosch National Park
Once you’ve gotten a feel for the winding creeks and wide waters of Biesbosch National Park, it’s time to go a little deeper. There are countless small discoveries that make this area so much more than just a scenic boat ride. With each bend in the river or step along a quiet footpath, you’ll find moments of calm, history, and natural beauty that stay with you long after your visit.
Find a Waterway All to Yourself
Many visitors start their trip at the Biesboschcentrum Dordrecht, where you can rent a canoe or hop aboard a whisper boat powered by electricity or solar energy. But if you really want a peaceful escape, steer away from the main routes and take one of the smaller creeks that wind through the wetland. The water becomes narrow and still, birds dart between reeds, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a secret garden.
A local favorite is the route toward the Nieuwe Merwede side, where the vegetation gets thicker and the only sounds are your paddle and the calls of birds overhead. This area also has several bird hides where you can quietly sit and watch wildlife come and go.
Visit the Biesbosch MuseumEiland
If you’re a fan of design, architecture, or immersive exhibitions, don’t miss the Biesbosch Museum Island. This stunning building rises from the landscape like a green-covered puzzle piece, blending in with the surrounding nature. Inside, you’ll learn about the rich history of the park, including its role in the Delta Works, the historic work of willow cutters, and the changing relationship between people and water in the Netherlands. The exhibits are hands-on and family-friendly, making this a great stop for visitors of all ages.
The museum also has a rooftop viewpoint, where you can see just how far the water stretches and how the creeks twist and turn below. It is a peaceful spot to sit and take in the views before heading back out.
Stop for a Snack by the Water
When it’s time to eat, you’ll find a few cozy places where you can rest and recharge. The museum café offers hearty soups, sandwiches, and fresh pastries, all served with views of the surrounding wetlands. There are also picnic spots scattered throughout the park, many located on quiet islands or near small docks, perfect for taking a break with your own packed lunch.
For a more local flavor, check out the little cafés and restaurants in Dordrecht, just outside the park. Places like Villa Augustus serve dishes made from their own garden and offer seating beside the water basins or in the old pump house, giving you a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
A Living, Breathing Water World
The magic of Biesbosch is in its details. From the subtle changes in the tide to the quiet joy of spotting a kingfisher darting across the water, it’s a place that rewards slow travel and quiet observation. There is no rush here. Just follow the rhythm of the water, listen to the breeze in the trees, and enjoy the kind of stillness that’s increasingly hard to find.
And when your day is done, return to the comfort of Bungalow Park ’t Eekhoornnest in Soest, where you can rest up and plan your next Dutch adventure.
