Nature on the doorstep
The Biesbosch
A stone’s throw from the city centre lies one of the most special nature areas in the Netherlands: De Biesbosch National Park. A maze of creeks, islets and willow woods, where beavers live and white-tailed eagles circle above the water.
Born from a disaster
On the night of 18 to 19 November 1421, during the St Elizabeth’s Flood, a dyke broke near Strijen. The Grote Waard polder flooded and a large inland lake formed. At least 27 villages disappeared under water.
Attempts to drain the area again failed, partly due to lack of money and the Hook and Cod wars. And so the Biesbosch slowly came into being: a landscape of creeks, islands and mudflats that moved with the tides.
- In 1970 the Haringvliet was closed off as part of the Delta Works. The difference between high and low tide dropped from an average of about 2 metres to a few decimetres.
- Since 1994 De Biesbosch has been a national park.
- The area is considered the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe.
Beavers, white-tailed eagles and tidal marsh-marigold
- In 1988 the beaver returned to the Biesbosch. Today an estimated 300 live here.
- With a bit of luck you will see an osprey or a white-tailed eagle above the creeks.
- On the wet banks grows the rare spindotter, a tidal marsh-marigold with yellow flowers.
- The landscape consists of creeks, islands, willow woods and mudflats.
Into the Biesbosch from Dordrecht
The Biesboschcentrum Dordrecht at Baanhoekweg 53 is your starting point on the Dordrecht side. The visitor centre is free to enter and has a beaver observatory where you can spot beavers.
- Silent boating: quiet electric boats to explore the creeks yourself.
- Guided boat tours, and guided canoe trips and walks.
- Walking routes of 5 to 15 kilometres, and the 57-kilometre Rondje Biesbosch cycle route, with small ferries along the way.
- You can also stay the night: camping on an island, in a hikers’ cabin or in an eco-lodge.
Other visitor centres are the Biesboschcentrum Drimmelen and the Biesbosch MuseumEiland in Werkendam. Opening hours and activity prices vary by season: check the visitor centre’s website before your visit.
Tips for your visit
- Wear waterproof shoes: paths can flood during storms or high water.
- Dogs are welcome on a lead in most of the park. Not on some activities and boat tours.
- Going boating yourself? Check the boating map: you are not allowed into every creek.
- The park is partly wheelchair accessible.
Also nearby: activities and tickets and where to stay in Dordrecht.