Dwarsgracht and Muggenbeet, De Wieden

The Wieden and the Weerribben together form one of the most important wetlands in Europe. This polder area has been extensively excavated throughout history due to peat extraction. This has created vast reed fields, flowery hay fields. Water, a lot of water, in the form of gullies, lakes, ponds, canals and fens stimulates the growth of special plants. The swamps are densely vegetated and here you will encounter pine wolf claw, swamp wolf claw, blond sedge and slender woolly grass. Fish eaters such as the cormorant, the Curlew, the black tern and the purple heron get their food from the waters of De Wieden, but other birds of prey also hunt here. The marsh harrier and rare short-eared owl make their prey on the quaking bogs, blue grasslands and moors. The cycle route starts in the tourist town of Blokzijl at the Tourist Transfer Point. Blokzijl is centuries old; it was already mentioned in the 15th century and during the Eighty Years' War in 1581 the town played an important defensive role against the Spanish troops. The name Blokzijl, which means'fortified lock\\\', originated at that time. In the 17th century Blokzijl was given some more rights, such as appointing an independent mayor, and in 1672 Blokzijl even obtained city rights. Blokzijl has always been a bustling town due to its favorable location. Peat from the area ensured a flourishing trade, but the waters also worked in favor of Blokzijl. Enjoy the peace and nature that the polder has to offer and be amazed by the diversity of flora and fauna in De Wieden!