Kop van Overijssel and De Wieden

The Landscape

The Kop van Overijssel is a remarkable region where nature and cultural history come together in a landscape full of contrasts. For centuries, people cultivated and shaped this low-lying peatland. When parts of the area dried out due to the creation of the Noordoostpolder, the wettest sections were returned to nature. This gave rise to a varied landscape of natural wetlands, reed beds, and shimmering waterways. Today, it’s a paradise for birds, nature lovers, and those seeking peace, with wide-open views, flower-rich meadows, winding ditches, ancient hedgerows, and historic farmsteads.

The Wieden, located in the heart of the Kop van Overijssel, together with the Weerribben form the largest continuous peat bog in northwestern Europe. Centuries of peat cutting, starting in the 15th century, created a mosaic of water-filled peat pits, narrow land strips, and vast reed beds. When peat extraction came to an end, many locals turned to reed cultivation, an age-old craft still practiced today. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy a wide and water-rich landscape filled with lakes and ponds, spongy peatlands, swaying reeds, and tranquil waterways.