The Canoe Trip Friesland takes place from early June through mid-September. You can start the route weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. There is a maximum of 7 canoes per departure, and 4 Nature Comfort Tipis are available.
This summer, the weekend adventure* of the year takes you to Friesland! After many years of organizing canoe holidays in Sweden, we've also mapped out beautiful routes in the Waterland of the Low Countries: Fryslân.
The route will take you through the most beautiful spots of the National Park “De Alde Feanen.” Paddle silently through reed and peat lands, marshes, and vast meadows until you arrive completely satisfied at our lovely Nature Comfort Tipi at the basecamp or at one of the Marrekrite wild camping spots in the nature reserve.
* Or a two-day midweek, starting from € 99 per person!
Nature Park De Alde Faenen, which means "Old Fens," is the largest contiguous water area in Friesland. It's known for its vast marshlands, winding waterways, and diverse bird species, including majestic ones like the sea eagle.
Above the flat landscape rise windmills, birdwatching huts, and bridges, highlighting the charm of the area. The best way to explore the park is from the water, where birds can nest undisturbed in the designated breeding areas.
On the edge of the Alde Feanen, almost completely surrounded by water, you'll find our Canoe Trip base camp (at camping De Veenhoop). Here, you can enjoy a warm shower and a cozy evening with your fellow travelers after an active day on the water.
During your Canoe Trip, you can opt for a comfortable stay in one of our furnished Nature Comfort Tipis. Looking for more adventure? Then camp in your own or rented tent at the base camp or at a Marrekrite overnight spot in the National Park.
Stay in a comfortable tipi for 2 to 4 people* at the Canoe Trip Basecamp in “De Veenhoop”.
Prices:
Children free with 2 paying adults**
* max. 2 adults per tent
** see terms and conditions
Camp with your own tent* at the base camp or one of the Marrekrite nature camping spots in the Alde Faenen.
Prices:
Children free with 2 paying adults**
* or choose convenience and rent your camping gear from us
** see terms and conditions
The Canoe Trip Friesland takes place from early June through mid-September. You can start the route weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. There is a maximum of 7 canoes per departure, and 4 Nature Comfort Tipis are available.
The Early Bird prices depend on the start date and the chosen accommodation. Any child discount will be applied during booking.
Midweek A (Tuesday – Wednesday) – € 99 p.p.
Midweek B (Thursday – Friday) – € 99 p.p.
Weekend (Saturday – Sunday) – € 149 p.p.
Your trip includes an overnight stay at our cozy basecamp between the two days of canoeing.
Our basecamp is located at the edge of Alde Feanen National Park, strategically placed as the start and endpoint for your two-day canoe adventure. At the campsite, you'll find sanitary facilities (toilet & shower), so you can freshen up after a day of paddling.
You can choose to stay in one of our fully equipped Nature Comfort Tipis at the basecamp or camp in your rented or self-brought tent in the National Park or at the basecamp. While canoeing, you can safely leave all your luggage behind at the basecamp; only your essentials for the day need to come with you in the canoe.
Want to make sure you're on time for the morning briefing or just want to enjoy the beautiful surroundings for another day? Then book an extra night for the trip.
We have mapped out various routes that take you to the most beautiful spots in Alde Feanen. Depending on the weather and conditions, you can choose which route you'd like to take.
You can choose between a route of 2 separate loops, taking you to completely different parts of the nature reserve. Each day offers a completely new and surprising experience. In between, you'll return to the basecamp for your overnight stay, where you can enjoy sanitary facilities and roast marshmallows over the fire. If you booked a Nature Comfort Tipi, you'll always do 2 loops and stay overnight at the basecamp.
Want the ultimate adventure? Then opt for a long, two-day route with overnight camping in the National Park. Set up your tent at a Marrekrite camping spot after an intense day of paddling. The next day, you'll paddle back to the basecamp from there.
For every two paying adults, one child (up to 16 years old) can travel for free, provided that they canoe as the third person and stay in the same Nature Comfort Tipi or tent. Only the base price is eligible for the discount; options are excluded from the discount.
Most of our travelers are between 20 and 40 years old, but of course, all ages are welcome. The trip is perfect to do with your partner, family, or group of friends. You need to be at least 2 people to steer the canoe.
Families with children are welcome! From around 8 years old, children are strong enough to paddle along. For younger children and odd-numbered groups, we can add an extra seat in the canoe.
The Canoe Trip Friesland starts and ends at the edge of National Park Alde Feanen, at Camping Natuurlijk De Veenhoop. Here, you'll also spend the night between the two paddling days, unless you choose to camp in the National Park.
The address of the base camp is:
Eijzengapaed 5
9215 VV De Veenhoop
Netherlands
The base camp is easiest to reach by car. You can park for free during the two-day trip.
If you want to arrive by public transport, the best option is to take the train to Akkrum. From there, the Arriva Opstapper 6122 will take you to bus stop De Veenhoop. Note: You need to reserve this bus at least an hour in advance by calling 0800-2802803
Anyone with a good basic fitness level can participate in this trip. You don't need to train specifically beforehand. Along the way, you'll have plenty of time to take breaks, enjoy the nature, and rest a little.
The canoe trip is essentially a solo micro-adventure that you can enjoy with your travel companions. You paddle at your own pace and decide whether to follow the route or deviate from it.
We love animals, so your dog is more than welcome to join us on this canoe trip. You don't need to inform us in advance.
However, at the campsite and in nature, the dog should always be leashed.
In addition, we recommend that you bring your own life jacket for the dog, as we only provide life jackets for humans.
You will receive a complete packing list from us by email before departure.
Here are a few important items to note:
We use traditional Canadian canoes, designed for two people. If you're with an odd number, we can always add an extra seat in the canoe. Unfortunately, it's not possible to do The Canoe Trip Friesland solo.
The briefing starts on the first day of your trip exactly at 9 AM. Make sure to arrive on time so you don't miss it. Coming from far away? It might be a good idea to book an extra night before departure. You'll be welcome at the basecamp the evening before the trip starts from 6 PM. You can choose between an extra night with or without breakfast.
During your trip, you can choose from different routes. Depending on the weather and how much energy you have, you can opt for a sporty route of 18km or take it a bit easier with a route of about 14 kilometers.
Would you like to camp overnight at a Marrekrite wild camping spot? Then you can choose the 2-day route of 25 kilometers.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to bring a camper or caravan to Friesland. Our field isn't big enough to accommodate campers and caravans. If you really want to come with your own wheels, please reserve a spot at a campsite for your trip.
During this 2-day micro-adventure, you can choose to stay overnight in a comfortable Nature Comfort Tipi. These are suitable for up to 2 adults, and 2 extra beds for children can be added upon request.
You can also choose to stay overnight in your own or a rented tent at the base camp. Prefer a real adventure? Then you can set up your tent at one of the Marrekrite mooring sites in the national park.