The nature of the Zuidlaardermeer

A Natura 2000 wetland where water, reeds and meadows meet.

A protected habitat

The Zuidlaardermeer and its surrounding meadows are designated Natura 2000, the European network of protected nature reserves. Its reed beds, marshes and wet grasslands host species that have become rare elsewhere in the Netherlands.

Birds through the seasons

The lake is a birder's paradise. In spring you'll hear the boom of the Eurasian bittern, the song of reed warblers, and the elusive little crake in the reeds. In autumn, thousands of wigeons and greylag geese gather on the water. By November and December, Bewick's swans and barnacle geese arrive from the Arctic to overwinter.

Plants and reed beds

The vast reed belt around the lake filters the water and provides shelter to fish and amphibians. You'll find rare plants here — greater spearwort, bogbean and the striking great fen-sedge (Cladium mariscus).

Walks and observation points

• Bird hide De Wilgenpol — on the east side, best at sunrise.
• Klooster Yesse route — a 9 km walk through old reed land and farmland.
• South shore path — a short route with info panels on the lake's history.