De Alde Feanen National Park (official, combination of Dutch and Frisian: Nationaal Park De Alde Feanen) is a national park in the Netherlands province of Friesland. The Alde Feanen is also a Natura 2000 area.
The Alde Feanen is part of the municipalities Leeuwarden, Smallingerland and Tytsjerksteradiel. Its size is about 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi). Part of the national park is the lake area Princenhof (or Princehof). The Alde Feanen contains morasses, lakes, forests, peat and meadows. In the area at least 450 plant species and 100 bird species can be found. A very prominent bird is the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). Tall wooden poles have been installed so that the storks can build nests. Another attraction is provided by Shetland ponies. Some of the paddocks can be entered so that ponies can be petted by visitors.
In the village of Earnewâld there is a visitors centre, De Reidplûm, close to the stork breeding station It Eibertshiem.
The area is owned by It Fryske Gea since 1934. After a preparation period of 4 years, the Minister of Nature designed it as the 20th (As of 2012, the last) national park in the Netherlands in 2006.
In the Alde Feanen are several monumental wind mills, such as 'De Ikkers', a so-called 'spinnenkopmolen' from the 18th century.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach the national park is to go by car. The drive from Amsterdam is less than 2 hours. The park is even closer to Groningen and the drive from here is about 1 hour.
When to visit
The national park is most popular in the summer and it is quite busy in the tourist season. You can still visit the national park during all seasons and you will get beautiful views of the area.
Map of De Alde Feanen National Park
Image gallery of De Alde Feanen National Park
Visitor/Information centres in De Alde Feanen National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in De Alde Feanen National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Bears in De Alde Feanen National Park
No bears in the park
This national park has no bears and you do not need to take precautions.
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