Nature reserve Fochteloërveen - Fochteloo

Located on the border between the provinces of Friesland and Drenthe, the Fochteloërveen is one of the last raised bog areas in the Netherlands. With an area of about 2,800 hectares, it is also one of the largest!

The Fochteloërveen consists of extensive bogs, peat moss reed beds, fens and open water. It is an important breeding ground for several bird species, including the bluethroat, stonechat and curlew. You can see or hear the crane here in early spring, when they perform their mating dance amid loud trumpeting.

Other animal species also have their home in Fochteloërveen. Three snake species live here, for instance: the viper, the smooth snake and the grass snake. There are also special plant species, such as sundew and peat moss.

To protect and preserve the area, the Fochteloërveen has been designated a Natura 2000 area. There are several walking routes and viewpoints to enjoy nature.

This pristine piece of bog landscape is a place for nature lovers and bird watchers.