The Waterway

The Voorsterbos, Wendelbos, and Waterloopbos, in the Northeastern Polder, near Kraggenburg and Marknesse, offer much. Not a straightforward area, but surprisingly varied forests with deep tranquility and wide spaces.
The forest complex is part of the Ecological Main Structure and is traversed by the Zwolse Vaart. To the east, the area is bounded by Kadoelermeer, which also forms the border with Overijssel.

The Waterloopbos is one of the most unique nature reserves in the Netherlands… it is a historical open-air laboratory in a beautiful polder forest.
It is the place where the Dutch learned to work with water. Our worldwide fame as a water country is thanks to all the research that has taken place in this forest. It is this former purpose that makes it truly special here.
Between 1951 and 1995, large-scale hydraulic engineering experiments were conducted by the Waterloopkundig Laboratorium from Delft.
Entire harbors were recreated to study the influence of waves on structures. You will find remains of the research on the Delta Works, as well as waterworks for exotic places like the port of Lagos.
The Waterloopbos even looks somewhat apocalyptic at times, with the structures taken over by nature in the middle of the water. The models, where scientists once gazed for hours with their endless wisdom, are now overgrown with plants and trees. Here and there, you literally walk over the remains of the hydraulic models and wonder what exactly the function of that little wall must have been.
Don't be mistaken; the decay is merely an illusion. Nature Monuments ensures a well-considered balance between preserving the models and developing nature. Some models have even been fully renovated and look as good as new or have been transformed into works of art.

The Walhalla of Mushrooms
You don't get this title just like that! Both the Voorsterbos and the Waterloopbos have been declared mushroom paradises.
The Voorsterbos is even the only true mushroom reserve in Europe.
The conditions for mushrooms here are very favorable; the forest floor consists of different types of soil, and there are dry and wet spots.
Many mushrooms can be easily admired from the path, but stop every now and then, feast your eyes, look further into the forest, go back to your childhood, and feel the magic.

Tip:
- The walking route largely goes over unpaved paths, with a bit of paved path here and there, and we make use of the ferry across the Zwolse Vaart.
- After a heavy rain shower and in autumn/winter, parts of the walking paths can be quite muddy. Good walking shoes or boots are (then) recommended.

Catering facilities:
Start/finish: Pavilion Het Proeflab
On the way: Brasserie de Voorst
For opening hours, see the website