Biesbosch MuseumEiland

Biesbosch MuseumEiland in Werkendam offers exhibits on the formation and ecology of Biesbosch National Park, featuring seven themed pavilions and an outdoor museum.

Planning your visit

The Biesbosch is one of the few freshwater tidal areas left in Europe, created catastrophically: the St Elizabeth's flood of 1421 broke the dykes and drowned a populated polder region, and the tidal creeks, willow marsh and reed beds that formed afterwards became a distinctive landscape of osier cutting, reed harvesting and eel fishing.

The MuseumEiland at Werkendam explains that through seven themed pavilions covering the flood, the human use of the marsh, water management and the ecology — including the beavers reintroduced here and now thriving, and the birdlife the wetland supports.

The building is partly buried under a grass roof, and the outdoor museum includes a tidal park, a working osier bed and walking routes into the reserve.

Getting onto the water is the best of it, and boat trips through the creeks are the standard way to see the park properly.

Bookable options include boat cruises with museum entry. Current availability is listed below.