Wisent spotting
“Europe’s Big Five” in the Netherlands!
Since 2007, a herd of wisents have been living in “De Kraansvlak” – a closed section of the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. Wisents are also called European bison and justifiably belong to “Europe’s Big 5.” Extensive research is being done on the wisent’s influence on nature and the fortunes of the herd. Background information and the latest news can be found at www.wisenten.nl.
Where are they?
You may see the wisent at the following places:
- From the Wisent Lookout Point: with a view of the largest dune lake in the Kraansvlak, this spot is often visited by the wisent on hot summer days. The route is marked, starting at the visitors’ centre.
- From the Wisent Path: The yellow path (the bison trail) is open from the first of September till the first of March (because of the breeding season). It's a 4 km long trail, starting from the Duinpieperpad.
a trail goes through the wisent area, marked with yellow posts. This route is closed from 1 March to 1 September because of the breeding season. You can park at the entrances Noordduinen en Wurmenveld. Read more on the wisent website
Excursion through the Kraansvlak
Each month a forest ranger guides a group through the Kraansvlak. Look for the wisents and hear all about this endangered species. These excursions (in Dutch) are organised monthly. To reserve a place, please go to the activity calendar on our Dutch site.
Or organise an excursion in English to the wisent yourself. Enter the wisent habitat with a forest ranger with colleagues, friends or family. This excursion is only possible on Fridays. For more information and reservations, please contact the visitors centre.
Rules of conduct for the public
- Dogs are not permitted, not even on a lead.
- Walk quietly. No running activities allowed.