Comprising the largest bog of Northwestern Europe, the park consists of two areas, De Weerribben and De Wieden; it has an area of roughly 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi).

The area is managed by the large private nature-conservation organisation Natuurmonumenten and by the Staatsbosbeheer (State Forest Service).

Villages like the picturesque Giethoorn and monumental towns like Blokzijl and Vollenhove are important for tourism and recreation.

The vegetation and wildlife are typical for such an area, full of peat and water.

Resident species include the water soldier, the sundew, the black tern, the northern pike and, recently, the otter.