5 minutes in the shower. That is long enough to listen to a story from Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden and short enough to save plenty of water. That is why we created 6 shower stories, each lasting exactly 5 minutes.
Listen to stories about the landscape, the otter, the yellow-spotted whiteface or large copper butterfly. There is also an adventure for children. The animals and plants in this water-rich landscape all need enough clean water. Yet even here, water is not available in unlimited amounts.
Choose a story below and get it ready before you step into the shower. Press play as soon as the water starts running. When the story ends, your 5 minutes are up. This makes shorter showers easy. All stories are available in Dutch, German and English. Enjoy listening, and thank you for helping to save water during your stay.
Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden was shaped by water. The otter needs clean water with plenty of fish. The yellow-spotted whiteface spends most of its life underwater. The large copper lays its eggs on great water dock, a plant that grows in wet areas. For all these species, enough clean water is vital.
Yet even here, enough drinking water is no longer a given. Summers are getting warmer and dry spells last longer. Demand rises then, while less water is available to make drinking water.
On holiday, we often use more water than at home. A hotel guest uses around 300 litres a day on average, more than 2 times as much as at home. Small choices can make a real difference: taking shorter showers, using the eco setting on the dishwasher and choosing the small flush button on the toilet. This way, you use drinking water carefully throughout your stay.
Each story takes you into the national park: from how Weerribben-Wieden was formed to the animals that live here. Choose a story. Press play as soon as you step into the shower. When the story ends, your 5 minutes are up. Enjoy listening, and thank you for helping to save water with your 5-minute shower.
Audio story · ± 5 minutes
A beginning underwater
Audio story · ± 5 minutes
Made by both water and people
Audio story · ± 5 minutes
The otter surfaces
Audio story · ± 5 minutes
Liesje and the snail
Audio story · ± 5 minutes
A fluttering little flame
Audio story · ± 5 minutes
Five minutes to yourself
This summer, you will find ways to save water at campsites, B&Bs and hotels in Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden. Posters in showers and bathrooms have QR codes for the 6 stories. In the kitchen, stickers point out the eco setting on the dishwasher. By the toilet, a sticker points to the small flush button. You will find more tips on the door hanger.
The campaign is a joint initiative by accommodation providers, Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden and the municipality of Steenwijkerland. Together, they invite guests to use drinking water wisely during their stay. In this way, hosts and organisations support tourism that respects nature and the area. In 2025, the national park was awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. You can find more information by clicking the button below.
With support from Vitens, Bureau Circuit, Bijzonderdruk and the Province of Overijssel.
Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden is a landscape of water. Its lakes, canals, reed beds and marsh woodlands are home to the otter, the large copper, the yellow-spotted whiteface and many other special plants and animals. The people who live, work and stay here also need enough clean water. Using drinking water wisely is therefore part of a sustainable visit. Small choices during your stay count too.
A 5-minute shower is a small step that can make a big difference when many people join in. Would you like to know what else the national park does for nature, the landscape and sustainable tourism? On our website, you can read more about this project and our other activities. Sign up for the newsletter to stay informed. Good to see you here.
Thank you for helping to save water.