Flevoland: Nature, Water and Cultural History

Flevoland is characterized by extensive wetlands, newly created islands and places with a long cultural history. In Nieuw Land National Park, dynamic nature meets the history of a landscape shaped by people. The different attractions can also help you plan your trip: would you most like to experience nature, explore on foot or discover cultural history?

Wetlands and New Islands

Nieuw Land National Park covers 29,000 hectares of nature and is considered the world’s largest man-made nature reserve. Much of it consists of wetlands with high ecological dynamism and diversity. Tens of thousands of birds find places to rest or breed in the Oostvaardersplassen. Visitors can observe wild cattle, horses and red deer there, although sightings are not guaranteed.

The history of the Oostvaardersplassen is closely connected to how the landscape was formed: after large areas of water remained in the newly created Flevopolder in 1968, the Oostvaardersplassen developed. This allows you to experience nature and landscape history together, without one explaining or replacing the other.

A more recent development in the Markermeer is the Marker Wadden: several islands have been created there since 2016. Sand, clay and silt from the bed of the Markermeer are forming land and shallow waters where plants, birds and fish can live. Visitors can make use of a natural harbor, walking trails, birdwatching hides and a beach. You can travel to the Marker Wadden aboard the historic ferry ms Waddenzee; check sailing days before your trip. The Markermeer is also a water sports area. Smaller boats can navigate it well in calm weather, but weather conditions and navigation rules should be taken into account.

Trails Through Landscape and History

Natuurpark Lelystad has numerous walking and cycling trails, including 18 kilometers of designated walking trails. The park is home to endangered Eurasian species, including European bison, Przewalski’s horses, European otters and Père David’s deer. The trails and biodiversity offer two different ways to experience the park: explore the landscape on foot or by bike, and learn about the animals that live there.

Schokland brings together nature, archaeology and cultural history. Its settlement history stretches back more than 10,000 years, and Schokland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can discover all three themes on foot or by bicycle. If you’re considering a longer route, the Pionierspad offers a different scale: the designated route is 208 kilometers long and crosses the former bed of the Zuiderzee. It runs through the Noordoostpolder and Oostelijk Flevoland and along the Oostvaardersplassen. Along the way, forests, dikes and straight agricultural fields alternate.

Water engineering models are the focus at Waterloopbos, where the Delta Works were among the projects designed. Nature is gradually reclaiming the former models. Note that there are two different route lengths: the walking trail through Waterloopbos is approximately three kilometers long, while the audio walking route covers five kilometers and has 15 stops. The latter starts at the Marknesse, Voorsterweg bus stop. You can get there on bus 71 from Zwolle railway station; check the transit connection before setting off.

Museums, Art and Seasonal Experiences

Museum Batavialand focuses on maritime history, underwater archaeology and Flevoland’s creation from the water. Visitors can board a reconstruction of the Batavia and experience 17th-century Dutch craftsmanship up close. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit. Aviodrome focuses on something different: it displays more than 100 unique aircraft and offers flight simulators and a 4D movie theater. Exhibitions and activities can change, so it’s worth checking the offerings that interest you most.

A seasonal highlight is the Tulip Festival in the Noordoostpolder, held every year in April and/or May; the exact dates vary. The Tulip Festival route includes a free interactive app with audio information about the area, tulip cultivation and the history of the Noordoostpolder. The content is updated from time to time. At M., visitors encounter large-scale artworks that often fill and surround the space. You can often create something yourself that becomes part of an artwork immediately or at a later date.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Flevoland, the focus of your trip can guide your choice of places and experiences: nature watching, longer trails, museums or seasonal events each lead to different interests. First decide what interests you most during your stay, then use that to guide the rest of your travel planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Urk, Zeewolde, Noordoostpolder, Dronten, Lelystad, Almere, Drenthe, Texel.

For the main travel overview: the Netherlands.