Almere: Water, Nature and Modern Architecture

Almere is defined by its water, nature and striking architecture. The city lies on the Gooimeer, IJmeer and Markermeer lakes and has a 42-kilometre coastline, ideal for sunbathing, celebrations and water sports. The landscape ranges from beaches and waterfront views to wetlands and modern buildings.

Enjoy the beaches and water

At Almeerderstrand, you can sail, windsurf and go stand-up paddleboarding. Two restaurants there offer views of the water and serve dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. As the restaurants’ offerings may change, check them before your visit. Stedenwijk beach offers a different view: from there, you can look out over the Weerwater. The beach is a five-minute walk from the city centre; check a current map for the precise route.

Birdwatching areas and green trails

The Oostvaardersplassen is a wetland between Almere and Lelystad. The landscape is shaped by various bird species and distinctive grazing animals; the area is part of Nationaal Park Nieuw Land and has cycling and walking trails. From Almere Oostvaarders station, Natuurbelevingcentrum de Oostvaarders is less than ten minutes away by bike or about 30 minutes on foot. These are approximate times and should be checked before setting out. The centre hosts the exhibition Oostvaardersplassen 120.000 jaar geleden, featuring Neanderthal tools and bones of prehistoric animals. Check whether the exhibition is open to visitors before your visit.

Spoonbills have lived in the Lepelaarplassen since the 1970s; the area is also home to more than 300 bird species. You can explore it on foot or by bike, and watch birds from observation hides. Reed beds, willow forests, bramble bushes, ponds and wet grasslands alternate throughout the area. Another nature route runs through the stadsbos Pampushout: on the Groene Oase route, you can look for signs of deer, foxes and hares. Reed warblers, sedge warblers and bluethroats live in the reed beds of Pampushout.

Discover architecture and history

Almere is also shaped by modern architecture. The city’s architectural highlights include designs by Liesbeth van der Pol, Rem Koolhaas, René van Zuuk and Herman Hertzberger. The Rode Donders are considered a symbol of the new architecture of Almere New Town. If you would like to explore the architecture on a guided walk, VVV Almere offers five bookable city walks focused on the subject. Booking options may change; check dates and conditions before your trip.

De Fantasie was built in 1982 as part of a competition for unconventional housing. The houses are still standing, although they were originally meant to be demolished after five years. The Zenit site is one of Almere’s oldest archaeological sites. Flint, charred hazelnut shells and charcoal were found at the De Buitenkant site. These finds show that people lived there between 10,000 and 6,000 years ago.

The Erfgoedhuis Almere explores prehistory, shipping on the Zuiderzee, and the city’s origins and development. The venue offers talks, exhibitions and activities for children; programmes may change, so check the dates before your trip. The Kunstlinie in Almere Centrum presents cabaret, music, musicals, opera, theatre, dance and youth theatre. Check current show dates if you are planning a visit.

More trips and practical information

Almere Jungle combines a zoo with a botanical garden. Exotic and protected plants grow there, including the giant water lily; the collection may change. You should also check opening details before your trip. Fun Forest Almere offers eight high ropes courses with zip lines over the water and through the woods. As it may operate seasonally, check current operating details in advance.

Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan includes the Zuiderzeespeelbos play forest and a city farm. The site is open to the public and open at all times for walks around the grounds or through the surrounding forest; local conditions may change. For a cycling trip, there is the 41.7-kilometre Almere Nature Route, which starts at VVV Almere and runs through the city and alongside the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. Almere also has 500 kilometres of cycling routes, 440 kilometres of which are on fully segregated cycle paths. Network details may change over time; check the route before setting out.

For onward travel, Almere has six railway stations and direct train connections to destinations including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen and The Hague. Check timetables and connections before your trip.

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

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