Dronten: Forest Trails, Art and Water

Forest trails, public art and activities on the water offer different ways to experience a trip to Dronten. Hiking and cycling routes also vary in specific ways: length, landscape and theme can help you choose suitable outings. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether nature, culture or water should be the focus of your trip.

Forest Trails and Landscapes

Roggebotzand is the oldest forest in Oostelijk-Flevoland and offers numerous walking trails. Pine martens and white-tailed eagles can be found there; roe deer can also be spotted. Torenbosje offers a different woodland landscape: it covers seven hectares and is one of the oldest forests in Flevoland. Among the trees, there is a natural playground and several picnic benches. A 1.5-kilometre historical treasure hunt can be done there daily from sunrise to sunset; seasonal conditions may affect the experience.

Several routes let you choose based on distance and character. The cultural heritage route De Abbert runs through the Reve-Abbertbos near Dronten and is 5.5 kilometres long. The paved Mindervalidenpad Wisentbos is 2.1 kilometres long and suitable for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities. The 4.4-kilometre Stobbenroute runs entirely through the Reve-Abbert forest; sheep, cattle and ponies may be seen along the way. The 8.3-kilometre Beverroute Dronten passes through the Harderbos, where you can look for signs of beavers. Another option is the 3.5-kilometre Swifterbos nature walk, which takes in a variety of landscapes.

Cycling routes can also be tailored to suit: the cycling route through the Oostrand is 62.2 kilometres long and can be split into shorter sections. In the Oostrand, 60-year-old deciduous and coniferous forests alternate with extensive agricultural land. In spring, the tulip variety De Polder Pink adds a seasonal touch: it blooms in fields and at numerous locations in Dronten, Swifterbant and Biddinghuizen.

Art, Culture and History

The Lixenberg “25 + 1” picture route consists of 26 sculptures in public spaces. They were created in 1997 to mark Dronten’s 25th anniversary. The Lixenberg art route in Dronten and Flevoland can be explored by bicycle, on foot or by car. In the Oostrand, the “BeKIJK het in de Oostrand” art and culture route brings local history and culture together.

Near Biddinghuizen stands the land art installation Riff, PD#18245. It was part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Zuiderzee Act and is one of ten land art installations in Flevoland. The former harbour head Kop van ’t Ende has a different historical connection: it was preserved as a monument after Oostelijk-Flevoland was reclaimed. De Meerpaal is considered a cultural heritage site of Oostelijk-Flevoland and offers cinema, theatre, concerts, cabaret and other live performances.

The Mechanisch Erfgoed Centrum focuses on the history of technology. Exhibits include historic internal combustion engines and steam engines, locomotives and vehicles, as well as sewing machines, toys, old tools and a large collection of agricultural equipment. This makes it possible to plan a cultural programme that combines public art with technical collections.

Water, Leisure and Refreshments

The municipality of Dronten has a 60-kilometre coastline with beaches, extensive lakes and numerous small islands. The lakes and waterways offer opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. If you are travelling by boat, you can moor at the harbour in the centre of Dronten, at Watersportvereniging Dronten. Availability for visitors passing through is seasonal.

For a swim, there is the De Abelen outdoor pool in Swifterbant, with a competition pool, a teaching pool and a sunbathing lawn measuring approximately 50 by 70 metres. Water activities take place regularly, including aqua jogging, the Zwem4daagse, a treasure hunt in the water, water volleyball and tug-of-war. Walibi Holland offers 40 attractions, including eight roller coasters. At Shortgolf Swifterbant, you will find a natural 18-hole golf course; no proof of golfing ability is required, and equipment is provided on site.

Another leisure idea brings drinks and farming together: Brouwerij Artemis has a tasting room on a farm. Visitors can sample the beers brewed there, as well as Flevoland juices and other drinks.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Dronten is accessible via the Hanzelijn; train services run from Zwolle, Lelystad and Amsterdam Centraal. When planning your stay, you can group outings by theme: forest and hiking, art and history, or time by the water. If a route has a specific distance or a particular feature, such as a paved path, you can take that detail into account when making your choice.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Flevoland.