Lelystad: Land Art, Zuiderzee History and Nature

Discover Lelystad from three very different perspectives: Land Art, Zuiderzee history and nature. An observatory incorporates the sunrise into its design, Batavialand showcases the maritime past, and nature destinations and trails in the surrounding area invite you to explore. These contrasts can help you plan your days around your interests during your stay.

Land Art and the movement of the sun

Created in 1977, Robert Morris’s observatory is located on Swifterringweg in Lelystad. Concentric earth mounds surround three triangular openings that frame the seasonal sunrise: on 21 March and 21 September, and at the summer solstice on 21 June and the winter solstice on 21 December. The sunrises are therefore an integral part of the work’s design. These fixed dates make the changing seasons part of the artistic experience.

Exposure takes a different form: the sculpture by artist Antony Gormley is 26 metres high and consists of 1,800 unique steel profiles. Together, the earthwork observatory and the steel sculpture show the different ways art can work with form and material. If you’re planning a visit focused on art, the two works offer different points of interest.

Zuiderzee history and shipyard

The Batavia at the Batavialand Museum is a reconstruction of a 17th-century Dutch East India Company ship, built using traditional techniques. Access to the ship may change during conservation work. Traditional crafts are demonstrated at the shipyard, including traditional wooden shipbuilding; demonstrations may follow a changing programme.

The museum also explores the history of the Zuiderzee and its transformation into new land. It also features shipwrecks that are centuries old. Exhibitions may change. If you’re interested in how Flevoland came into being, another historical stop is Werkeiland Lelystad: it was the first inhabited part of Oostelijk Flevoland, before it was reclaimed. In 1950, construction of the dike around the new polder began there. This helps put the development in context, from the first inhabited area to the construction of the polder.

Nature, water and wildlife watching

Natuurpark Lelystad is home to endangered Eurasian species such as European bison, Przewalski’s horses, European otters and Père David’s deer. Other species living there include wild boar, red deer and moose. Which animals you actually see may vary.

For a stay by the water, Houtribhoekstrand is the largest beach in Lelystad. You can swim in the IJsselmeer there; an area for small children is enclosed by a floating rope line. Beach conditions and boundaries may change seasonally, so check the current conditions before your visit.

The Marker Wadden can be reached by ferry from Lelystad. As ferry services may change seasonally, check the timetable before your trip. This nature destination offers another option for planning your trip, alongside experiences on land.

Walking and cycling routes with different highlights

The One Day Trail Lelystad Erfgoed en Nationaal Park is a 26-kilometre walk through a national park and the history of Flevoland. Another walking route in Lelystad follows the extensive coastline, passing through peaceful nature areas and notable places in the city. While the One Day Trail combines nature and history, the coastal route focuses on the shoreline, nature areas and city landmarks. Route, distance, conditions and access may change; check the current route before setting out.

The cycling route Fietsroute: Landart & landscape Lelystad crosses reclaimed land on straight cycle paths. It offers a different perspective on the landscape from the walking routes. The Toeristisch OverstapPunt Boer & Bos is also located at the Natuurpark visitor centre in Lelystad. From there, you can explore the rural surroundings, with farmland and nature areas; available routes may change.

Buitencentrum Oostvaardersplassen is a starting point for walking and cycling routes, excursions and other activities. It is difficult to reach by public transport. You can rent OV-fietsen at Lelystad NS railway station; check your travel arrangements in advance. Visitor facilities and programmes at the Buitencentrum may change.

Lelystad as a destination for your hotel stay

If you’re looking for a hotel in Lelystad, start planning your trip by deciding what matters most: art and maritime history, wildlife watching, the beach or trails through the landscape. This will help you choose the excursions that best match your interests. Check the latest route information for each destination—and the ferry timetable, if applicable—before planning your days.

Discover more destinations

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

Back to the main travel overview: Flevoland.