Nieuw Land National Park covers 29,000 hectares of nature and is considered the world’s largest nature reserve created by people. In the Oostvaardersplassen, the area serves as a resting or breeding ground for tens of thousands of birds; visitors can also watch wild cattle, horses and red deer there. Sightings are not guaranteed. The Oostvaardersplassen developed after large expanses of water remained in the newly created Flevopolder in 1968.
Wetlands, islands and wildlife watching
A large part of Nieuw Land National Park consists of wetlands with great ecological dynamism and diversity. The Marker Wadden also show how the water landscape is changing: since 2016, several islands have been created in the Markermeer under this name. Sand, clay and silt from the bottom of the Markermeer are used to create land and shallow water where plants, birds and fish can live.
The Marker Wadden have a natural harbour, walking trails, birdwatching huts and a beach. Visitors can travel to the islands on the historic ferry ms Waddenzee; check sailing dates 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 nature and cultural landscapes
Natuurpark Lelystad has numerous walking and cycling routes, including 18 kilometres of walking trails. Threatened Eurasian animal species living there include European bison, also known as wisents, Przewalski’s horses, European otters and Père David’s deer. The trails offer a way to explore the area on foot or by bicycle; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
At Waterloopbos, you can choose between two different route lengths: the walking route is approximately 3 kilometres long, while the audio walking route covers 5 kilometres and includes 15 stops. The route passes hydraulic engineering models, including models used to design the Delta Works. As nature gradually reclaims these former models, visitors can also trace the history of hydraulic engineering here. The audio walking route starts at the Marknesse, Voorsterweg bus stop, which is accessible from Zwolle railway station on bus route 71. Check the timetable and route conditions before setting off.
For a longer hike, the Pionierspad runs through Flevoland over the former bed of the Zuiderzee. The full route is listed as 208 kilometres long and runs through the Noordoostpolder and Oostelijk Flevoland, as well as along the Oostvaardersplassen. The landscapes along the way include forests, dykes and straight agricultural fields. Check the route’s current accessibility before planning your trip.
Schokland and maritime history
Schokland combines a settlement history spanning more than 10,000 years with UNESCO World Heritage status. Visitors can explore its cultural history, archaeology and nature on foot or by bicycle. This brings together the site’s long history and the exploration of its landscape.
The Batavialand Museum presents maritime history, underwater archaeology and the story of how Flevoland was reclaimed from the water. Visitors can board a reconstruction of the Batavia and experience 17th-century Dutch craftsmanship up close. Check the current visitor guidelines before your visit. Aviodrome displays more than 100 unique aircraft; its offerings also include flight simulators and a 4D cinema. Exhibitions and activities may change.
At M., large-scale artworks often fill the space and surround visitors. Visitors can also often create something themselves, which becomes part of the artwork immediately or at a later time. Participatory activities and exhibitions may change.
More experiences and seasonal discoveries
Pantropica is a fully covered tropical park with jungle trails and flamingos. The park combines an indoor zoo with an amusement park and is home to Europe’s largest butterfly garden. Pantropica is wheelchair- and child-friendly; check the current operating guidelines before visiting.
Walibi Holland offers more than 40 attractions for visitors of different ages. On the YOY roller coaster, there is a CHILL side and a THRILL side; on the THRILL side, riders are turned upside down six times. Walibi Holland is accessible on the Walibi Express, bus route 247. As timetables may change, it is worth checking the current connections. Belevenissenbos offers something different: the site covers 40 hectares and has kilometres of waterways and informal paths. A herd of horses lives in the Horse Valley; there are more than 140 play structures along and over the water.
The Tulip Festival takes place in the Noordoostpolder every year in April and/or May; the exact dates vary. The Tulip Festival route uses a free interactive app with audio information about the area, tulip cultivation and the history of the Noordoostpolder. The content is updated regularly. After summer, Vink Fruitboerderij opens seasonally for visitors to pick ripe fruit in the orchard; check the visiting dates in advance. Several wineries in Flevoland offer vineyard and, where applicable, cellar tours, as well as wine tastings; offerings and booking conditions may change.
Urk also offers a way to explore the town with a local guide: visitors can book a resident of Urk to show them around the Ginkies. Check availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Noordoostpolder, Almere, Dronten, Lelystad, Urk, Zeewolde, South Holland, North Brabant.
Back to the main travel overview: Netherlands.
