At Robert Morris’s Observatory on Swifterringweg, sunrise becomes part of the artwork. Created in 1977, this Land Art work consists of concentric earth walls and three triangular openings. They frame the seasonal sunrise on four significant dates: March 21 and September 21, as well as the summer solstice on June 21 and the winter solstice on December 21. Here, the earth walls, openings and path of the sun form a single artistic composition. If you are interested in art in the landscape, these specific dates offer a special way to experience the work and its connection to the seasons.
Nature and getting around Lelystad
Natuurpark Lelystad is home to European bison, Przewalski’s horses, European otters, Père David’s deer, wild boar, red deer and moose. Several of these species are endangered; which animals you see may vary. The park’s biodiversity is a central feature, though individual sightings cannot be predicted.
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-fiets bikes at Lelystad NS railway station. As transport options may change, it is advisable to check your connection before setting off. The Marker Wadden can also be reached by ferry from Lelystad. As ferry services may change seasonally, check the timetable before your trip.
Another point of reference for the rural surroundings is the Toeristisch OverstapPunt Boer & Bos at the Natuurpark visitor centre in Lelystad. It is a starting point for exploring farmland and nature areas. This adds a perspective on the landscape beyond the city to the visitor centres’ offerings.
Shipping, craftsmanship and polder history
The Batavia at the Batavialand Museum is a reconstruction of a 17th-century VOC ship, built using traditional techniques. Access to the ship may change during conservation work. The museum’s shipyard showcases historic crafts, including traditional wooden shipbuilding; demonstrations may follow a changing programme. The museum explores the history of the Zuiderzee and its transformation into new land, and displays centuries-old shipwrecks. Exhibitions may change. Here, you can encounter both the maritime past and evidence of shipping and the creation of new land.
The Werkeiland Lelystad is also part of this history: it was the first inhabited part of Oostelijk Flevoland, before it was drained. In 1950, it became the starting point for building the dike around the new polder. These two details make the sequence of settlement and dike construction tangible, giving polder history a specific place and date.
Walking, cycling and time by the water
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 tranquil nature areas and notable places in the city. The Fietsroute: Landart & landscape Lelystad crosses reclaimed land on straight cycle paths. The routes therefore differ in their stated focus: one brings together a national park and history, while others highlight the coast, nature and urban landmarks, or the polder landscape. Route details, conditions or accessibility may change; check the relevant route before setting out.
Houtribhoekstrand, Lelystad’s largest beach, offers swimming in the IJsselmeer. An area for small children is marked off with a buoy line. Beach conditions and safety barriers may change seasonally. If you are planning a visit to the beach, take these seasonal conditions into account.
Discover more destinations: Lelystad, Zeewolde, Almere, Urk, Noordoostpolder, Dronten.
Go to the regional travel overview: Flevoland.
