The Batavia at the Batavialand Museum is a full-scale reconstruction of the Batavia from 1628, but not an exact replica. The Werkeiland, also known as Perceel P, is considered the place where Lelystad began and where the first inhabited piece of land in the new polder was created. This places a maritime connection and the story of the city’s origins side by side as two clearly distinct historical themes.

Culture, art and aviation

A coastal route from the Werkeiland in Lelystad passes the Gemaal Wortman pumping station and the Wortmansluis lock on foot or by bicycle. The One Day Trail: Erfgoed & Nationaal Park passes the Werkeiland. The routes therefore differ mainly in their points of interest: hydraulic structures on the coastal route, and the Werkeiland on the One Day Trail.

The work Exposure was designed by British artist Antony Gormley. In Lelystad, murals are spread across Stadshart and the ’t Lelycentre shopping centre. The murals extend the cultural theme to two named areas of the city.

The Aviodrome aviation museum offers a range of insights into aviation. Visitors can use a flight simulator and fly around the world themselves. At the helicopter exhibition, they can learn to pilot a helicopter. The two activities have different focuses: flying in a simulator and piloting a helicopter.

Nature and trails

Belevenissenbos has more than 150 pieces of play equipment, most of which are arranged along and over the water. This combination of play equipment and water offers a different focus from walking and wildlife watching in the area around Lelystad.

The Buitencentrum Oostvaardersplassen in Lelystad is the starting point for activities and walking routes in the Oostvaardersplassen. The ’t Lange pad walking trail runs partly along unpaved paths. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on a lead; one short section is inaccessible to dogs. So if you want to walk with your dog, take both the lead requirement and this restriction into account.

At the edge of the Oostvaardersplassen and along several walking trails in the area around Lelystad, there are birdwatching hides and viewpoints with good views of the area’s birds. With a bit of luck, you may also spot red deer, Konik horses and Heck cattle in the Oostvaardersplassen. The hides and viewpoints provide specific spots for birdwatching; spotting the animals mentioned is a possibility, not a certainty.

Near Lelystad, the core area of the Oostvaardersplassen has Natura 2000 status.

Plan your journey and stay

The journey to Lelystad takes about 40 minutes from Amsterdam and 30 minutes from Zwolle on the Hanzelijn. Journey times may vary, so check the information for your travel day. The ferry to the Marker Wadden departs from Bataviahaven in Lelystad. As timetables vary by season, check the timetable that applies to your travel dates.

Then include the journey times relevant to your stay and, where applicable, the seasonal ferry timetable in your plans.

For the broader travel overview: Lelystad.