The Noordoostpolder lies on the bed of the former Zuiderzee and has been dry for more than 80 years. The transformation of the landscape is especially clear on Schokland: the former island can still be recognised by its contours. Four protected terps, the raised settlement sites of former villages, and more than 160 archaeological sites are part of this distinctive landscape. Schokland has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995; it was the first site in the Netherlands to be added to the World Heritage List.
Schokland and the traces of water
On Schokland, the history of a former island settlement meets today’s polder landscape. You can explore the area on foot or by bicycle all year round; no admission is charged. An audio walk leads from Middelbuurt to the Zuidpunt. You make your own way back. The tour is suitable for families with children aged around ten and over; check the route details before setting off.
The Waterloopbos also tells the story of how water is managed. More than 200 studies of hydraulic engineering structures were conducted at this historic open-air laboratory in a polder forest. Models of these structures now lie in ruins along marked walking trails. The Waterloopbos is freely accessible from sunrise to sunset, so the varying hours of daylight throughout the year should be taken into account when planning a visit.
For a shorter, clearly defined route, there is the 1.2-kilometre Deltawerkroute. It starts at the car park and is easily accessible for wheelchair users and people using an electric mobility scooter. The route also passes through the Waterloopbos; check the specific conditions before setting off.
Architecture and older stories
At Museum Nagele, the village’s architecture takes centre stage. The permanent exhibition on its design history is housed in a former church designed by T. Taen and T. Nix. There are also temporary exhibitions on architecture and visual art. Here, you encounter architectural history in a building that is itself part of that history.
Near Kuinre, remains of two castles, including their moats and ramparts, have been preserved. The lords of Kuinre built a castle around 1150. From there, they raided the Zuiderzee and controlled shipping to the Hanseatic cities. The castle remains thus point to a much older use of the Zuiderzee than today’s polder landscape.
Trails, forests and seasonal discoveries
For those who prefer to experience the landscape on the move, there are several options: Noordoostpolder has three dedicated mountain bike routes. They are all in the forest and vary in difficulty and distance. In the Schoterveld nature and recreation area, you can discover sand sculptures on a walk. The theme changes every year; check their exact location before your visit.
During tulip season, the Tulpenfestival Noordoostpolder offers signposted routes through the tulip landscape for cyclists and drivers. The routes change from year to year. In Marknesse, De Tulpenpluktuin has an observation tower with views over the tulip fields. Visitors can also pick a bucket of 30 colourful tulips themselves for a fixed fee. Blooming and opening periods vary from year to year.
The Kuinderbos, northeast of Noordoostpolder, offers a different perspective on nature. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants, including unusual plants and fungi, butterflies, birds of prey and mammals such as the pine marten. The forest lies outside Noordoostpolder, so its location should not be confused with places within the polder landscape.
Tropical plants, play and local produce
Pantropica offers a contrast to the open landscapes: this fully covered tropical park features jungle trails, thousands of butterflies, large palm trees and animals. Adventure attractions include a suspension bridge and a cave. Pantropica is wheelchair- and child-friendly and open seven days a week.
Outdoors, Netl offers day visitors swimming, walks, play, sports and an obstacle course in surroundings with dunes and bamboo forests; some activities may be seasonal. Speeltuin Buitengewoon De Voorst adds to the options with a free, fenced-in playground featuring a go-kart track, zip line, sandpit and bouncy castle.
At Wijngaard Maronesse in Marknesse, visitors can join tours and wine tastings featuring the polder wines produced there. The offer may be seasonal or require an appointment; contacting them in advance can help with planning. Apple-picking days are among the regional family activities in September and October. Vink Fruitboerderij in Kraggenburg is one of the places mentioned as an autumn destination.
Getting around by bicycle
Noordoostpolder has six bike stations with electric rental bikes, which you can reserve via the Deelfiets Nederland app. Bikes rented from the stations can be returned to another station in the region, including in Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden and Giethoorn. Booking and return conditions may change, so check them before your ride. Three Tourist Transfer Points, or TOPs, serve as starting points for walking and cycling tours.
Discover more destinations
Bant, Emmeloord, Marknesse, Rutten, Kraggenburg, Urk, Almere, Zeewolde
For the overview of the wider travel region: Flevoland.
