De Stille Kern covers 900 hectares and is considered the quietest place in Horsterwold. The nature reserve is located within the municipality of Zeewolde, west and south of the town, and covers a total of more than 3,700 hectares. In Zeewolde, you will encounter expansive woodland landscapes as well as destinations by the water.
Forest paths and De Stille Kern
Horsterwold is accessible year-round, from sunrise to sunset, via its roads and paths. Access rules may vary from one area to another, so follow the signs at the entrances. In De Stille Kern, you are free to wander through nature off the paths. Please observe local access and grazing notices.
One specific route through this area is the 5.5-kilometre De Stille Kern Route. It leads to and around a large natural body of water. Along the way, you may have the chance to spot fallow deer, Konik horses, white-tailed eagles or foxes. Wildlife enthusiasts will find a route where observing nature can be part of the experience.
Experience art and water
Sea Level, a work by Richard Serra from 1996, makes a distinctive statement. It consists of two concrete walls, each 200 metres long. Walking alongside them can create the impression of going underwater and then resurfacing. The effect unfolds as you move along the walls.
Tulpeiland also combines a striking shape with the Wolderwijd: the tulip-shaped peninsula lies off the coast of Zeewolde and offers opportunities for tourism and water sports. A 200-metre-long causeway connects it to the mainland. The calyx of Tulpeiland has 80 berths. The Atol is also located on the Wolderwijd: a designated swimming area with a deeper section for diving.
Beaches for different activities
Woldstrand has designated areas for children, young people, surfers and dogs. A beach promenade links the beaches. There are sanitary facilities and a large car park for visitors. The different beach areas provide clear guidance if you are looking for a place by the water for a range of activities.
At Erkemederstrand, dogs are allowed to run, swim and play on the beach. The area includes a 1.5-kilometre off-leash dog beach and a five-kilometre dyke that serves as another off-leash area stretching all the way to Zeewolde. Erkemeder Dog Beach is open year-round. Check the local beach rules before you travel.
Explore by bike and discover more
The Doortraproute Zeewolde follows quiet, wide cycle paths through the harbour area, the village, extensive forests and along beaches. The route as described thus connects a range of different settings. For a different kind of activity, there is a pump track for bicycles, skateboards, scooters and skates in the green belt between Kwartiermakerslaan and Gelderseweg.
Hans & Grietje in Zeewolde offers another change of pace: it combines a pancake house with a play park. Its attractions include a real candy house, a haunted house with climbing adventures and slides, and a large go-kart track. Alongside forests, water and art, playful experiences offer another way to explore the area.
Discover more destinations: Zeewolde, Noordoostpolder, Lelystad, Almere, Urk, Dronten
Return to the main travel overview: Flevoland.
