As the youngest province of the Netherlands, Flevoland has a lot to offer. The landscape on the former Zuiderzee is very open and has often had to fight against the rising water. This suffering soon came to an end with the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932. Since then, the name Zuiderzee was also changed to the IJsselmeer. The province of Flevoland, centrally located in the Netherlands, consists of nice villages and interesting cities such as Almere-Stad, Urk, Dronten, Emmeloord and Lelystad. And the nature reserves are no less popular. The Oostvaardersplassen and Horsterwold receive many visitors every year who enjoy the rich flora and fauna. In addition, the tulip festival in spring is a nice tip. Via a tulip route you can cycle, by car or on foot to discover the province and the many tulip varieties. The province of Flevoland, which includes the Flevopolder and the Noordoostpolder, stimulates the senses in several ways every season. Also in terms of food and drink. You will see all kinds of fresh regional products on the menu. This youngest province of the Netherlands is certainly not the least.
Flevoland ‘s Top 10 Attractions
#1. Urk
According to ESTATELEARNING, Urk is a small fishing village on the IJsselmeer. The lively harbor has always been of great importance. In the past, most money was made in fishing. The charming appearance of the fishing village of Urk immediately gives you the feeling of yesteryear. Strolling through the narrow states and alleys you don’t need too much imagination to realize what it was like here a hundred years ago. Interesting sights are the lighthouse from 1844, the eighteenth-century monumental church by the sea, the birthplace of writer Appie Baantjer and the Urker Museum in the old town hall.
#2. Aviodrome
The aviation and space museum Aviodrome is located in Lelystad. Airplane enthusiasts can indulge themselves here. Here you have the opportunity to sit behind the wheel in the cockpit of, for example, a Boeing 747, maybe make your first real flight over Aviodrome or just sit back while watching a 4D film in the movie theater. Both inside and outside there are various aircraft to admire up close. The indoor exhibition focuses mainly on the different facets and time periods of aviation. This is how you discover the beginnings of aviation, see how military started developing aircraft and learn everything about the rise and development of civil aviation. It’s not just about airplanes at Aviodrome. There is a special space exhibition and the helicopters have their place within this fascinating museum.
#3. Scotland
The former peat island of Schokland has been joined to the mainland since the Noordoostpolder fell dry in 1942. The original inhabitants ‘shockers’ fought for years and even centuries against the rising water. Unesco has included Schokland and the surrounding area in the list of world heritage sites since 1995. It is a typical example of a prehistoric inhabited nature reserve in the Netherlands. In the village you can admire the ruins of the church of Ens, you can visit the Gesteentetuin or go out with a backpack to discover all the secrets of Schokland. In the Museum Schokland on the Middelbuurt, the history of Schokland is presented in a clear manner.
#4. Batavia Wharf
The Bataviawerf was founded around 1985 by Willem Vos. His dream as a shipbuilder to replicate the ship Batavia as original as possible has now come true. The reconstruction of this VOC ship from 1629 has been exhibited at the Bataviawerf since 1995. The second project presented itself almost immediately. A replica of Michiel de Ruyter’s ship, the 7 Provinciën, was of course inevitable. This ship from the Golden Age has also been carefully recreated and is located in the harbor of Bataviawerf. The workshops where these ships were built can of course also be visited. You have such a forge, a sailmaker’s shop and model building.
#5. The Orchid Farm
If the temperatures are a bit behind and you would like to seek out the warmth close to home, then you should definitely visit the Orchideeën Hoeve in Luttelgeest. In the tropical gardens of the farm you can visit different parts of the world. Every continent is represented in plants and flowers. And there is also a very large butterfly garden. In addition, there are some animals to be seen, such as the butterfly, but also spiders, parrots, fish, turtles and monkeys. The little ones will have the best time in the Mangrove Forest. This forest has been designed as a large climbing and clambering paradise.
#6. Walibi Holland
The most famous amusement park in the province of Flevoland is undisputedly Walibi Holland. Since the creation of this park in 1971, many visitors have visited. With names such as Walibi Flevo, Six Flags Holland and now Walibi Holland, the organization has created a lot of brand awareness. Since 1993 you can also visit music festivals such as the well-known Lowlands. Walibi Holland is an excellent choice as an amusement park. There are fun attractions to visit for all ages. Real ‘thrillseekers’ will get their money’s worth in attractions such as Goliath. With this you race at 106 km/h over steep railway tracks and make some deep flights. The little ones often find a quiet flight in, for example, Squad’s Stunt Flight exciting enough. The park Walibi Holland is excellent to explore within a day.
#7. The Oostvaardersplassen
Perhaps the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve is the most beautiful nature park in the Netherlands. Under the management of Staatsbosbeheer, efforts have been made for years to keep this swampy area nice and clean. As a habitat for many grazers, otters, foxes, birds and fish, it is important, for example, that the natural environment remains as authentic as possible. The area within the Oostvaardersplassen has been extremely suitable for making the particularly beautiful nature film ‘De Nieuwe Wildernis’ by directors Mark Verkerk and Ruben Smit.
#8. Batavia City
As the very first outlet in the Netherlands, Bataviastad has built up a lot of name recognition. From 2001 onwards, people could buy all kinds of large and small brand names here in Lelystad from all corners of the Netherlands at an affordable price. The shopping area is built as a small colorful fortified town. Among the many brands are names such as Gant, Gsus, Dept, Gaastra, Benetton, Replay, Michael Kors, Superdry and McGregor.
#9. Lelystad Nature Park
The natural recreational area Lelystad was created out of necessity. The overcrowded Artis Zoo actually ran out of space for some horses, wild boars, deer and moose. These animals can now be found naturally in the Lelystad Nature Park. The Flevo landscape manages the area and tries to keep the natural environment as intact as possible. Lelystad nature park is ideal for walks, bike rides and participating in activities such as wild camping, game drives and breakfast with animals. More information is available in the visitor center.
#10. Bare Feet Seabed Path
In the province of Flevoland near Kraggenburg, you can follow a special barefoot seabed path. The route that you preferably take barefoot is about 2.5 km long. During the walk you will be informed by means of signs about the history of the area, the vegetation and the influences of the Dutch seasons. The idea for a barefoot path was already developed in the nineteenth century by the Bavarian priest Sebastiaan Kneipp, founder of naturopathy.
