TOP Lelystad

Experience Lelystad’s history at Werkeiland: the spot where hydraulic engineer Lely launched his land reclamation project and the place where the Oostelijk Flevoland polder’s narrative began. Savour its rich history while cycling past the original construction workers’ houses, the Wortman pumping station and discover for yourself the water level difference at the sluice.

The Batavia district presents numerous fun opportunities. Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet for example offers clothing from over 250 recognised fashion brands; a true bargain hunters’ shopping paradise. Visit Batavialand to discover everything about our national story. History is revealed in the museum, at the wharf and on board of the Batavia; a magnificent and meticulous reconstruction of one of the Dutch East India company’s trading ships. The Bataviahaven promenade is also an excellent spot to enjoy the view over the water, take some time out, relax and catch your breath whilst treating yourself to something delicious to eat or drink.

Fancy putting in a few extra kilometres? Then why not take a look at Exposure up close. Exposure is a land artwork featuring the 26 metres high ‘squatting man’ by the artist Antony Gormley. It has been created from over 1800 unique steel profiles, and close up it impresses even more than when viewed from a distance.

Lelystad is one of the Netherlands’ largest local councils, among other things this is due to the numerous water zones and large scale nature areas that make up the council’s region. Did you know that the Lelystad area is two-thirds under water? This is wonderfully illustrated by the Houtribhoek beach and the Zuigerplas woods. From the Houtribhoek beach you can enjoy amazing views out over the IJsselmeer lake. The Zuigerplas woods, located nearby, were planted on the site where sand was extracted to construct the dyke that skirts the IJsselmeer. The woodlands are home to many small songbirds and recognised for its wealth of colourful butterflies in summer.

There are some architectural gems to be found in Lelystad’s city centre, clearly expressing the city’s openness to creative opportunities. The striking Agora Theatre and the Zilverparkkade embankment are a couple of good examples. The orange diamond forming the Agora Theatre was designed by Ben van Berkel, who also designed among other things the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam. Spacious, luxurious and arresting architecture featuring plenty of light was the target aesthetic for the development of the Zilverkade. Although constructed simultaneously, the offices and residential blocks vary in their architectural approach, having been designed by different architects.

Cycle through the Lelystad Nature Park and you might meet our resident red deer, Przewalski horses or even elks; nowhere else can you get up close to these beautiful animals. Lelystad Nature Park is the ultimate location to experience space, peace and quiet and Flevoland’s nature at its very best.