Historic Lelystad
Working Island Lelystad was the first inhabited part of the not yet reclaimed Eastern Flevoland, now part of the Lelystad-Haven district. An island, Parcel P, in the middle of the IJsselmeer, was the starting point for dike construction around the new polder in 1950. Barracks were built for dike and polder workers, initially made of wood. The second barracks became stone buildings.
The inhabitants of the labour camp led an isolated existence; namely, on an island in the IJsselmeer. Workers took wives and children with them and the island was supplied by boat. Many women went by boat to Harderwijk every Saturday morning to do their shopping. When the IJsselmeer froze over in 1954, a helicopter had to bring supplies to the camp.
In October 1954, th…
Historic Lelystad
Working Island Lelystad was the first inhabited part of the not yet reclaimed Eastern Flevoland, now part of the Lelystad-Haven district. An island, Parcel P, in the middle of the IJsselmeer, was the starting point for dike construction around the new polder in 1950. Barracks were built for dike and polder workers, initially made of wood. The second barracks became stone buildings.
The inhabitants of the labour camp led an isolated existence; namely, on an island in the IJsselmeer. Workers took wives and children with them and the island was supplied by boat. Many women went by boat to Harderwijk every Saturday morning to do their shopping. When the IJsselmeer froze over in 1954, a helicopter had to bring supplies to the camp.
In October 1954, the Knardijk was closed, creating a direct connection to Harderwijk. The ring dyke of Eastern Flevoland was closed in September 1956, and the polder fell dry in June 1957. The first inhabitants of Lelystad arrived until 1967; until that tide, Lelystad consisted only of this working island.
Working Island Lelystad is now part of the Lelystad-Haven district. You can tell a difference by the age and architecture as the stone camp is still largely standing. The old working harbour is now a marina.
TIP: B&B De Pionier
On Werkeiland, you'll find Bed & Breakfast De Pionier in one of the former work houses.
