Nowhere will you be more surprised than in the Netherlands' youngest province, Flevoland. A new part of the Netherlands that used to be just water and where we now get to live, work and, above all, enjoy. Flevoland, surprise from the sea.
Surrounded by dykes and 5 metres below sea level is a province where there is still real room for new ideas and you can see that everywhere. From impressive history and typically Dutch regional products to new nature reserves, beautiful architecture, various water sports possibilities and cosy hotspots. If you are looking for spectacular outings or special overnight stays, Flevoland is the place to be. Drop by and be surprised!
You will have lived all your life on an island in the raging Zuiderzee and suddenly be surrounded by new land. That happened to the people of Urk when the first part of Flevoland was reclaimed in the 1940s. But of course, as an islander, you don't just say goodbye to your identity and customs, and so as a visitor to the former island of Urk, you imagine yourself back in time completely: you see people in traditional costume, fish still plays a major role in daily life and you have to be careful not to get lost in the narrow streets, also known as ginkies, Urk is a tourist pearl that is way ahead of Flevoland's history.
More about our water heritage
There is no season when you can't get out and about with the kids in Flevoland. Take autumn: the perfect time for a lovely walk in the woods. The trees turn from green to orange, yellow and red and next to the footpath you will undoubtedly spot various kinds of mushrooms. Want to see more than just the beautiful nature? Then opt for the Waterloopbos, where the children can have a great time on the scale model of the Maasvlakte. Have a nice run and play with water. Afterwards, a mug of hot chocolate at Paviljoen Het Proeflab// and they will be out of your hair....
More about walking
A night in a hotel or a week's camping in Flevoland? Sure, plenty of choice! But Flevoland also abounds in unusual overnight locations. How about a luxury boutique lodge in the middle of a vineyard? Small-scale, so ideal for a romantic weekend away with your loved one. You can unwind here, sipping wine on your own covered veranda in the evening and enjoying a delicious breakfast in bed in the morning. But you can also choose to spend the night in a tree house, in a cabin on a raft or in a sea container. A unique experience that will undoubtedly make your friends jealous. Oh well, they will probably soon be spending a similar night in Flevoland too!
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You can do endless shopping with your girlfriends in Flevoland at various locations, such as Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet or, for example, in the city centre of Almere or Emmeloord. Lunch on the terrace, drinks in one of the beautiful bars and restaurants or cocktails in the skybar on the 16th floor is always a good idea. Flevoland is alive and vibrant!
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As a mother, you are always on the lookout for fun activities where the kids can have maximum fun. How about picking apples or pears at the various fruit farms, watching cheese being made or admiring the lambs? Or explore the aeroplanes in the Aviodrome, have fun at high altitude in climbing forest Fun Forest, go on rollercoasters at Walibi or visit one of the many indoor play paradises.
More about children's activities
Do you love water and the beach? Then you are right at home here. Flevoland is surrounded by water and therefore has beautiful sandy beaches. No long traffic jams on a hot day, but still feel like you are on holiday? Then discover the beautiful, elongated beaches with various catering establishments. Do you prefer to be active together? Then you can indulge in water sports: supping, kite surfing, canoeing or boating. There is plenty to do in and on the water.
More about water sports and beaches
Flevoland may be the youngest province, but a wonderful story of history lies at your feet. There are many places where you can be taken back in time to history. Think museums and the Bataviawerf, but also the shipwrecks that are still scattered under the ground throughout the province. Special see-through panels have also been placed in nature. If you look through these panels, you will see the exact same spot but many years ago. These are not only educational locations but also well worth taking grandpa or grandma out for a visit. Special moments to experience together. Memories last forever!
More about our heritage
Going into nature does not have to be boring at all. Flevoland has many beautiful nature reserves, such as Natuurpark Lelystad, bird paradise Marker Wadden, the Waterloopbos in the Noordoostpolder and of course the National Park Nieuw Land! These include the Oostvaardersplassen, where you can go on safari, and the Lepelaarplassen, where you can spot birds. Take a different approach and discover nature on an e-chopper or fatbike! Besides all the beautiful greenery, Flevoland is full of colour during the months of April and May. Everywhere you will find beautiful tulip fields or picking gardens. Definitely worth going here for beautiful selfies or a bunch of freshly-picked tulips.
More about our nature
Flevoland is full of art objects, just outside in nature and accessible to everyone for free. So you can do a special route that takes you past all the objects, or just drive randomly to one specific object. Boring - no not at all! The artist has obviously done his best to surprise you. You can even walk through some objects, or romantically play a game of hide & seek with your partner! Through the object, a piece of Flevoland's history is told. And did you know that Flevoland won the award for ‘Domestic Travel Destination of the Year’ at the end of 2022 - partly thanks to this impressive land art?
More about our land art
Be surprised and discover the diversity of our youngest province. Want more inspiration for a day out or stay for a whole weekend? Then go to our home page for more tips, special locations and beautiful routes. Flevoland, surprise from the sea.
