It is not your fault if you have not walked or biked much these past few weeks. Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be distracting, and those cold, damp days are not exactly inviting. But this coming weekend, you can turn things around. The forecast calls for a dry day with occasional sunshine. So, if you enjoy spending time in nature, get off the couch and walk, bike, or visit the Oostvaardersplassen.
History
It is a young area, formed after the draining of the Flevo polders (1950–1968). The reserve has both wet and dry sections. The dry section is maintained by large grazers (cattle, horses, and red deer) and small grazers (primarily geese).
It is also a controversial nature reserve due to its management. A few years ago, the deaths of wild animals in the Oostvaardersplassen sparked a heated public debate. In 2018, there were widespread protests over what activists saw as an unacceptably high mortality rate among large grazers. Under public pressure, the province of Flevoland instructed Staatsbosbeheer to feed the animals during food shortages.
If you want to learn more about the history and development of the Oostvaardersplassen, check out Eline Smeets’ publication, The Oostvaardersplassen: ‘Making Space’ (for) Wilderness. (Maastricht University).
What is it where you can walk, bike, visit the Oostvaardersplassen?
The Oostvaardersplassen is part of the National Park Nieuw Land.
It is a vast swamp area with reed plains, rugged grasslands, ponds, and surrounding forests—a true bird paradise.
The area is home to around 30 important bird species, including rare ones like the bittern and little egret, as well as common species such as the gray goose.
You can make use of the lookouts you’ll encounter along the way.
Practical
Oostvaardersplassen, Outdoor Center
Kitsweg 1
8218 AA Lelystad
The Outdoor Center is difficult to reach by public transport. OV bicycles can be rented at the NS station in Lelystad.
Numerous walking and cycling routes start here, along with excursions and other activities. You can take a tour ranging from 1 to 12 km (about 0.6 to 7.5 miles), each with a unique point of interest.
You can find walking routes here.
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays (November to March: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
The Center is accessible for the disabled (toilet available). A wheelchair-friendly route, the Sea Eagle Route, starts here. This route is closed every winter from early January to early April.
Bonus Tips
- For broadcast enthusiasts: The TV tower of Lelystad is nearby, a striking landmark for media and technology fans.
- For gardening lovers: The area boasts a rich variety of plants, offering inspiration and opportunities to spot unique species. And do you know you can admire bulb fields in Flevoland (around April)
- For fishing enthusiasts: Don’t miss Tom’s Creek, the largest fishing park in the Netherlands—perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
- For history buffs: Explore Batavia Stad, a shopping village near Lelystad that’s styled after the 17th century, or visit the Batavialand museum to learn about the region’s maritime history.
- For wildlife photographers: The Oostvaardersplassen is a paradise for capturing stunning images of birds, large grazers, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Enjoy your visit
more weekend tips here.
