Nature
A visit to the Oostvaardersplassen Lakes is an introduction to the Netherlands as it was thousands of years ago.
Oostvaardersplassen
A visit to the Oostvaardersplassen Lakes is an introduction to the Netherlands as it was thousands of years ago. It is an untouched swamp area with vast expanses of water and wild grasslands. Nature is still left to run its natural course here. It is a unique spot in the Netherlands and Europe. Numerous birds have settled in Oostvaardersplassen. The National Forest Service in the Netherlands has meanwhile granted visitors limited access to the area, yet the centre of the area can only be visited under guidance of a forester. This part is the scene of themed excursions. Photo safaris, during which a bus will take you to the large grazers that are local to the area, are also frequently organised. You can register for these and other activities at the visitor centre.
Kitsweg 1 (near Knardijk/railway viaduct), +31 (0)320-254585, www.staatsbosbeheer.nl
Nature Reserve Park Lelystad
Would you like to come face to face with a herd of Przewalski horses or view wild boar in their habitat? The Lelystad Nature Reserve (Natuurpark Lelystad) offers you the opportunity to discover numerous animal species in beautiful surroundings. To some threatened species, The Lelystad Nature Reserve is a vital link to life in the wild. It also offers an extensive network of foot and cycle paths with various picnic spots.
The park has a visitor center where information regarding excursions and certain package deals are on offer. There is also a restaurant as well as a shop which offers bicycles for hire and organized search adventures.
Vlotgras 11, +31(0)320-286111, www.flevolandschap.nl
Zuigerplasbos
This forest has been realised as a park-like area around Zuigerplas Lake in Lelystad. The lake is surrounded by trees, bushes, and grasslands. It is a lovely place for hiking, cycling, fishing (permit required) and includes a cooper track. Off-road cyclists can also indulge themselves here.
Hollandse Hout
Hollandse Hout woodlands measures approximately 900 ha and is situated on the south side of the city, next to the Oostvaardersplassen Lakes. Here you can find two different hiking routes, the appelvink route (2.5 km) and the wielewaal route (5 km). A continuous cycling route is situated next to it. The Hollandse Hout woodlands also include a forest reserve where nature is left to run its course without human intervention. An educative care farm De Huif organises covered wagon trips through Hollandse Hout.
Larserbos
Larserbos forest is situated where the village of Larsen was planned for construction in the original Flevoland development plan (1959). The forest offers many recreational opportunities, including three small lakeside beaches, sunbathing and playing fields and foot and cycle paths. The forest is adjacent to the Larservaart: an important ecological waterway connection within Flevoland.
Knarbos
Knarbos (approx. 500 ha) is a highly varied forest situated at the Vogelweg and Knardijk junction. The centre has an open character with a large lake. It is home to a herd of grazing Icelandic ponies. Frogs, toads and salamanders feel at home in this wetland, which was created especially for them. The area can be perfectly explored by bicycle across well-maintained shell paths. The hiking route marked out in yellow also provides a good idea of what the forest is like.
Overijsselse Hout
Overijsselse Hout is situated northeast of the city. A large number of hiking routes have been set out in this forest, such as the Evert Vermeer route. There is a 22.5 km bridle route that continues up to Hollandse Hout. The facilities also include a training circuit.
Gelderse Hout
Gelderse Hout is highly suitable for brisk walking. It includes a 2.5 kilometre track (Henkepad). Gelderse Hout also has a pinetum: a live collection of pine trees and spruces. Thanks to that setup, Gelderse Hout is the scene of a large variety of tree species.
Houtribbos
The oldest Ash-Elms polder forest in the Netherlands is situated north of Lelystad, enclosed by Houtribweg and IJsselmeerdijk. The forest is characterised as floristic. Hiking and cycling are a real joy here.
Visvijverbos
The Visvijverbos, situated north of the city and split by the A6 motorway, is a reasonably untouched forest with limited foot and cycle paths. It is named after the former fishponds of the Inland Fishing Organisation, situated near the Flevo Centre. The ponds were closed due to the nuisance caused by cormorants that came here for their daily meal.
Flevo Landscape
Flevo Landscape is the private nature conservancy organisation for the entire province. Its main objective is the preservation, protection and development of nature in the province of Flevoland. Its main and most famous areas of natural beauty are the Lepelaarplassen Lakes near Almere, Nature Reserve Park Lelystad and the world heritage Schokland Island. Another special nature conservation area managed by the Flevo Landscape is ‘t Zand A73 in Lelystad north. You can visit Flevo Landscape for group excursions, children’s parties, and individual participation in excursions or to simply enjoy a stroll around the beautiful surroundings. Flevo Landscape has an information centre within the Nature Reserve Park Lelystad.
Vlotgrasweg 11, +31 (0)320-286111, www.flevo-landschap.nl
