Flevoland is the youngest province of the Netherlands, created from the Zuiderzee in the 20th century. Its reclaimed land stretches across polders, lakes and wide open skies. Offering a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Travelers can enjoy scenic open drives and cycling routes.
The province is home to modern towns like Lelystad and Almere, which blend contemporary architecture with green spaces. Flevoland is also a haven for nature lovers: Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve features wetlands, grasslands plus wildlife such as red deer, Konik horses and countless bird species.
Flevoland’s history is a story of human ingenuity. Engineers and planners turned the Zuiderzee into fertile land, creating a province that celebrates both innovation and the beauty of Dutch water management. Flevoland offers a road trip experience through a land built by human hands.
Flevoland highlights
- Bataviawerf Explore the history of Flevoland and see a replica of the 17th-century Batavia ship. Visit the Batavia yard where the ship was reconstructed.
- Tulip Island Off the coast of Zeewolde, you'll find a man-made island in the shape of a tulip. Easy to reach by car. The island is accessible from the mainland and also has a beach connected to it, Lanterstrand. Great spot for a quick stop and an unique walk on the island.
- Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve A unique wetland with grasslands, lakes and marshes. Home to red deer, Konik horses and a variety of bird species. Ideal for cycling, walking and wildlife spotting.
- Marker Wadden A new island project in Markermeer focused on nature and wildlife. You can hike, watch birds and enjoy relaxing views of the dunes.
- Schokland Once an island in the Zuiderzee, it was abandoned in the 19th century due to frequent flooding. Once an island in the Zuiderzee. Walking or cycling around Schokland offers a sense of history, open landscapes and the extraordinary human achievement of transforming water into land.
- Almere A modern city known for its innovative architecture, waterfronts, and cultural venues. Perfect for a mix of urban exploration and contemporary Dutch design.
The local Four
History of Flevoland
Flevoland is the Netherlands’ youngest province, officially established in 1986. The area was once part of the Zuiderzee, a shallow inland sea that shaped Dutch history for centuries. In the 20th century, the ambitious project 'Zuiderzee Works' turned the sea into fertile land. Creating polders through dikes, drainage and reclamation projects. This engineering feat is considered one of the greatest examples of Dutch ingenuity and water management.
The reclaimed land gave birth to new towns like Lelystad and Almere, built from scratch with modern planning and design. Old fishing villages such as Urk were connected to the mainland, preserving maritime culture while embracing new development. Schokland, once an island in the Zuiderzee, became a symbol of human resilience and adaptation.