· NL

Flevoland

Flevoland, Netherlands

Rise from the Waves and Explore the Wonder of Flevoland! Imagine a land literally claimed from the sea, a testament to human ingenuity and a playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike. That's Flevoland, the Nethe…

#polder landscape#man-made land#water management#agriculture#windmills

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Flevoland.

Top Hotels in Flevoland

Top Flights to Flevoland

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Flevoland.

Tours

Exploring the Oostvaardersplassen

This nature reserve is one of the best places for bird watching and exploring pristine wetlands in the Netherlands.

Flevonice Ice Skating Centre

Visit the unique outdoor ice skating rink that offers various winter activities.

Shopping

Shopping at Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet

Experience a day of shopping at this famous fashion outlet featuring over 250 international and local brands at discounted prices.

Outdoor

Windy Korveta Excursion

An adventurous outdoor activity that takes you windsurfing along the coast of Flevoland.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Flevoland.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Flevoland, Netherlands, is '0.4 million'.

Languages

Dutch, Dutch

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Flevoland.

What people love

Flevoland is a unique province in the Netherlands known for its innovative land reclamation projects and modern, planned cities. Here are some pros of traveling to Flevoland:

Unique Landscape: Flevoland is a polder landscape, which means that it was once underwater and has been reclaimed from the sea. This makes for a unique and fascinating landscape that is different from other regions in the Netherlands.
Modern Architecture: The cities in Flevoland, such as Almere and Lelystad, are known for their modern and innovative architecture. You can explore unique buildings, public art installations, and urban planning concepts that are not commonly found in other parts of the country.
Outdoor Activities: Flevoland offers a variety of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and water sports. There are numerous nature reserves, parks, and recreational areas where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Cultural Attractions: Flevoland is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural institutions that showcase the history and heritage of the province. You can learn about the engineering feats that reclaimed the land, as well as the art and culture of the region.
Accessibility: Flevoland is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to travel to and within the province. It is also conveniently located near major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Zwolle, making it a great base for exploring the rest of the Netherlands.

Overall, traveling to Flevoland offers a unique and memorable experience, with a blend of modern architecture, natural beauty, and cultural attractions to explore.

(Note: Some specific details may vary, so it's recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before planning a trip to Flevoland.)

What to know

Traveling to Flevoland in the Netherlands does not have many cons, but here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Lack of historical sites: Flevoland is a relatively new province in the Netherlands, consisting mostly of reclaimed land. As a result, it lacks the historical charm and cultural attractions found in other regions of the country.
Limited public transportation: Flevoland is known for its modern infrastructure, but public transportation options within the province may be limited compared to more established areas like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the region effectively.
Potential for bad weather: Being a low-lying area, Flevoland is susceptible to inclement weather conditions, including strong winds and rain. Travelers should be prepared for changing weather patterns, especially if visiting during the winter months.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Flevoland is more known for its natural landscapes and outdoor activities rather than its nightlife scene. If you're looking for a vibrant nightlife or a wide range of entertainment options, you may need to travel to nearby cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht.

Overall, Flevoland offers a unique experience with its modern architecture, expansive polders, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Consider these factors when planning your trip to ensure it aligns with your preferences and expectations.

Flevoland is a province in the Netherlands that has a unique history, as it is one of the youngest provinces in the country, created through human ingenuity and engineering. Here is a detailed history of Flevoland:

Early History

Zuiderzee: Before Flevoland was created, the area was part of the Zuiderzee, a large shallow inlet of the North Sea, which was notorious for its storms and frequent flooding of the surrounding lands.

The Zuiderzee Works

Early 20th Century: Due to frequent flooding and the desire to create more arable land, the Dutch government initiated the Zuiderzee Works. This was an ambitious engineering project aimed at converting parts of the Zuiderzee into usable land.
1918: The Dutch parliament passed the Zuiderzee Act, which set the stage for the construction of a series of dams and polders to reclaim land from the sea.

Creation of Flevoland

1932 - Afsluitdijk Completion: The Afsluitdijk, a major dam separating the Zuiderzee from the North Sea, was completed, transforming the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer, a freshwater lake.
1940s-1960s - Polder Creation: The construction of polders (reclaimed land) began. The first major polder, the Noordoostpolder, was completed in 1942.
1957 - Eastern Flevoland: The second polder, Eastern Flevoland (Oostelijk Flevoland), was completed.
1968 - Southern Flevoland: The third polder, Southern Flevoland (Zuidelijk Flevoland), was completed.

Formation of the Province

1986 - Official Province: Flevoland was officially established as a province of the Netherlands. It is composed of three main polders: Noordoostpolder, Oostelijk Flevoland, and Zuidelijk Flevoland.

Significant Cities and Towns

Lelystad: The capital of Flevoland, named after Cornelis Lely, the engineer who played a pivotal role in the Zuiderzee Works. Lelystad was established in the late 1960s and officially became a city in 1980.
Almere: One of the fastest-growing cities in the Netherlands, Almere was established in 1976 and has developed rapidly due to its proximity to Amsterdam.
Emmeloord: The main settlement in the Noordoostpolder, Emmeloord serves as the administrative center of the polder.

Important Landmarks

Bataviawerf: A shipyard and museum in Lelystad where historical ships like the Batavia, a 17th-century Dutch East India Company ship, have been reconstructed.
Oostvaardersplassen: A nature reserve situated between Lelystad and Almere, known for its wildlife and unique ecosystems developed on reclaimed land.
Schokland: A former island in the Zuiderzee, Schokland is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the region's history of human habitation and struggle against the sea.

Modern Developments

Flevoland continues to develop as an important agricultural and residential area in the Netherlands, contributing significantly to the country's economy through farming and housing developments.

Flevoland’s creation is a testament to the Dutch expertise in water management and land reclamation. The province is a blend of natural beauty and modern engineering, reflecting both its recent history and ongoing development.