Flevoland is the youngest of the Netherlands' twelve provinces, and it is entirely made of land reclaimed from the sea. Lying in the middle of the country, it is a flat, open landscape of polders, farmland, water and wide skies. For a visitor, it offers a clear view of how Dutch engineers have shaped the country's ground over the centuries.
A landscape built from the sea
The province was created by draining and filling former seabed, so its geography is a direct result of the country's long struggle with water. Much of what you see from a road or a cycle path is recent reclaimed ground, laid out in straight lines of fields, ditches and dikes. Visitors interested in engineering, land planning or the Netherlands' relationship with water will find the province a useful place to see these ideas on the ground.
Places to visit
- Almere is the province's main modern city. Its planned neighbourhoods and new architecture make it a good stop for anyone curious about how new towns are built on reclaimed land.
- Batavialand is a museum focused on prehistory, a theme that suits a region whose landscape is so young. It offers a different perspective on how people lived on these lands long before the polders existed.
- Nature reserves cover large areas of the province. Because the land is new, these reserves show how wetlands, reed beds and open water have developed into fresh ecosystems, which can be rewarding for birdwatchers and walkers.
Planning a visit
Flevoland suits a slower kind of trip. Plan a day or two to combine a city stop in Almere with time in the countryside and a visit to Batavialand. Most of the province is flat and easy to explore on foot or by bike. Check the opening times of individual sites before you travel, as these can vary by season.
