New Land
The story of the Netherlands’ ‘new land’ is unique. For centuries the people of Holland waged a war against the water using dikes, dams and impoldering. They won the battle for the Zuiderzee by reclaiming more than 1,800 square kilometres of land, thus creating Flevoland, the world’s largest polder, on average around 5 metres below sea level. The remarkable history, a unique nature reserve, the modern architecture, the little beaches and the opportunities for indulging in watersports provide enough reasons to take a closer look at this new land.
Lelystad
Would you like to know more about how Flevoland was created? Museum Nieuw Land (‘New Land’) in Lelystad tells the story of the greatest impoldering project of all time. Lelystad is Flevoland’s capital city and is known throughout the world for the Bataviawerf (‘Batavia Wharf’), where a reconstruction of the Dutch East India Company’s ship Batavia from 1628 can be viewed all year round.
Stroll around the decks and dangle in the rigging of this richly decorated wooden ship.
At present, work is being done on the reconstruction of the 17th-century warship De 7 Provinciën (‘The 7 Provinces’), one of the greatest historic shipbuilding projects in the world. For the fashionistas among you the neighbouring Batavia Stad (‘Batavia City’) is one to recommend – an outlet shopping centre with lots of major clothing brands, bringing in some two million visitors each year.
Oostvaardersplassen
Over the years – quite unexpectedly – a unique nature reserve has developed: the Oostvaardersplassen (‘Oostvarder Lakes’). A protected marshland area and winter migration area for birds where nature is allowed to do its thing unhindered. Birdwatching, an excursion to see the trotting red deer or a photo safari to see the big grazers – nature lovers really come into their own here.
Almere
Still only thirty years young, Almere is Flevoland’s largest city. It is a so-called New Town – a city that was planned and built from nothing. And so it’s a feast for lovers of modern architecture. In the magazine Travel+Leisure appeared a great article on Almere's amazing architecture. What’s unique about the new land is that, for all its entertainment, the modern city still complements nature entirely. Wherever you look there’s water and the views are stunning. Combine this with culture, shopping and a terrace in the sun and you have the recipe for a perfect holiday.
Tourist Information
VVV Almere
Stadhuispromenade 1
tel: (+31) (0)36-5485041
www.vvvalmere.nl
VVV Lelystad
De Promesse 4
8232 VX Lelystad
Tel:(+31)(0) 320-276627
www.vvvlelystad.nl
info@vvvlelystad.nl
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