Oostvaardersplassen Almere

Anyone who thinks of endless meadows when they think of Flevoland has never been to Oostvaardersplassen. Wild deer, horses and cattle graze in the rugged nature between Almere and Lelystad. This is the place to city-detox and feel at one with nature.

The Oostvaardersplassen

Grass, water, marsh and forest. You can find it all in the Oostvaardersplassen. The nature reserve has an area of 11,200 football fields - sickly big, in other words. Oostvaardersplassen is part of an even much larger nature reserve, National Park Nieuw Land. This Netherlands' newest national park is protected and managed by the Forestry Commission. Unleash your inner Freek Vonk and go in search of wild animals and special plants.

Large grazers

The grass of Oostvaardersplassen is cut by wild Heck cattle and Konik horses. The red deer, roe deer, foxes and other wild animals also have a nice dinner. A day visiting Oostvaardersplassen is not unlike a day of Netflix. One moment a herd is eating in peace, the next moment a fight breaks out between two stallions. Action enough.

In spring, young animals here take their first steps right after birth. We human babies could learn a thing or two from that. In autumn, fortunately, the babies are bigger, because that is when the 16+ activities start. Excited stags compete against each other. With a low primal noise, they try to impress the females and their rivals are hammered until they drop off. The winning male mounts the female and becomes the father of the cute young deer born after a cold winter. Then the whole circle starts all over again.

Bird-watching

At the Oostvaardersplassen you see them flying. Big birds, small birds, shy birds, noisy birds. The population of winged inhabitants of Oostvaardersplassen is as diverse as the human population in Almere. Some birds live there permanently, others come only to breed or hibernate.

Do you see a large bird gliding through the air? Then you have probably met the bald eagle. This big guy can grow up to 2.4 metres wide from wingtip to wingtip. For your information: that's a door height plus a ruler and then some more.

Other birds smaller, but no less impressive. Who knows, you might see a blue flash shooting across the water (kingfisher) or a big black bird with its wings wide sunbathing on a dead tree (cormorant). There are plenty of rare specimens flying around here, so don't forget your bird guide or app and binoculars.

Visitor centre

Where to start your safari in the Oostvaardersplassen? Near Almere, you will find Natuurbelevingcentrum De Oostvaarders. You'll find a 'crow's nest' with binoculars and a pavilion with snacks and drinks at the Nature Experience Centre.

Tip: go on safari from the Nature Experience Centre with the forest ranger in an ecocar. A sustainable and silent way to discover the nature reserve without walking or cycling.

Hiking in the Oostvaardersplassen

Want to learn more about Oostvaardersplassen, but don't feel like going out in a group with a guide? Then follow the Walking Route Kotterbos, where you learn all about the landscapes you encounter via a free app. The route is 7.5 kilometres long and there are plenty of benches along the way where you can relax. Prefer shorter hikes? Three routes of up to three kilometres long start at the Nature Experience Centre.

For the 'die hard' hikers, there is the Hans Prins Route. The 20.6-kilometre route takes you through the nature reserves and forests of Almere Buiten as well as the city's unique urban design. Drink a craft beer on a terrace among the locals or picnic in the oasis of peace outside the city.

Even more fun: An outdoor Escape Route! The Escape Route Nieuw Land is a mix between an Escape Room and a walk through nature. Definitely recommended!

Biking in the Oostvaardersplassen

From Natuurbelevingcentrum De Oostvaarders, you can cycle around the Oostvaardersplassen in about two hours. Follow the junctions of Rondje Oostvaardersplassen and feed your brain for 32 kilometres with green views. Park your bike on the shoulder of the road and look out over the plain for wildlife.

With the kids on an adventure

Take your kids on an adventure in the Oostvaardersplassen. Go in search of the big five or take a child-friendly walk. At the Nature Experience Centre, kids can come face to face with (stuffed) animals and see their bones. Watch an interactive film together to learn all about nature and shop a nice souvenir for home in the shop.

More information about the area and current activities can be found at www.ovpalmere.nl