City break to Almere

Almere is a young city where there is plenty to do. Close to the Randstad, yet surrounded by beautiful nature. With special accommodation in unique locations and sustainable restaurants for delicious and conscious dining out. All the ingredients for a 'second city' city trip in the Netherlands if you ask me. This year, like many others, I will skip the faraway destinations and opt for a holiday in my own country. No city break in Bilbao or Bordeaux, but 'just' in Almere. My weekend bag is already ready.

Everyone loves an underdog
I myself have been to Almere several times and the city surprises me every time. Almere is often seen as the underdog among Dutch cities and, as a city break destination, has to compete with popular cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. A pity if you ask me, because Almere is a good alternative to overcrowded Amsterdam.

During a City Walk, you can discover the city of Almere for yourself in a fun way. But there is more. For anyone who, like me, also loves going off the beaten track in their own country, I have written a blog about my favourite places in Almere. Just put the following experiences on your wishlist.

1. Nature reserves in Almere

My favourite kind of city break is one where you can alternate culture with nature. Think city and beach, or just city and forest. Alternating life with silence. A city break in Almere gets a tick on my mental checklist for this, because the city is surrounded by forests and nature reserves. Think of the Oostvaardersplassen, the Lepelaarplassen and perhaps the nicest one in Almere: Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan.

Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan
The Stadslandgoed feels like Almere's lively and educational backyard. The nature reserve is located in the middle of Almere's Stadsbossen. This nature reserve feels a bit like a Dutch jungle with lots of deciduous trees, lianas of honeysuckle and wild woodland vine. The estate also has a jungle, climbing forest, catering facilities and many events.

Walk with the forester
At the Stadslandgoed, you can set off with the forest ranger to discover local nature via Buitencentrum Almeerderhout. For example, you can look for beaver tracks together. But even without a forester, a walk on the estate is ideal to clear your head.

Organic farmers' market and brewery
Should you be in Almere at the weekend, stop by the organic Stadsboerderij on the estate for the Farmers' Market. Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm in the farm's barn. I have spent hours standing here smelling, tasting and chatting with the local entrepreneurs. Truly everything at the market is organic and with a story. What I like to do is pick something up at each stall, then stop by the City Brewery on the estate and voila: a good reason to plant myself including a picnic blanket in the middle of the forest.

Finally, you cannot leave Kemphaan without learning more about Animal Park Almere Jungle. Based on the estate, this foundation has made room for exotic animals and plants.

Neighbours Kitchen

In the Nobelhorst neighbourhood, you'll find Neighbours Kitchen, a cosy and urban eatery. Here you experience a huge living room feel. It is a place to meet and celebrate life with tasty original dishes, traditional coffee and worldly music. At Neighbours Kitchen, quality and attention are paramount. You will receive a personal and warm welcome here. The café was born from a lifestyle and built with a mission. A place where cultures are embraced and where plant-based food really becomes a taste experience in the world's cuisine on offer.

Editor's note: Neighbours Kitchen is temporarily closed. Looking for a vegan alternative? Check this blog for our tips.

3. Special overnight stay in a yurt

When I stay overnight somewhere, I prefer to do so in a unique place with a positive impact. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation options in Almere that meet this wish. This makes a weekend away in my own country extra special.

My favourite overnight spot in Almere is the yurt at Natuurcamping de Kemphaan. It's a chance to go completely back-to-basic for a while, back to yourself. But what exactly is a yurt? Officially, a yurt is a traditional round tent, normally used by itinerant nomads. But nowadays, these photogenic sleeping spots are occasionally put up in the middle of Dutch nature.

In short, a mini holiday in Almere is anything but ordinary. Don't underestimate the underdog - stay in a special place, enjoy local produce and unwind in the beauty of Almere. Write these tips on your bucket list and go - as soon as you can again - enjoy your mini holiday in Almere. Have fun discovering!

Love,

Tessa
Guest blogger Honeyguide

About Honeyguide
This guest blog was written by a Honeyguide guest blogger. Honeyguide promotes travel and leisure with a positive impact. The Netherlands has countless hidden gems that all contribute to a more beautiful, fair and sustainable world.

On Heyhoneyguide.com, honeyguides like Tessa highlight these places and experiences. Using the UN's sustainability goals, Honeyguide makes it easy to make conscious choices. Visit Heyhoneyguide.com for tips from honeyguides on their favourite slowspots in the Netherlands and go on holiday at home.

Do you always know how to find all the unique places, off the beaten track? Share your tips and become a honeyguide yourself.