2000 - First pile of the castle

The first pile for Kasteel Almere goes into the ground in 2000. The design for this castle is based on the 13th-century Belgian castle Jemeppe in Hargimont. To date, it is a recognisable shell near the A6 and not yet completed.

In the same year, archaeological research uncovers three Stone Age settlements and a burial ground (5300 BC).

In May 2000, Queen Beatrix visits the newly opened Asylum Seekers' Centre in Almere. Almere grows in population from 142,797 to over 150,000 inhabitants.