't Dok
Just a wingspan away from Amsterdam, between Almere and Lelystad, lies a vast and surprising natural area: Nieuw Land National Park. A varied, water-rich landscape that is constantly changing. Space for young delta nature forms the foundation for a true bird paradise: rare bird species feel at home here, and species that once disappeared from the Netherlands have returned. Nieuw Land National Park tells the typical story of land reclaimed from water, how the impoldering of the Zuiderzee created both new land and new nature. No other national park in or outside the Netherlands tells such a story.
Every visit is different, but always an experience.
Welcome to the nature of Almere
Almere, a new city located close to Amsterdam, has a remarkable origin story. It lies in Southern Flevoland, which was reclaimed from the sea in 1968. Back then, it was no more than a marshy landscape full of water. In the decades since, it has grown into a city with over 200,000 residents.
Almere was originally designed as a "garden city." This means residential areas are interspersed with greenery, water, parks, and unique new nature. This ensures that residents are always close to nature.
The municipality of Almere is developing two areas within Nieuw Land National Park. The first area, Poort Oostvaardersplassen Almere, stretches along the side of the Oostvaardersplassen, from the Vaartplas to the Oostvaardersdijk. Visitors and recreational users are welcome here to enjoy the nature without disturbing it.The municipality is also working to enhance the visitor experience of the Lepelaarplassen.
In the area of the park near Almere, you can enjoy nature by walking, cycling or boating. Just a short distance from the city, Poort Oostvaardersplassen Almere and the quieter but stunning Lepelaarplassen area, including the Lepelaarplassen, Wilgenbos, Wilgeneiland, and Vaartsluisbos, offer countless ways to explore nature.
Management
Kotterbos
The Kotterbos is a young polder forest on fertile marine clay. While some areas were allowed to develop naturally after the land was reclaimed, the vast majority of the forest was planted with young trees and shrubs starting in the 1980s.
Thanks to the nutrient-rich soil, the growth rate is enormous. Poplars in particular have thrived, and many of them are already reaching the end of their lifespan after 40 years. The naturally developed areas mainly consist of willows and elderberry bushes. The thick moss around the trees gives the forest a fairytale-like atmosphere.
In winter, part of the Kotterbos is closed to allow for wildlife management and rest. The western part remains accessible year-round and is perfect for a mountain bike ride or a nice walk.
If you're up for a longer walk, a visit to Natuurbelevingcentrum De Oostvaarders is definitely worthwhile. The coffee or hot chocolate, as well as the snacks and lunch served there, will be well earned.
Connecting
People and nature in the Metropolitan Region
Nieuw Land National Park lies between Almere and Lelystad, just a stone’s throw from the Amsterdam metropolitan area. It is a large and surprising nature reserve where nature takes centre stage, but where visitors are also very welcome.
The park’s nature contributes to the health and well-being of the entire Amsterdam metropolitan region. As a leisure destination, but also as a place where society actively contributes to improving nature. Many volunteers work in the park to explain how nature functions and how we as people (can) contribute.
As a diverse leisure destination, the national park contributes to an attractive environment for residents, education, and businesses.
Typical
Golden Oriole
The Kotterbos is the place to hear the golden oriole. Spotting it is rare. Despite its striking yellow and black plumage, it easily stays hidden in the dense canopy of tall poplars. The relatively young forests of Flevoland have positively influenced the golden oriole population. The bird can be heard in the Netherlands between April and August, with the best chance in May and June. Take a walk through the forest on one of the many trails, listen carefully, and try to distinguish the characteristic ‘dudeljoo’ from the other forest sounds.
