Lepelaarplassen
The Lepelaarplassen reserve, part of the Nieuw Land National Park, is a prime example of pioneering nature. South Flevoland was reclaimed from the sea and finally declared dry in 1968. It was dedicated as nature reserve in 1971. A paradise for water birds and marsh birds alike, the reserve includes pools and lakes, reed lands and wet grasslands. It is also an attractive area for landlubbers to go walking or cycling.
Bird-rich meadows

Lepelaar in water met vis in bek in de Lepelaarplassen. De Lepelaarplassen zijn een natuurgebied van ongeveer 500 hectare gelegen aan het Markermeer bij Almere in de provincie Flevoland.
© Stichting Flevo-Landschap - Herbert Jan Koopman
Bever in het water van de Lepelaarplassen. De Lepelaarplassen zijn een natuurgebied van ongeveer 500 hectare gelegen aan het Markermeer bij Almere in de provincie Flevoland.
© Stichting Flevo-Landschap - Ernst DirksenEvery day is different!
Large numbers of birds arrive at the Lepelaarplassen reserve to breed, build nests and raise their young. The ditches, pools and ponds here are awash with thousands of sticklebacks, frogs and large water insects: ideal feeding opportunities for great white egrets, grey herons, spoonbills and bitterns. The gnawed stumps of trees also provide plenty of evidence of beavers hard at work in the area. Every day is different!
Bird spotting“ There’s always something to experience here throughout the year ”
Don’t forget your wellies!

De Lepelaarplassen zijn een natuurgebied van ongeveer 500 hectare gelegen aan het Markermeer bij Almere in de provincie Flevoland.
© Flevolandschap
De Lepelaarplassen zijn een natuurgebied van ongeveer 500 hectare gelegen aan het Markermeer bij Almere in de Nederlandse provincie Flevoland.
© Herbert Jan KoopmanThe best tips
Five tips for discovering the Lepelaarplassen reserve:
- On foot: the Lepelaarplassen walking route (12 km)
- Get on your bike and tour through Pampushout and Lepelaarplassen (17 km)
- Walk the backpack route with the kids through the Wilgenbos woods
- Explore the environment from the various observation huts
- For all the latest information, visit the De Trekvogel visitor centre
Observation huts


Grab your binoculars!
There are various observation huts dotting the cycle path circling the Lepelaarplassen reserve, which offer excellent views out over the area.
Have a look at the various observation huts