Oostvaardersplassen
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![]( "© Provincie Flevoland")
© Provincie Flevoland
An unexpected surprise
The Oostvaardersplassen reserve proves that nature at its most beautiful can arise in truly unexpected places. Originally pencilled in as an industrial zone, today it is an area where tens of thousands of birds land to rest and feed or find a breeding and nesting ground. You can also come across animals such as wild cattle, horses and red deer here.
History
Edelherten in de mist in de Oostvaardersplassen
© Staatsbosbeheer
Remarkable origins
The Oostvaardersplassen reserve’s history is a recent one, only extending back as far as 1968 when large pools of water remained in the newly created Flevopolder. This was initially intended as an industrial zone, however it turned out that there wasn’t any real demand for such. It was subsequently decided to scatter the marshy land with reed seeds and let nature take its course. This is how the new land eventually became a new ‘wilderness’.
Bird flight path
Zilverreiger in de Oostvaardersplassen
© StaatsbosbeheerGrand area
Tens of thousands of birds opt to rest or breed here in an area where you can also come into eye to eye contact with wild cattle, horses and red deer. Even in broad daylight foxes ply their opportunist ‘trade’. The space, the peace and quiet and the ample availability of nutritional riches prove a magnet to the ever-increasing number of different species that are attracted here.
Tips
On an adventure
Five tips on how to discover the various areas – not all freely accessible - of the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve:
- Set off on your own to explore via one of the walking, cycle or all-terrain bike routes
- Roam the Oostvaardersplassen reserve on a guided tour
- Discover and enjoy the environment at one of the many observation points
- Go on a 'safari' with a forestry guide
- Enjoy the food and drink available in one of the two visitor centres
With children
For children
- Walk the animal lovers’ path
- Dig out your knapsack and walk the goblin path
- Sweep the area by telescope or binoculars from the visitor centre
- Do the Oostvaardersplassen forester code expedition
- And finally: become an Oostvaardersplassen assistant forester
Groups
Hertenroedel in de Oostvaardersplassen met gele lucht vanwege de ondergaande zon.
© Staatsbosbeheer
Bezoekers in de Oostvaardersplassen.
© Provincie FlevolandHeading out with groups
Organising a meeting in the De Oostvaarders outdoor centre, on safari with a forestry guide or an excursion with an eco-cart are just a couple of the possible options. For a full list of the possibilities, contact one of the two outdoor centres.
More informationOostvaardersplassen gateways
Natuurbelevingcentrum de Oostvaarders in Almere is de perfecte plek om een ontdekkingstocht naar de Oostvaardersplassen te beginnen.
© StaatsbosbeheerAlmere gateway
Buitencentrum Oostvaardersplassen is het startpunt voor een ontdekkingsreis door de Oostvaardersplassen. Er starten verschillende wandel- en fietsroutes, tal van excursies en andere activiteiten. In het bezoekerscentrum is ook horeca te vinden met een weids uitzicht over de plassen vanaf het terras.
© Staatsbosbeheer