Oostvaardersplassen Almere

Looking around

The Oostvaardersplassen is a special marshy region between Almere and Lelystad. Thousands of geese and waterfowl live here, alongside Heck cattle, Konik horses, red deer and foxes. Start a great walking or bicycle excursion from the De Oostvaarders Nature Experience Centre and enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant. Spot the animals in their habitat with the binoculars on hand or go out in the company of a forest ranger. With a bit of luck, you may see the rare white-tailed eagle!

De Oostvaarders Nature Experience Centre is the perfect place to start an excursion of discovery into the Oostvaardersplassen Almere. From the building you have a stunning view over the expansive fields and ponds using the binoculars on hand. Restaurant Pavilion de Oostvaarders is located on the ground floor and has a menu with vegetarian and vegan options.

Excursion through the Oostvaardersplassen

With the Ecokar through the Oostvaardersplassen

Get into the Ecokar and discover the Oostvaardersplassen together with the guide from Staatsbosbeheer. This excursion starts on the Almere side of the region. In a smaller group you go searching for the inhabitants of the area. On the way the guide talks about the origin of this enormous marshy region. And it is always a surprise which of the inhabitants you will encounter along the way...

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Ecokar

The De Oostvaarders nature experience centre

There’s so much to do

Stad & Natuur’s impressive centre has binoculars available for you to use. This is where you can find out everything about this unique piece of nature and all the many unusual animals that live here. There are highly informative videos to watch, as well as a small exhibition. The De Oostvaarders Pavilion is located on the ground floor, where you can enjoy the views as well as something to eat and drink. There are excursions with Staatsbosbeheer forestry guides to complement the regular fun activities or larger weekend events.

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Active enjoyment - The loveliest walking and cycling routes start at De Oostvaarders Nature Experience Centre

Special nature reserve

A true bird paradise

When the Flevopolder was drained in 1968, the wet part of the Oostvaardersplassen remained unused. Nature grabbed this opportunity, and quickly a marsh developed with ponds, reed beds and willow copses. It became an important stopover for migrating birds on their journey from the far north to Africa. The marshy landscape soon became a home for many, often rare bird species. The Oostvaardersplassen are now a true bird paradise. 

From educational material to internships

Nature education

There are attractive learning packages available for primary school children. Start at the nature experience centre and ensure you obtain your sea eagle diploma or get to know the fox better. Tailored programmes are available for young secondary school pupils to key in with their school’s educational programme. Are you a student? Then feel free to contact us about intern opportunities or assignments. 

The rough backyard of Almere

Would you like to know more about Almere?

The Oostvaardersplassen are the rough backyard of Almere, a city built on the floor of the former Zuiderzee. It’s full of modern architecture and lovely nature reserves. In Almere you will not find any old canal-side houses; instead, there are architectural highlights designed by world-famous architects. Designed as a ‘garden city’, you are in a park or special nature reserve within 5 minutes. Thanks to the separation of routes in the traffic network, you can cycle for kilometres without encountering a car.

Discover the must do’s of Almere!

Parties involved - Oostvaardersplassen Almere is a partnership between: