24 hours in New Land: innovation and sustainability

Feel the thrills at Cablepark Almere

From 10:00 to 12:00

Calling all (water-based) thrill-seekers! Spend a day whizzing around the Weerwater lake on water skis or a wakeboard, aided by a kilometre-long cable track that allows users to reach speeds of up to 30km/ph at Cablepark Almere. Experienced water sporters can make the most of the various obstacles on the course to try out tricks, while beginners can get acquainted with the sports on the dedicated training track. All equipment required to hit the water is available for hire. After working up an appetite, grab a seat on the restaurant terrace and take in the tremendous views of the Almere skyline.

Duration: 2 hours

Savour quality seafood overlooking the water

From 12:00 to 13:30

Let the exquisite sea views and landscapes of Almere guide you to a dining experience inspired by nature. Restaurant Bakboord prides itself on freshly caught seafood and greens from its organic vegetable garden. The harbourside restaurant has long been considered one of the best in Flevoland and received the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2015: an award for exceptional food at moderate prices. Read this guide to restaurants and bars in the area for more dining inspiration.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Get closer to nature at Nieuw Land

From 14:00 to 16:00

Nationaal Park Nieuw Land, also known as the ‘New Wilderness’, is crossed by a network of bike paths. Grab a bike at Van der Linde Almere or TON Fietsverhuur and embark on the New Land cycling route, which will take you through Almere's architecture and wildlife. On your way through the region, you will discover the Lepelaarsplassen, a natural reserve with paths weaving through a forest with plenty of bird-watching stops. One of the 2-hour route's biggest landmarks is the wetlands reserve of the Oostvaardersplassen, where you’ll find a wide variety of deer, cattle, birds and Konik horses. Afterwards, treat yourself to homemade pies and local products at Paviljoen de Oostvaarders, a cosy restaurant, converted into a food truck until September 2024, with incredible views of the beautiful surroundings.

Duration: 2 hours

Stay overnight in a vineyard lodge

Bed & Breakfast Life Contains Beautiful Things is a labour of love by a couple who met at a hospitality school. Their dream to open a vineyard with its own accommodation in a unique location on the Almere Oosterwold polder was realised in 2015. Each atmospheric lodge offers a roofed terrace overlooking the vines, surrounding forest and swimming pond. This location makes the B&B very suitable for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. Read this accommodation guide for more tips on where to rest your head.

Discover the world’s biggest concentration of Land Art

From 10:00 to 12:00

Flevoland is home to the world’s biggest concentration of Land Art – huge artworks made in, with and responding to the surrounding landscape. There are nine works by artists, including Anthony Gormley, Daniel Libeskind and Richard Serra. The pieces vary greatly: some refer directly to the surrounding nature and the (short) history of the land they’re in, while others are inspired precisely by how untouched and fresh the landscape is. Best of all, you can see several of them in a few hours on a guided tour or in your own car.

Duration: 2 hours

Explore Natuurpark Lelystad

From 13:00 to 15:00

Grab your binoculars and set out into the Natuurpark Lelystad where you can discover endangered species such as impressive wisents (European bison), Przewalski's horses, European otters and Pater David's deer, as well as more common species that are not currently under threat. There are plenty of paths to take on foot and with a bike, and group boat tours are also accessible. While there, don't forget to stop by the Archeological Open Air Museum Swifterkamp to get an idea of what prehistoric settlements looked like.

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about modern aviation at Aviodrome

From 15:30 to 17:00

If you’re the adventurous type, head out to the Aviodrome Lelystad and learn all about modern aviation. Nowhere else can you see and experience aeroplanes of so many different types. Test your knowledge of aeroplane trivia, look inside a Boeing 747 or visit the 4D theatre or museum. You can even watch planes take off and land at Lelystad Airport from a lookout point.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Tuck into organic food at De Gordiaan

End your day in Lelystad with dinner and drinks at De Gordiaan, where you can enjoy fresh and honest food, made with organic products from the region. At De Gordiaan all ingredients are purchased daily, so you will not find fixed menus in this cosy restaurant. Instead, choose from the current list of dishes and create your own 3, 4 or 5-course menu. For more dining tips have a read of this food and drink guide.