Flevoland, or New Land as it's called in English, officially became a province in 1986.

With its breathtaking landscapes and vast nature reserves, Flevoland feels like a world apart.

But it's surprisingly close to Amsterdam, making it a great alternative for those looking to escape the crowds. Amsterdam & Partners has been promoting nearby destinations to help disperse tourists and give locals a break from the usual throngs of visitors. After all, many tourists don't realize the difference between Amsterdam and Amsterdam Beach

1. Batavialand: Discover the Origins of Flevoland

The capital of Flevoland may be smaller than Almere, but it’s packed with attractions, including Batavialand. This museum, located just outside the city center, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Flevoland. The highlight is the Flevowand, a 60-meter-long tapestry inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, crafted over 14 years by a group of skilled artisans.

You’ll also find prehistoric artifacts, shipwrecks uncovered after the land reclamation, and an interactive game where children try to keep their feet dry while learning about locks. Outside, watch craftsmen at work in a live shipyard. The true showstopper is the replica of the Batavia, an East India Company ship that sank in 1629 after a mutiny. Walking below deck gives you a chilling sense of the cramped conditions, especially considering over 300 crew members once slept there among the cargo and cannons.

2. Boerkok: Dine on a Flevoland Farm

While fancy dining is enjoyable occasionally, sometimes you just want hearty, authentic food. Boerkok delivers exactly that. Opened in 2016 by Gerhard Flantua, a talented chef with a magical name, Boerkok is set on a farm just outside Lelystad. Gerhard sources his ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that everything is fresh and from the surrounding area.

3. Admire Almere’s Modern Architecture

Almere is a unique city, built on reclaimed land with over 200,000 residents spread across various districts. The city center, with its bold and modern architecture, is a striking example of innovative urban planning. Designed from scratch, Almere’s city layout includes three levels: underground parking and cycling paths, ground-level shops and restaurants, and residential areas above.

4. Sail to Marker Wadden with RIB Experience

When you’re already reclaiming land from the Zuiderzee, why not create a whole new nature reserve? That’s exactly how the Marker Wadden came to be the most stunning area in Flevoland. These manmade islands, located along Lelystad’s coast, are still under development but are already a wildlife sanctuary.

The islands aim to restore the natural balance of the Markermeer (a remnant of the Zuiderzee) and will eventually become a haven for fish and birds. The main island, which is already complete, serves as both a nature reserve and a recreational area, offering beaches for sunbathing, opportunities for sailing, and scenic hiking trails.

5. Discover Flevoland's Land Art

Flevoland’s vast open spaces are home to a remarkable collection of Land Art—monumental sculptures that integrate with the natural landscape. There are ten of these installations across the province, and you can cycle between them, though it’s quite a trek.