Almere

Almere is the newest and perhaps greenest city in the Netherlands. It was built almost 50 years ago on the bottom of the former Zuiderzee. But how and why did this come about?

To accommodate the growing population of Amsterdam and the surrounding area, it was decided at the end of the 19th century to dam and drain the Zuiderzee. It took almost 100 years but the result was the province of Flevoland with Almere as its beating heart. Almere is a constantly developing city and you’ll find places here that are unique in the Netherlands. It’s a surprisingly different city with something for everyone, from modern architecture to beautiful beaches!

Almere is home to many different nature reserves. The Oostvaardersplassen, part of the Nieuw Land National Park, is located in Almere's backyard. It’s a great place for walking and cycling or to join an excursion through the area. Animal lovers have a good chance of spotting red deer, various bird species, Heck cattle and even some Konik horses.

Almere is often called the number one open-air museum of modern architecture. Within the space of a square kilometre in the city centre, you can admire the architecture of world-famous and renowned designers such as Rem Koolhaas, René van Zuuk, Herman Hertzberger and many more.

Sustainability and green spaces are obviously unmissable themes in a young, fast-growing city that is in full development. You’ll find remarkable nature areas, parks, lots of woods and water everywhere. Almere is a truly green city! Want to experience this for yourself? Hire an (electric) bicycle or electric sloop and explore the city via one of the many fun routes. In addition to the beauty of nature, there are also special hotspots and sustainable initiatives that will amaze you. A tour through the ecological district of Oosterwold is definitely recommended!

Dunes covered with tufts of dune grass and an expansive beach with a view over the IJmeer lake: it’s another side of Almere! In the unique DUIN district in Almere Poort, the residents enjoy the true beach life. The district has beautiful homes, trendy hospitality establishments and great water sports activities. A visit here is a great day out!

Of course you can also relax at a cosy beach bar such as Poortdok. A little further on, within walking distance of the beach, is the welcoming brasserie Zuyder where you can enjoy tasty dishes and soak up the beachy vibe from morning to evening. Looking for a unique overnight stay on the water? At Marina Parcs, you can drift off to sleep in a water bubble. Enjoy the theatre? Vis à Vis theatre spectacle is located right next to the Almeerder beach. Here you can watch special and varying theatre performances in the open air.