The best walks and hikes in Flevoland

Flevoland, being largely reclaimed from the sea, features a predominantly flat landscape. You'll find extensive wetlands, reed beds, and grasslands, alongside large deciduous forests like Horsterwold. The trails often offer panoramic views of lakes and farmland, showcasing the region's unique history of land reclamation.

There are over 2,100 hiking routes available in Flevoland, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This includes a wide array of options from easy strolls to more challenging routes through diverse natural settings.

Flevoland is rich in wildlife. In areas like Oostvaardersplassen and Horsterwold, you might encounter large grazers such as Konik horses and Heck cattle. National Park Nieuw Land and Marker Wadden are excellent for birdwatching, with many migratory species. Natuurpark Lelystad is home to otters, Przewalski horses, mouflons, and wild boars.

Yes, Flevoland offers many easy trails suitable for families and beginners. For instance, the Krakeendroute – Nationaal Park Nieuw Land is an easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) trail perfect for birdwatching. Another gentle option is The port route through the Waterloopbos woods, which is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) and showcases architectural elements.

Many trails in Flevoland are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Pioneers' Path and Oostvaardersplassen Loop offers a longer circular experience, while the Bird-watching paradise Oostvaardersplassen is a shorter loop.

The hiking routes in Flevoland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 6,500 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique reclaimed polder landscapes, diverse wetlands, and expansive forests, as well as the opportunities for birdwatching and encountering wildlife.

While Flevoland is generally flat, there are longer routes that offer a more challenging experience due to their distance. The Pioneers' Path (Pionierspad LAW 1-2) - Stage 7 is a difficult 21.2 km (13.2 miles) trail, and the Through the silent core of Flevoland – walk in silence is a moderate 14.3 km (8.9 miles) route.

Flevoland offers unique sights. You can explore the architectural elements integrated with nature in Waterloopbos, or visit the artificial archipelago of Marker Wadden with its bird-watching cabins. The Oostvaardersplassen Visitor Centre is a great starting point for exploring that nature reserve. You might also encounter the Monument for Great People or enjoy views of the Wolderwijd lake.

Flevoland is a prime destination for birdwatching. National Park Nieuw Land, Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve, and Marker Wadden are particularly renowned for their diverse bird species and migratory visitors. You can find dedicated birdwatching screens and hides like De Oeverloper along many trails.

Many natural areas in Flevoland welcome dogs, though specific rules may apply regarding leashes, especially in nature reserves to protect wildlife. It's always best to check local signage or the specific route details before heading out with your dog. The Beaver trail is a good example of a route where dogs are often permitted.

Flevoland offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring brings blooming nature and migratory birds, while summer provides long daylight hours. Autumn showcases beautiful fall colors in the forests like Horsterwold. Even winter can be appealing for quiet walks, especially in areas like Oostvaardersplassen for winter bird migrations, though some paths might be muddy.

For additional inspiration and details on walking routes across the province, you can visit the official Flevoland tourism website. They offer further insights into the region's diverse trails: visitflevoland.nl.