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Lelystad
 
Lelystad is known for its diverse choice of activities, recreational and sporting possibilities as well as a large shopping centre and the magnificent nature area known as ‘Oostvaardersplassen’.

A BRAND NEW CITY
One of Holland’s newest cities is Lelystad. It is the capital of the province of Flevoland and dates back to 1966. In only a short period Lelystad has developed into a versatile city, with more than its fair share of nature and culture. Some examples are the Oostvaardersplassen, nature reserve Lelystad and famous Batavia Shipyard.

ARTIFICIAL ISLAND LELYSTAD-HAVEN
It all started back in 1951. The first inhabitants went to live on the artificial island of Lelystad-Haven. This later became a part of Lelystad. The original wooden houses and barracks from the early 1950s have been preserved. They have been nominated to be heritage-listed. Pumping engine Wortman is located on the other side of the locks and can be visited upon request.

HOW IT ALL STARTED
The first designs for the city of Lelystad were drawn up in 1961. In 1964 work was begun on depositing sand for Lelystad, some kilometers away from the artificial island. This sand had to settle first before it was suitable for building upon. On 9 March 1966 work started on the new houses. In the following years new plans were made, the final one in 1975. This final plan shows us Lelystad as it is today.

THE PEACE AND QUIET OF LELYSTAD
When visiting Lelystad it is hard to imagine that it was once a bare plain. Nothing reminds you of the sandy plain it was before 1966. Lelystad is now a large city with a great many facilities. From the city you have easy access to the woods, while Lelystad also offers great walking and roller-blading possibilities.

ATTRACTIONS
Speaking of the attractions, they should naturally include the Batavia Stad, including the Batavia Yard where the 17th Century ‘Batavia’ ship lies anchored. The outline and contours of the flagship Michiel de Ruyter called ‘The Seven Provinces’, which is currently under construction, are now becoming more clearly defined. This year is the 400th anniversary of the VOC. This is celebrated in style in the Batavia Yard as well as with an exhibition at the National Centre for Maritime History (NISA)! The Nieuw Land Poldermuseum acquaints you with the struggle man has experienced against water and how land has been reclaimed. A wonderful shopping paradise has also come into existence, called the ‘Outlet Shopping Centre’. Bargain hunters will come across some good finds, saving up to 70% on well-known brands.

WATER SPORTS IN COMBINATION WITH NATURE
The bordering waters of IJsselmeer and Markermeer are prime spots for sailing fans as well as water sport fans. Especially laid out routes allow horseback riders and skaters to enjoy Lelystad’s splendour and surroundings. No words can describe the beauty of the ‘Oostvaardersplassen’ nature area. The marshlands are internationally famed and accommodate numerous species of birds, such as the Blue Throat, Spoonbill and the rarely seen Marsh harrier. It also accommodates impressive four-footed animals such as the ‘konikspaarden’ (horses), ‘heckrunderen’ (cattle) and deers. To take an excursion into this nature park in any of the four seasons is an experience of a lifetime!

Spectacular rides and loopings dare your nerves at full speed in the rollercoaster capital of Europe ‘Six Flags’, nearby Dronten.

THE LELYSTAD COAT OF ARMS
The Lelystad coat of arms represents the dikes, constructed with hexagonal blocks of concrete. The color gold (Or) illustrates the great expense of the impoldering project. The heart-shaped shield is the coat of arms of Mr. Lely, the project engineer. The sea lions represent the development of the area.

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Attractions in Lelystad
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