Cycling route Central Flevopolder and Lelystad Nature Park
Cycling in a landscape with wet polder forests, colorful fields, a nature park with wild animals, and a swampy area with open water and reed fields.
The Landscape
A century ago, the Zuiderzee Act (Zuiderzeewet) paved the way for one of the Netherlands’ greatest hydraulic engineering achievements. The reclamation of the IJsselmeer polders created new land, carefully planned and developed step by step. The Flevopolder emerged as a distinctive Flevoland landscape, characterized by straight lines, wide drainage canals, and far-reaching views, as well as forests that have matured over time and now seem as though they have always been part of the landscape.
In the heart of the Flevopolder, between the forests around Lelystad and the landscapes bordering the Randmeren, several nature areas come together. As a result, you cycle through a varied landscape where polder forests, reed beds, wet grasslands, and open water alternate harmoniously. At its centre lies Lelystad Nature Park, a green sanctuary and refuge for rare and endangered animal species from across Eurasia. The cycle path along the Knardijk is both a literal and figurative highlight of the route. From this elevated dike, you can enjoy sweeping views on both sides, with reed-fringed waters, vast wetlands, and an abundance of birdlife soaring above the lakes and grasslands.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Between Lelystad and the Randmeren, the route passes through forest belts and recreational woodlands with quiet cycle paths, sheltered avenues, and lush green surroundings. In Lelystad Nature Park, you cycle through a park-like landscape where, with a bit of luck, you may spot red deer, wild boar, or other large grazing animals. Along the way, there are also plenty of opportunities to observe birds around the water and forest edges.
In the Central Flevopolder, arable fields, drainage canals, and modern farms set the rhythm of the route. You follow long, straight roads through a meticulously planned landscape, characterized by wide-open views and an expansive horizon. It is precisely this combination of space, straight lines, and clear structure that makes this a quintessential Flevoland cycling route.
Along waterways and in the lower-lying parts of the polder, the landscape transitions into reed-rich areas and wet grasslands. Many bird species breed and forage here, while the surroundings retain a sense of tranquility and openness. Especially in the morning, you can experience how the water and reeds lend the polder landscape a calm and natural atmosphere.
Towards the Veluwemeer and Wolderwijd, the route follows dikes and shorelines with views across open water and extensive reed beds. The light reflecting on the lakes, the fresh breeze, and the sweeping vistas over the Randmeren give this part of the route an added sense of freedom and relaxation.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
A virtual cycling tour through the Central Flevopolder allows you to experience Flevoland’s open polder landscape from home, with its long, straight roads, wide drainage canals, and expansive views. The route passes arable fields and modern farms, while forest belts and wet polder woodlands provide a welcome contrast, offering green shelter and peaceful cycling paths.
Towards Lelystad Nature Park, the scenery becomes greener and more water-rich, with reed-fringed shores, ponds, and birdsong all around. The park is also home to remarkable large grazing animals that are rarely seen elsewhere in the Netherlands, adding a unique dimension to the ride. This makes it an ideal route for indoor cycling, allowing you to train on a home trainer, explore the landscape in advance, and still enjoy a genuine sense of being outdoors.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 6 on the Harderbosweg in Biddinghuizen. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 50 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Elevation gain: 60 m
Paved roads: 98%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 2%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
