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
With the Zuiderzee Act of 1918, one of the largest water engineering projects in Dutch history began. The reclamation of the IJsselmeer created the Flevopolder, the world's largest artificial island. Today, vast fields, broad canals, long sightlines, and carefully planned forests define the distinctive landscape of Flevoland.
Between the forests near Lelystad and the Randmeren lie extensive nature areas with polder forests, reed beds, wet meadows, and open water. Lelystad Nature Park is home to European bison, Przewalski's horses, moose, and Père David's deer. From the Knardijk, a flood protection dike with panoramic views over the Randmeren and surrounding wetlands, wide views stretch across lakes, reed beds, and bird reserves, highlighting the unique transition between reclaimed polder landscapes and thriving nature.
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.
Virtual Cycling in the Central Flevopolder and Lelystad Nature Park
xperience the Central Flevopolder with its vast fields, straight roads, broad canals, and sweeping open views. The route continues through Lelystad Nature Park, where reed fringed lakes, polder forests, and large grazing animals showcase the diverse character of the Netherlands' youngest landscape.
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.
