Cycling route National Park Nieuw Land and Oostvaardersplassen
Cycle through a wild, young landscape where water and land constantly alternate, with expansive reed beds, open lakes, wet grasslands, and abundant space for birds and grazing wildlife.
The Landscape
Nieuw Land National Park is one of the most remarkable nature areas in the Netherlands, formed on the former seabed of the Zuiderzee. Within this vast mosaic of marshland, reed beds, open water, and young willow forests, Flevoland suddenly feels almost untouched. Cycling paths follow the edges of lakes and reed fringes, while viewpoints draw your gaze far out over the Markermeer and the surrounding polder. Shaped by wind, water, and grazing, the scenery changes subtly throughout, making every ride feel different.
Between Lelystad and Almere lie the Oostvaardersplassen, an area that unexpectedly developed into a prime location for birdlife and nature experiences after land reclamation. You cycle past vast reed beds, open water, and rugged transition zones where, with a bit of luck, you might see a white-tailed eagle hunting or large flocks of geese and spoonbills foraging. Large grazers are also part of the scene, with herds keeping the landscape open and creating a dynamic, almost wild atmosphere.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Between the open wet zones, you cycle through young forests and green fringes with wide paths and quiet views. Deciduous and coniferous trees alternate, and along the forest edges you’ll find pleasant spots to pause and let the sounds of birds take over.
Along the Markermeer, you ride over dikes and paths with an endless horizon and ever-changing light on the water. Reed beds, gulls, and water birds accompany you, while the wind off the lake gives this part of the route its distinctive sense of freedom.
Around the Oostvaardersplassen, the orderly polder landscape forms a sharp contrast with the rugged nature reserve. This transition from fields and grasslands to reed beds and marsh edges makes the route especially varied, with birds of prey often soaring above the fields and flocks of geese moving back and forth.
In and around Nieuw Land National Park, you cycle past reed beds, lakes, and wet grasslands where birdwatching comes naturally. The combination of silence, space, and water-rich nature makes this an ideal route for those who enjoy rugged wetlands and long sightlines.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through Nieuw Land National Park and the Oostvaardersplassen takes you past reed beds, open water, and marsh edges, with wide views and the fresh light of the Markermeer. At home on your indoor trainer, you experience a young, water-rich landscape that already feels surprisingly wild.
In the Oostvaardersplassen, wet grasslands, willow groves, and bird-rich lakes alternate. You look out over a dynamic nature area with grazing animals and abundant birdlife, sometimes even a bird of prey soaring above the reed beds. A calm and varied virtual cycling route, ideal for covering relaxed miles.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 20 at the Knardijk in Lelystad. 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 21 minutes
Elevation gain: 37 m
Paved roads: 100%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
