FLEVOLAND
OBVIOUSLY DIFFERENT Group/Trade Brochure for 2020-2021
ONLY 20 MINUTES FROM AMSTERDAM THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR AN EASY DAY TRIP OR A SHORT BREAK FOUR METRES BELOW SEA LEVEL AFFORDABLE HOTELS THE SCHOKLAND UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
2020-2021
WELCOME PLEASE FIND YOUR COPY OF OUR FLEVOLAND TRAVEL TRADE BROCHURE ENCLOSED Our brochure provides you with an overview of activities and accommodation providers. The information, aimed at both groups and the individual traveller, shows a selection of the accommodation opportunities available, as well as a number of Flevoland’s highlights in the areas of nature and culture. Flevoland is only 20 minutes from Amsterdam, and the perfect destination for surprising (day) trips. If you have any queries or would like to visit Flevoland, please contact Visit Flevoland by telephone +31 (0)320 28 67 55 or by email at info@visitflevoland.nl
We look forward to meeting you in Flevoland.
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FLEVOLAND
OBVIOUSLY DIFFERENT Quite an accomplishment, building an entire province from scratch. Still, that’s exactly how Flevoland came into being: manmade land, a good four metres below sea level and secured by miles of dykes. But then Flevoland is never really finished. Probably something to do with that twentieth-century soil under our feet we reckon; it seems to exert an effect on people. Nowhere else offers more space for innovative ideas than right here. As all Flevolanders are well aware: the sky is the limit.
JUST DO IT Taken together, Flevoland’s three polders form the largest piece of manmade land on the planet. The islands which already existed in the Zuiderzee (Schokland and Urk) were marooned in the new land when the sea was drained. Things happen here like nowhere else. How about an open air three kilometres long artificial ice-skating track? Need a wind break... we simply put up wind turbines. And if a dyke needs to be rebuilt, we go for it in an entirely new way.
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2020-2021
DESIGNED LAND, WILD LAND Everything you see was created on the drawing board. The orderly parcels of agricultural land. The straight roads. The canals. And of course: the spaces dedicated to nature. These designated areas of natural beauty have continued to develop to become fascinating wild polder landscapes. A good example is the extensive wetland area in the Nieuw Land National Park, another is the Netherlands’ largest continuous deciduous woods. We are currently creating the Marker Wadden group of artificial islands in the wide waters that surround Flevoland in a bid to attract more fish and birds to the Markermeer lake. Nature is already reclaiming its own, as of course it certainly should. 4
When the tulip and rapeseed fields bloom, Flevoland is transformed into a riot of intensely colourful hues. Our local food is appreciated across the globe. And between the fields, this is where the people realise their ideals. For example by creating amazing and sometimes even edible estates, yes... you read that right! Everything we want we create ourselves. That’s how we do things in Flevoland.
GREEN IDEALS
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100% NOW No other landscape in the Netherlands breathes ‘20th century’ as much as Flevoland does. The modern polder cities are in part architectural museums, featuring the work of such world renowned architects as Rem Koolhaas. There is also space for experimental designers to practise their craft. And nowhere else in the world will you discover so much spectacular landscape art in just one day. The province is continuously renewing. The ports and airports are state-of-the-art and maintained that way, the next Floriade international exhibition and garden festival to be held in 2022 is already under construction and plenty of opportunities exist for the self builders to realize their own dream houses. Here you even have the space to get together and construct your own neighbourhood.
FLEVOLAND
INCOMPARABLE LAND Flevoland, on the former Zuiderzee seabed, is like nothing else that exists; anywhere! Flevoland is obviously different. Something you will immediately recognise when you drive into the province. The crisp clear lines, the space, that modern twist; you can only be in Flevoland.
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Nowhere else in the world you will discover so much spectacular landscape art in just one day
2020-2021
HOLLAND CITY, LAND OF WATER The Netherlands is characterised by water and almost one-third of the country is below sea level. The Dutch response to water has seen the creation of innovative structures, the major reclamation of land from the sea, changes to the landscape and the accumulation of a wealth of knowledge about water management. That’s not all; the country has also developed a huge range of recreational activities: on, under or alongside the water. The Netherlands, Land of Water. This story line tells the special story of The Netherlands, Land of Water. There are 13 water icons in six regions and each of them tells part of the story. Flevoland ‘the biggest land reclamation project in the world’ is an important part of this story line. At Batavialand (the heritage park for the lowlands), you will discover everything about the unique history of Flevoland, and on Urk, home to the Schokland Unesco World Heritage Site, you will experience the story of two islands in the former Zuiderzee. www.holland.com/water
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LELYSTAD AIRPORT Lelystad Airport, amazingly close. Everyone is hard at work on the construction site of this piece of polder landscape busily creating the Netherlands’ latest ‘holiday’ airport. In the future Lelystad Airport will offer exciting European connections and destinations around the Mediterranean, boosting tourism, the business climate and the economic muscle of the Flevoland region. www.lelystadairport.nl/en
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2020-2021
EVENTS 2020 11 APRIL TO 5 MAY 2020
TULIP TIME
In the period from mid April to the beginning of May all heads in Flevoland turn towards the ubiquitous tulip. For example, the Tulip Festival in Noordoostpolder takes place from 11 April to 5 May and the special tulip route through Noordoostpolder is the Netherlands’ longest consecutive tulip route. During the tulip period a range of walking, cycling and car routes are set up to ensure you enjoy the tulip fields at their very best. Numerous fringe activities are also organised. Examples include a visit to a tulip company for a peek behind the scenes or the opportunity to experience a helicopter flight to view the amazing coloured tulips from above.
9 AND 10 MAY 2020
SCHOKLAND SCANDINAVIA MARKET
This Scandinavian market, organised by Museum Schokland, features a large range of all things famously Scandinavian. Over 60 stands will occupy the entire museum grounds featuring everything in the field of living & design, outdoor & travel, fashion & crafts, along with the most delicious food. There will also be numerous talks, workshops and music
30 MAY 2020
URKERDAG
A day focused on the traditional costume of Urk. From around eleven in the morning to the end of the afternoon you can experience the typical hospitable, busy atmosphere of Urk, with activities at various locations both in the village and on the quayside. Traditional crafts and routines are revived; washing lines flutter with fresh clothes, old wash tubs, wool spinning, preparing sails, shrimp peeling, children’s games, etc. Follow your nose to discover local treats such as Dikkoek, fried and smoked fish, grey peas and cabbage mash.
12 JUNE 2020
VIS FOOD FESTIVAL URK
Urk and fishing are woven as one; something you can treat your taste buds to during the 2020 VIS Food Festival. Food trucks will dot the harbour presenting their irresistible offerings of local food entrepreneurs from Urk and Noordoostpolder. They turn out the most delicious dishes and snacks from fish, potatoes and vegetables. Come and have a bite and enjoy!
21 JUNE 2020
NATIONAL OLD-TIMER DAY
The National Old-timer Day in Lelystad is an annual event for classic cars. On the Bataviaboulevard between Bataviahaven and Batavia Stad, around 400 classic cars are lovingly polished and presented for the public’s admiration. This classic car day has grown to become the largest free event of its kind in the Netherlands. A must-see for every petrol-head!
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21 TO 23 AUGUST 2020
LOWLANDS
A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise, or Lowlands for short, is a three day music festival which has been held annually at the Walibi Holland events ground since 1993. The festival offers a wide range of different entertainment. As well as music, the event includes literature, film, cabaret, ballet, theatre and stand-up comedy.
2 TO 6 SEPTEMBER 2020
HISWA TE WATER
Northern Europe’s largest in-water boat show, will take place in Lelystad’s Batavia Haven from 2 to 6 September. The harbour will be transformed into a paradise for every type of water sports enthusiast. Complementing the flotilla of beautiful boats and wonderful quayside stands, there will be a full range of related activities, including demonstrations and trial sailings with, of course, a choice of delicious things to eat and drink at any one of the many café terraces.
4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER 2020
ALMERE HAVEN FESTIVAL
A weekend of music, culture, sailing and delicious food is what the Almere Haven Festival is all about! Come to Almere’s bustling port area from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September to enjoy various concerts, as well as the welcoming markets and street theatre acts.
10 OCT TO 1 NOV 2020
WALIBI HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHTS
The Walibi theme park is recast as a ‘Scare Zone’ during the Halloween Fright Nights: 250 actors are transformed into creeps, spooks and horrors for the scary occasion. They stalk the park and frequent the Haunted Houses and horror shows specially opened for the period, to ensure that no one feels safe!
28 AND 29 NOVEMBER 2020
URK IN WINTERSFEREN
The old village of Urk comes alive during this event, showcasing Urk in all its winter beauty. The inviting little streets and alleys are magically lit up, transporting you back to the times of constables, traditional clothing and travelling quacks. The scene is beautifully set with characters, stands and tableaus from the Urk of a century ago. Numerous squares also display traditional arts and crafts, peopled by pedlars, hawkers and other figures drawn straight from the history books.
8 TO 26 DECEMBER 2020 WINTER DREAMS ORCHIDEEËN HOEVE Wintertime dreams will come to life at the Orchideeën Hoeve in a fairytale setting of numerous flowers, plants, and animals, from 7 to 26 December 2019 inclusive. Thousands of twinkling lights, a cosy Christmas market, magical candlelight evenings, and idyllic settings turn the park into an international winter spectacle for people of all ages. It lets everyone enjoy all the good things that the season brings! An overview of all events in Flevoland is available at visitflevoland.nl 11
2020-2021
ACCOMMODATION Flevoland offers a wide range of accommodation opportunities including hotels and holiday parks which are also highly suitable for groups. And even better, the average price of a hotel room in Flevoland is far lower than an equivalent room in Amsterdam.
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Apollo Hotel Almere City Centre +31 (0)36 527 4500 reception.almere@apollohotels.nl Apollo Hotel Lelystad +31 (0)320 24 24 44 info.lelystad@apollohotels.nl Groups groups.apollo@apollohotels.nl www.apollohotels.co.uk/hotels
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APOLLO HOTELS Apollo Hotels is a chain of hotels renowned for their quality and personal service. We do our utmost to ensure that our guests return. Both 4 start hotels are centrally located and convenient for all local shops, bars en restaurants. Combine a stay at one of our Apollo hotels with a trip to Bataviawerf or Aviodrome, a cycling trip to the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, an afternoon of shopping fun at Batavia Fashion Outlet or a day trip to Amsterdam or Amersfoort. Both hotels offer ample parking space either below or opposite the hotel.
HOTEL VAN DER VALK EMMELOORD
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Hotel Emmeloord is centrally located in the Leeuwarden-Zwolle-Amsterdam triangle. Great day trips to picturesque towns such as Urk and Lemmer from the hotel are simple and convenient. The Walibi theme park and the ‘De Weerribben’ area of natural beauty are also just an easy drive away. The hotel boasts 110 deluxe rooms with all the comforts and amenities you would expect, including an attractive restaurant, informal hotel bar and opportunities for relaxation in the wellness area. Or perhaps some physical challenges in our well equipped gym are more your thing?
Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord +31 (0)527 61 23 45 emmeloord@valk.nl www.hotelemmeloord.nl/en
DORHOUT MEES
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Dorhout Mees is located in the countryside. This luxurious hotel offers 43 spacious rooms, as well as an apartment which sleeps six. There are plenty of pastimes on offer, including shooting, golf and adventure activities. Dorhout Mees also has an excellent restaurant offering a delicious menu. The restaurant is recognised for serving game.
Dorhout Mees +31 (0)321 33 11 38 info@dorhoutmees.nl www.dorhoutmees.nl 13
2020-2021
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NETL GROUP HOTEL
IN AN INSPIRING BLUE ZONE
Netl Grouphotel in an inspiring blue zone
+31 (0)527 20 30 43
info@netl.nl www.netl.nl/en
Netl is a relaxed base for exploring Groningen, Friesland, Flevoland, Amsterdam and Giethoorn. Here you can spend your time dreaming away in one of the three small scale timber group hotels, located in the heart of a beautiful green environment. Netl de Wildste Tuin is a paradise garden with fruit for the picking, herb fields, woods, dunes, beaches open swimming water, a bamboo jungle and a Pitch & Putt Golf course. The attractive and welcoming bar/restaurant serves delicious and healthy dishes, inspired by regions where ‘the good life’ has become an art in itself; the so called Blue Zones.
‘T VOORHUYS ‘T Voorhuys is literally and figuratively in the middle of the Noordoostpolder & Emmeloord, both on the map and in society. 37 hotel rooms, a generous grand cafe, well looked after meeting rooms and a large theatre are the 5 elements that make our company the centre of the region. With our motivated and enthusiastic team we will prepare for your visit to the smallest detail. The wonderful staff know exactly which beer is the tastiest, the kitchen is ready to prepare that delicious fresh fish, the ladies of the reception will give you a warm welcome and our thorough cleaners make sure everything is tidy again. Let it please you. Delicious food, a nice drink, a great meeting and a good nights sleep. All that in a warm and homely atmosphere. See you soon. 14
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‘T Voorhuys +31 (0)527 61 28 70 info@voorhuys.nl www.voorhuys.nl/en/
Nowhere else offers more space for innovative ideas than right here. As all Flevolanders are well aware: the sky is the limit.
2020-2021
PRODUCTS Below you will find a number of activities you can experience in Flevoland. More information is available at visitflevoland.nl/travel-trade.
ALMERE’S MODERN ARCHITECTURE 1
Discover Almere’s impressive architecture. Usually you need to trek have halfway around the globe to see the work of Rem Koolhaas, Christian de Portzamparc, the Sanaa architect couple, René van Zuuk or Herman Hertzberger. The centre of Almere is graced by work of all six within an area of less than one square kilometre. A guided tour of this, the Netherlands’ youngest city, will truly amaze you when it comes to what is on offer.
Oostvaardersplassen flevoland@staatsbosbeheer.nl www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/ natuurgebieden/oostvaarders plassen
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Almere’s modern architecture +31 (0)36 548 5041 info@vvvalmere.nl www.visitalmere.com/en
ON SAFARI 2
Oostvaardersplassen is a versatile marshy area of international significance for breeding and migratory birds. A birds’ paradise where man and nature work in harmony in an extraordinary fashion. It is constantly evolving; every season witnesses dynamic and surprising developments. Oostvaardersplassen, together with other wet nature lands such as Marker Wadden, Lepelaarplassen and Markermeer lake, form the Netherlands’ latest national park: Nieuw Land. Staatsbosbeheer, the forestry commission, look forward to welcoming you when joining them on a fascinating walk or a safari to enjoy the intense beauty of this superb natural environment.
BATAVIA STAD 3 FASHION OUTLET Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet presents over 250 international and Dutch fashion brands, offering from 30% up to 70% discounts on their collections. With its small attractive atmospheric streets bustling with shops, cafés and a superb restaurant, this fashion outlet is the ultimate destination for fashionista visitors during a stay in the Amsterdam and Flevoland metropolitan region.
BATAVIALAND Batavialand narrates all the stories about the Netherlands and its history with water. For example, discover how the wild Zuiderzee was tamed and how Flevoland was reclaimed from the water to become the largest polder on the planet! The account of the world’s greatest polder and a visit to the (re) construction site of the Batavia, the Dutch East India Company’s ship, are just two of Batavialand’s highlights. But Batavialand has a great deal more to offer, including exciting exhibitions and a wharf with various sections showcasing long-established crafts and traditional work and where people toil daily to build a ‘water ship’.
Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet +31 (0)320 29 29 00 info@bataviastad.nl www.bataviastad.nl/en
4 Batavialand +31 (0)320 22 59 00 reserveringen@batavialand.nl www.batavialand.nl
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2020-2021
DE ORCHIDEEËN HOEVE
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MUST-SEE: SKYFLORA GARDEN
De Orchideeën Hoeve +31 (0)527 20 28 75 info@orchideeenhoeve.nl www.orchideeenhoeve.com
De Orchideeën Hoeve is a breathtaking example of what nature has to offer, where everything is centred on enjoyment, experiencing something together and creating new memories. In this indoor park (25,000 m2) your guests will be led through this tropical paradise, meeting some remarkable animals along the way. Due to recent expansions including the SkyFlora Garden and the idyllic Lemur Kingdom, the options are now greater than ever! Enhance the trip with an exclusive guided tour by a ranger or enjoy a special group lunch below a canopy of infinite ‘floating’ flowers. And all available to book at our exclusive tour operators’ rates!
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URK Urk is a dynamic, traditional fishing village, sited on the shore of the IJsselmeer lake. For centuries Urk was an island in the Zuiderzee, the sense and atmosphere of which still permeates the village. The best way to experience Urk is to join a tour with an experienced local guide. As a group the walk will lead you through the narrow ‘ginkies’ (alleys), skirt the historic harbour area with its old fishing smacks, before passing small fishing cottages on the way to the IJsselmeer lake’s last working fish market. A visit to Urk is incomplete without calling in at the museum, climbing the lighthouse, taking a boat excursion and eating some fresh fish. 18
Touristinfo Urk +31 (0)527 68 40 40 info@touristinfourk.nl www.touristinfourk.nl
MUSEUM SCHOKLAND Schokland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has its origins in the Riss glacial period and has been inhabited since early prehistoric times. Much later it became a welcome haven in the turbulent Zuiderzee. Since the land was reclaimed from sea it has been marooned as an island on the dry Noordoostpolder landscape. Museum Schokland tells the island’s story down the centuries: the ice age, prehistory, the period of the island dwellers and the land reclamation. Guided tours are available, which can also be combined with a visit to the Schokland museum restaurant for a coffee or lunch.
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Museum Schokland +31 (0)527 76 06 30 info@museumschokland.nl www.museumschokland.nl
RENNE A FAMILY RUN COMPANY
Familiebedrijf Renne +31 (0)527 68 14 58 info@11beaufort.nl www.11beaufort.nl
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A visit to the family run company of Renne tells you the story of Noordoostpolder. This narrative is not only one about land reclamation, but also about entrepreneurship and how people made a living whilst building up their company. Entrepreneurship is woven into the Renne DNA. The family business started out as a farm, before branching out to include a shop offering regional produce, along with an educational wind turbine information centre. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while you’re here and try some delectable local products, as you learn everything you want to know about Flevoland’s all important wind energy and Noordoostpolder’s history. 19
2020-2021
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EXPERIENCE THE COLOURFUL TULIP FIELDS! The Tulip Festival in Noordoostpolder (Flevoland) will take place from 11 April to 5 May this year. This annual festival proves a magnet for both national and international visitors, featuring the Netherlands’ longest stretches of tulip fields (over 2,000 hectares). With Schokland world heritage site nearby, the picturesque fishing village of Urk, the De Orchideeënhoeve nature park and many other attractions there’s just so much to see and do here. This year’s theme is ‘tulips and the sea’, with many related activities. Plan your spring outing to Noordoostpolder for a guaranteed fun day out!
Tulpenfestival +31 (0)527 62 11 11 info@tulpenfestival.nl www.tulpenfestival.nl
Walibi Holland +31 (0)321 32 99 99 sales@walibiholland.nl www.walibi.nl
WALIBI HOLLAND ENDLESS THRILLS
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Looking for a spectacular day out as a group? Head for HARDGAAN in Walibi Holland. Coax each other onto the latest UNTAMED roller coaster. The larger daredevils among you (over 140 cm tall) must have a go at Lost Gravity and Goliath! Not much of a roller coaster fan? There’s still plenty to see and experience at Walibi Holland. For example there’s the Crazy River, the 45 metres high La Grande Roue Ferris wheel or how about blowing the cobwebs away on the Super Swing? With over 30 exciting attractions, there’s something for everyone in the group to enjoy.
WATERLOOPBOS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Waterloopbos +31 (0)527 25 25 70 secretariaat.nmflevo@natuurmonumenten.nl www.natuurmonumenten.nl/waterloopbos
This is a unique wood area. For decades this is where hydraulic engineers studied the impact tides and water flows would exert on major hydraulic projects, such as the Delta Works. The Netherlands owes much of its international reputation for water management on the research that took place here. Dozens of weirs, sluices and hydraulic models are secluded away in the woods. You’re never far from the sound of flowing water. Deltawerk//, the impressive piece of land art, is one of the major attractions in this former open-air testing ground.
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FLORIADE EXPO 2022 AMSTERDAM – ALMERE The seventh International Horticultural Expo of the Netherlands, the Floriade Expo 2022, will take place for a period of six months starting in spring 2022. The theme on this occasion will be ‘Growing Green Cities’, with the Expo centering on the Green City of the Future. The Floriade terrain will be turned into a live laboratory with inspiring exhibitions from countries, cities and innovative companies from around the world. There will of course also be a range of impressive attractions, a wealth of art and culture and a unique collection of trees, bushes, shrubs and flowers. Not to be missed!
12 Floriade Expo 2022 Amsterdam – Almere +31 (0)36 820 0303 contact@floriade.com www.floriade.com
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2020-2021
INDEX MAP ACCOMMODATION 1 2 3 4 5 6
Apollo Hotel Almere City Centre Apollo Hotel Lelystad Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord Dorhout Mees Netl Group Hotel ‘T Voorhuys
Lemmer
Oudemirdum
Oldemarkt
Ossenzijl
Rutten A6
Kuinre
Bant
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Creil
5
PRODUCTS
Medemblik
Scheerwolde
Luttelgeest OVERIJSSEL
1 Almere’s modern architecture 2 Oostvaardersplassen 3 Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet 4 Batavialand 5 De Orchideeën Hoeve 6 Urk 7 Schokland 8 Renne / 11beaufort 9 Tulpenfestival 10 Walibi Holland 11 Waterloopbos 12 Expo 2022 Floriade
3
Espel
EMMELOORD
Enkhuizen
5
Tollebeek
6
Blokzijl
MARKNESSE
6
11
Vollenhove
URK
8
Vogeleiland
7
Nagele
SCHOKLAND
Gen
IJsseloog
OVERIJSSEL
Ketelhaven
SWIFTERBANT
A6
IJsselmuiden
KAMPEN
3
Edam
4
DRONTEN
2
Noordeinde
LELYSTAD GELDERLAND
Oosterwolde Wezep
Marken
2
BIDDINGHUIZEN
4
‘t Loo
ELBURG
10
OLDEBROEK
‘t Harde Doornspijk
1 1 Forteiland Pampus
ALMERE NUNSPEET
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Hulshorst
A6
A27
Hierden
ZEEWOLDE
HARDERWIJK
MUIDEN Vierhouten
Muiderberg OORD-HOLLAND Weesp
Elspeet
NAARDEN ERMELO
HUIZEN
BUSSUM BLARICUM Uddel
Ankeveen PUTTEN LAREN
EEMNES
HILVERSUM
Spakenburg
UTRECHT
‘s Graveland
GELDERLAND
BUNSCHOTEN
BAARN
Garderen
COLOPHON IMAGES J. vd Linden (photo below p. 4), Fotostudio Wierd (photo below p. 8), Maarten Feenstra (photo above p. 16), NIJKERK
Bert Ooms (photo below p. 16), Jeroen Bosch (photo above p. 21) CONTENT Visit Flevoland DESIGN & LAYOUT ComSi.nl AMERSFOORT
Nijkerkerveen
Voorthuizen Zwartebroek
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Soest
Hoevelaken
READY TO EXPLORE FLEVOLAND? GO TO VISITFLEVOLAND.NL AND BE INSPIRED!
ABOUT VISIT FLEVOLAND The role of Visit Flevoland is to market Flevoland both in the Netherlands and abroad as a region for holidays and leisure activities. It does this by developing new products and promotional campaigns together with the tourism and recreation sector, with the aim of attracting as many visitors to Flevoland as possible. Visit Flevoland works closely with the main suppliers of tourism services across the region: the tourist offices (VVV) in Almere, Lelystad, Dronten, Noordoostpolder, Urk and Zeewolde. How can Visit Flevoland assist trade? By providing information By helping to arrange hotel accommodation and short break programs Introductions to museums, attractions, accommodation and destinations Images database Regular trade newsletter updates
Visit Flevoland +31 (0)320 28 67 55 info@visitflevoland.nl visitflevoland.nl/travel-trade 23
HET RAVELIJN 50, 8233 BR LELYSTAD
VISITFLEVOLAND.NL