This planned city, built in 1967 on reclaimed land, serves as Flevoland's capital. Its airport and aviation museum highlight the area's significance in Dutch air travel.
Lelystad, the capital of Flevoland province, was built on land reclaimed from the sea in 1967. You can walk the deck of the Batavia, a full-size replica of a 17th-century merchant ship, watch planes take off at the Aviodrome aviation museum, or spot wild horses running free at the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. The city is developing sustainable energy projects, including a new green hydrogen facility.
Getting to Lelystad
You can reach Lelystad by train from Amsterdam in 45 minutes, with regular connections to other major Dutch cities. The A6 motorway runs along the eastern side of the city, connecting it to Amsterdam and Friesland. Lelystad Airport serves general aviation and is expanding to accommodate commercial flights.
Exploring the Batavia Ship and Shipyard
The Batavia Shipyard lets you explore a detailed replica of a 17th-century Dutch East India Company vessel. Watch craftsmen use traditional techniques to build and maintain historical ships, and see the actual tools and methods from the Dutch Golden Age. You can visit workshops to observe shipwrights at work and examine navigation instruments from the 1600s.
Aviation History at Aviodrome
Walk through and touch more than 100 aircraft at the Aviodrome museum, including a KLM Boeing 747 and rare historical planes. Try the flight simulators and explore the timeline of aviation development in the main building. The museum grounds include an exact copy of the 1928 Schiphol terminal building and a restaurant designed like an aircraft galley.
Nature and Wildlife
The Oostvaardersplassen covers 56 square kilometers of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Wild horses, cattle, and deer move freely through this nature reserve, while birds like spoonbills and cormorants nest in the wetlands. Lelystad Nature Park extends across 400 hectares with walking trails, cycling paths, and lakes for swimming and boating.
Shopping at Batavia Stad
Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet contains more than 150 stores in buildings designed to look like traditional Dutch architecture. You'll find international fashion brands selling at 30-70% discounts, along with home goods and accessories. Stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants between shopping.
Green Energy Development
The city is building a 20-megawatt electrolyzer facility that will become the Netherlands' largest green hydrogen production site. This facility will convert wind and solar energy into hydrogen fuel, with planned expansion to 105 megawatts by 2026. The project will supply clean energy to local industries and transport.
Getting Around
Local buses connect all major areas of the city - remember to get an OV-chipkaart for public transport. Cycle on the extensive network of dedicated bike paths, with rental shops near the train station and city center. The central train station's location makes it convenient to explore the downtown area on foot.
