Exploring Flevoland: Dutch Ingenuity, Green Landscapes, and Architectural Marvels

The Fascinating Province of Flevoland: A Masterpiece of Dutch Ingenuity

If not having a plot of land to build on has ever been a big problem, the Dutch have found the solution to steal some space from the water, this is how they built this great province Flevoland, where there was only water, now more than 400,000 people live surrounded by amazing green landscapes with plenty of room for creativity.

Flevoland is the youngest province in the Netherlands, constituted only in 1986. It is the only one made up of only polders, specifically 2 gigantic polders: the Noordoostpolder and the Flevopolder. The Flevopolder, the largest of its kind, is sometimes considered the largest artificial island in the world.

Polders are land stolen from the water using different drainage systems and dikes. Holland is full of these polders, but the Flevopolder stands out for being the largest, with about 970 square kilometers. This is much larger than Aruba and Curaçao combined. In turn, the Flevopolder is composed of two polders, separated by a gigantic dike known as the Zuidelijk (southern) polder and the Oostelijk (eastern) polder.

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The Flevopolder is connected to the mainland only by bridges, which is why it is often referred to as an artificial island. What is even more intriguing is that this province lies approximately 4 meters below sea level, creating a unique living environment.

Places of Interest

Flevoland may have few places of interest, but the ones that exist are truly remarkable. The province is home to two major cities: Lelystad, the capital, and Almere, the most populated city. Both cities are located in the Flevopolder, with Almere being the more influential of the two.

There are many ways to access the Flevopolder, all of which offer spectacular views. One recommended route is along the N302 road that passes through Harderwijk. Notably, this road takes you past the famous Veluwemeer aqueduct, a Dutch water bridge that has gained significant viral attention.

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Upon entering Flevoland, visitors immediately experience a vastly different landscape. While many assume Holland is flat, the province is full of enormous agricultural fields, modern mills, peculiar architecture, and impressive works of art. The organized and meticulously planned layout also adds to the province's allure.

One standout destination is the city of Almere, often referred to as an open-air museum and considered a dream for architects. With the opportunity to design a city from scratch, architects have created a unique and awe-inspiring architectural landscape. Lelystad, on the other hand, is known for its new-looking streets and distinctive charm.

A History Rooted in Water

Before the creation of Flevoland, the region was known as Zuiderzee, meaning "southern sea." This area was characterized by an entrance of saltwater from the North Sea, which was eliminated by the construction of the Afsluitdijk. This famous dam played a crucial role in controlling the water and preventing floods.

As a result, the region transformed into a large lake called IJsselmeer. Ten years later, the first polder of Flevoland, the Noordoostpolder, was reclaimed. The eastern part of the Flevopolder, where the city of Lelystad is located today, was reclaimed in 1957. The Zuidelijk Flevoland, or the southern part, was reclaimed in 1968, making it the newest part of the province.

While the closure of the Zuiderzee had negative effects on the local culture, particularly on the fishing industry, it also brought positive changes. The closure of the southern sea prevented floods and created opportunities for agricultural development. The province now boasts incredible nature reserves, such as the Marker Wadden, an artificial archipelago that serves as a safe haven for animals and nature.

In conclusion, Flevoland is a testament to Dutch ingenuity and determination. From reclaimed land to meticulously planned cities, this province offers awe-inspiring landscapes, unique architecture, and a glimpse into the country's relationship with water. Whether you are fascinated by history or captivated by innovative urban planning, Flevoland has something to offer.

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