Lelystad is one of the youngest cities in the Netherlands. Located on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, it has all of the water sports you'd expect. You can also shop or spend time in the countryside.
Lelystad was built in the 1960s, making it one of the youngest cities in the Netherlands. It’s named after the inventor of the Zuiderzee Works, Cornelis Lely, who presented the plan to enclose the Zuiderzee and create the IJsselmeer in the 20th century.
Start your visit to Lelystad in the harbour where you can see all kinds of boats and yachts. If you like old ships, head out to Bataviawerf (the shipyard) and see a reconstruction of one of the VOC ships, the Batavia. And while you're there, pop into the Nieuw Land Erfgoedcentrum, a museum with over 6000 years of regional history.
Shop 'til you drop at Bataviastad, a huge outlet with 100 high-end stores, restaurants and pubs which is near the harbour. If the kids are with you, Walibi Holland is a must! This fantastic theme park is just 30 km from Lelystad and has something for all ages.
Lelystad is easy to explore on foot and if you love nature, you've definitely come to the right place. Hire bicycles and cycle to Natuurpark Lelystad to the southeast of the city centre. Pop into the visitors' centre before heading out into nature.
If you're more of a water person, you've come to the right place too. Hire a boat and go out on your own or take a guided tour.
Lelystad is centrally located and easy to reach by car over the Houtribdijk or the A 27 motorway and by train.
Visit this young and diverse city. Whether you're with the kids or your partner, Lelystad has something for everyone.
