Lelystad: sights and travel tips

Things to see and do in Lelystad

Lelystad may not have centuries-old buildings like Amsterdam, Delft or Utrecht, but what it lacks in history, it makes up for with its pioneering spirit. The city is home to some of the Netherlands’ most fascinating attractions, including a full-scale replica of a 17th-century VOC trading ship, a vast nature reserve, and some of the best outlet shopping in the country. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a shopaholic, Lelystad has something for you.

Top 10 things to do and see in Lelystad

Lelystad is full of unexpected gems that reflect its history, culture, and connection with the water. Check out these must-visit spots!

#1 Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet

For bargain hunters, Batavia Stad is paradise. This open-air outlet mall features over 150 designer stores, including Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, and Hugo Boss. The charming streets and Dutch-inspired architecture make shopping here a pleasant experience. And let’s be honest no trip to Lelystad is complete without hunting for discounts!

#2 Bataviawerf and the Batavia Ship

Step back in time at Bataviawerf, a shipyard where historical ships are reconstructed using traditional craftsmanship. The highlight is the Batavia, a stunning replica of a 1628 Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship. You can climb aboard, explore the decks, and imagine life as a 17th-century sailor. Fun fact: the original Batavia sank off the coast of Australia, but this version was built in Lelystad in the 1980s!

#3 Marker Wadden

One of the newest and most exciting nature projects in the Netherlands, the Marker Wadden is a series of artificial islands in the Markermeer, designed to improve water quality and create a haven for wildlife. You can take a boat from Lelystad to explore this birdwatcher’s paradise, with its sandy beaches, wooden boardwalks, and stunning panoramic views over the water. It’s not a official National Park in The Netherlands yet but I won’t be surprised if it will be in the near future.

#4 Aviodrome Aviation Museum

Plane enthusiasts, rejoice! The Aviodrome is an interactive aviation museum featuring over 100 aircraft, including a massive KLM Boeing 747 that you can walk through. Kids (and adults) can sit in a real cockpit, try a flight simulator, and learn about the history of aviation in the Netherlands.

#5 Natuurpark Lelystad

Lelystad is home to one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in the Netherlands. Natuurpark Lelystad is a vast nature reserve where you can see European bison, wild boars, Przewalski’s horses, and even otters all roaming freely in a natural setting. It’s a great place for a walk, bike ride, or picnic.

#6 Houtribdijk (Dike to Enkhuizen)

The Houtribdijk is an impressive 27-kilometer-long dike that connects Lelystad to Enkhuizen. Driving across it feels like cruising through the middle of the sea, with water stretching as far as the eye can see on both sides. There’s even a lookout point halfway across where you can stop for incredible views over the Markermeer.

#7 Lelystad Beach

Yes, Lelystad has a beach! While it might not be as famous as the North Sea beaches, Lelystad Beach is a great place to relax on a sunny day. There’s a nice beach club where you can grab a drink, and the shallow waters make it perfect for families.

#8 VOC Ship Cannons and Anchor

Near Bataviawerf, you’ll find several real VOC-era cannons and an enormous anchor that were salvaged from shipwrecks in the Zuiderzee. These artifacts offer a tangible connection to the city’s maritime past and are worth a quick stop while exploring the harbor.

#9 Lelystad Art Route

For art lovers, Lelystad has an outdoor art route featuring sculptures, murals, and modern installations spread across the city. Keep an eye out for the iconic Exposure statue, a massive steel figure that seems to be staring out over the water.

#10 The Flevoland Polderlandscape

Lelystad is a city that exists thanks to one of the world’s greatest land reclamation projects. Take a drive or bike ride through the endless straight roads and geometric fields of Flevoland to truly appreciate the scale of this engineering feat.

Where to stay in Lelystad

One of the famous Dutch hotel groups has a hotel here that is probably the best place to stay. It’s called Van der Valk Hotel Lelystad, but if you are looking for a bit more hipster or local experience we can recommend Onze Kas (sleeping in a greenhouse) or Hotel de Lange Jammer.

Food and local specialties

Lelystad isn’t exactly known for its cuisine, but you’ll find plenty of great spots to eat. Try the fresh fish from the IJsselmeer, especially smoked eel (paling) or kibbeling (fried fish bites). If you want something more international, Lelystad has great Indonesian, Surinamese, and Turkish restaurants, reflecting the city’s diverse population.

Events and festivals

• Bataviahavendagen (May) – A lively maritime festival with historic ships, boat tours, and entertainment at Batavia Harbor.
• LelySTART (September) – The city’s biggest cultural festival, marking the start of the cultural season with concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
• Lelystad Haven Festival (August) – A celebration of Lelystad’s connection to water, with boat races, live music, and delicious seafood.

Living in Lelystad: A growing city with space to breathe

Lelystad is one of the most affordable cities in the Randstad region, offering plenty of space, modern homes, and a family-friendly environment. Popular neighborhoods include:

• Hanzepark – A newer area with modern homes, close to the train station.
• Landstrekenwijk – A green, quiet residential area ideal for families.
• Hollandse Hout – Located near Natuurpark Lelystad, offering a mix of city life and nature.

While Lelystad has a reputation as a “boring” commuter city, locals know that it’s actually a fantastic place to live if you love nature, space, and easy access to the rest of the country.

A bit of history

Lelystad was officially founded in 1967, making it one of the youngest cities in the Netherlands. Named after Cornelis Lely, the engineer behind the Zuiderzee Works, it was built on land reclaimed from the sea as part of the ambitious plan to create new agricultural and residential areas.

5 fun facts about Lelystad

1. The city was underwater just 100 years ago – Before 1957, the land Lelystad sits on was still part of the sea.
2. It has a direct railway to Amsterdam – You can be in Amsterdam in just 40 minutes by train.
3. The Netherlands’ longest dike starts here – The Houtribdijk stretches 27 km to Enkhuizen.
4. The biggest designer outlet in the country is here – Lelystad’s Batavia Stad was the first fashion outlet in the Netherlands.
5. There’s an entire sunken forest – The “Swifterbant Forest” contains archaeological finds from early human settlements that predate the city itself.

Things to do in the area

• Enkhuizen (30 min) – A charming harbor town with the Zuiderzee Museum.
• Almere (20 min) – A modern city with unique architecture.
• Harderwijk (40 min) – Home to Dolfinarium, the Netherlands’ largest marine park.

Lelystad might not be the first city you think of when visiting the Netherlands, but for those who love modern Dutch history, wide open spaces, and hidden gems, it’s well worth a visit.