Tour of the Lepelaarplassen

Directions

This 12km-long route runs through a special part of Flevoland. Start the discovery excursion at De Trekvogel visitors’ centre at Oostvaardersdiep 16 in Almere.

Download the free cycle and walking route!

Discover the special and rich bird life of the Lepelaarplassen and enjoy the panoramic views over the water, reed beds and wet grasslands. Whether cycling or walking, a tour around the Lepelaarplassen is a stunning nature experience in every season. Download the cycle and walking route 'Rondje Lepelaarplassen' (in Dutch).

Trekvogelgraslandje

Once you cross the road, you immediately have a clear view over the Trekvogelgraslandje (migratory birds grasslands). In the winter and early in the spring, this area is partially under water, and mostly migrating birds stay here. Lapwings brood here, and redshanks, common greenshanks, snipes, little ringed plover and families of grey geese forage here.

Observation hut

Follow the route over the cycle path and the bridge. This is one of the usual fishing spots of the kingfisher. And beavers are active here. Gnawed willows at the water’s edge betray their presence. Follow the grassy path to the Lepelaarhut. This hut offers a panoramic view over the heart of De Lepelaarplassen. Many woodland birds live in the willows along the path. The shallow pond is a former sand excavation pit. In and around the island can be found hundreds of unusual birds that you can watch at your leisure.

Towards the skyline

Follow the cycle path. After the wooden bridge, turn right immediately into a narrow cycle path. After about a kilometre, cycle or walk over a wide concrete bridge. This gives you a view over the extensive elder bushes of the Lepelaarplassen. The panoramic view over the Noorderplassen and the skyline of the city of Almere is imposing and calming at the same time. 

Natte Graslanden

A bit further along, the cycle path widens and you have arrived at the Natte Graslanden (wet grasslands). Two observation screens along the path provide a stunning view of the meadows.

Further on the Oostvaardersdijk

The excursion continues on the cycle path to the Oostvaardersdijk. On the left lies the urban forest De Pampushout and on the right you cycle back towards the visitors’ centre De Trekvogel with a fine view over the Kwelzone and the Kwelplas, situated in De Lepelaarplassen and the Markermeer lake.

Kwelzone and Kwelplas

The Kwelzone is a watery strip of reeds along the Oostvaardersdijk. A little further you come to an elongated pond. This is the shallow Kwelplas that is fed by seepage water, or water that seeps under the dike. It’s an ideal pond for ducks, geese and swans.

De Trekvogel visitors’ centre

After covering the last few meters, you can catch your breath in De Trekvogel visitors’ centre. If you want more information about the walking or cycling route, ask here for a detailed description. The coffee is ready and waiting, and there is a wealth of information about the Flevoland nature.