Natuurpark Lelystad
Flevoland
Natuurpark Lelystad is a 400-hectare nature-rich recreational area near Lelystad, managed by the Flevo-landschap foundation. Established in the 1970s in cooperation with Artis Zoo Amsterdam, the park provides large, naturalistic enclosures for Eurasian large herbivores, many of which are rare or endangered in the wild, such as European bison (wisents), Père David's deer, and Przewalski's horses. It is the only place in the Netherlands where moose can be seen. The park's landscape features a mosaic of water bodies, reed fields, grasslands, and mixed forests, with large ponds formed from sand extraction for nearby infrastructure. The extensive and diverse habitats allow animals to exhibit natural behaviors without supplementary feeding. Visitors can explore nearly 18 kilometers of paved and unpaved walking and cycling paths, with no motorized traffic allowed, ensuring a tranquil experience. Facilities include a visitor center, a restaurant, lookout hides for wildlife observation, and picnic areas. The park plays an important role in breeding and reintroduction programs, having contributed to the release of European bison in various European countries and Przewalski's horses in Mongolia. It also facilitated the successful introduction of beavers into the Biesbosch National Park and the wider Flevoland region. Since August 2025, Natuurpark Lelystad holds a zoo license, prompting upgrades like indoor enclosures and quarantine facilities. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, offering a unique opportunity to experience threatened Eurasian fauna in a spacious, natural setting.
Plan your trip to Netherlands with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: For the best experience, visit Natuurpark Lelystad during daylight hours as it is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing; these are also available for rent at the visitor center. Consider visiting the Wisent Trail, a path that leads through the enclosures of European bison and Przewalski's horses. Advance ticket purchase is not mandatory, but check the official website for any updates or special events. Parking is available on-site, with free parking for Flevo-landschap supporters.
Interesting facts
- •Natuurpark Lelystad is the only place in the Netherlands where moose (elands) can be seen.
- •Since 1976, the park has maintained a herd of European bison, from which nearly 100 animals have been released into the wild across Europe.
- •The park contributed to the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses in Mongolia's Hustai National Park.
- •Beavers introduced in the park escaped in 1991 and helped establish a thriving wild population across Flevoland and the Biesbosch National Park.
- •In 1972, a 19th-century shipwreck named 'De Zeehond' was excavated in the park area and later moved to the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed in Lelystad for public viewing.
- •The Wisent Trail, opened in 2016, allows visitors to walk through enclosures of European bison and Przewalski's horses.
History
Natuurpark Lelystad was established in the early 1970s as a collaboration between the Rijksdienst voor de IJsselmeerpolders and Artis Zoo Amsterdam to create a water-rich park for birds and large hoofed mammals.
The park was designed to provide spacious habitats for large Eurasian herbivores facing increasing pressure in Europe.
Since its founding, it has played a key role in breeding endangered species and reintroducing them into the wild, including European bison and Przewalski's horses.
The park has evolved with changing wildlife protection laws, obtaining a zoo license in 2025 and upgrading facilities accordingly.
Over the decades, it has become an important center for conservation and species recovery in the Netherlands and beyond.
Place Guide
Visitor Center
The park's visitor center offers maps, information about the animals and conservation programs, and rental of binoculars to enhance wildlife observation.
Wisent Trail2016
A dedicated walking path opened in 2016 that leads visitors through the enclosures of European bison and Przewalski's horses, offering close encounters with these rare species.
Prehistoric Settlement Swifterkamp
A reconstructed prehistoric settlement located within the park, providing cultural and historical context alongside the natural environment.
Lookout Hides
Several hides are placed throughout the park for quiet observation of wildlife in their natural habitats without disturbance.
Walking and Cycling Paths
Nearly 18 kilometers of paved and unpaved trails weave through diverse landscapes of water, reed beds, grassland, and forest, allowing visitors to explore the park extensively by foot or bike.
Contact
Phone: 0320 286 111
