Almere A Vibrant City A Green Heart

Introduction

Almere is a modern and innovative city located in the province of Flevoland, in the central Netherlands. Founded in 1976, Almere is one of the youngest cities in the country, created on land reclaimed from the Zuiderzee, a large inland sea. As part of the Flevoland Polder, Almere is a prime example of Dutch ingenuity in land reclamation and urban planning. Despite its relatively young age, Almere has rapidly developed into a vibrant city known for its contemporary architecture, green spaces, and modern infrastructure. It’s an important hub for both business and residential life, offering a high quality of living with easy access to nature and the bustling city life of Amsterdam, which is just a short 30-minute train ride away. Almere is divided into several districts, each with its own character, including the centrally located Stadshart (City Heart) with its shopping, restaurants, and cultural venues, as well as Almere Haven, a charming harbor area with traditional Dutch houses and scenic views. The city is known for its extensive parks, waterfront areas, and green spaces, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and boating.

Explore the Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve

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Just outside the city, the Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve is a vast wetland area and a haven for wildlife lovers. The reserve is home to diverse bird species, wild horses, and other animals. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and cycling through the nature reserve, making it an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Cycle through Almere’s Green Spaces

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Almere is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, and cycling through its parks and green spaces is a great way to explore the city. The Almere-Buiten area offers beautiful cycling paths through nature, while you can also enjoy scenic views of lakes and beaches around the city. You can rent bikes to explore Almere’s unique architectural districts and the surrounding countryside.

Water Sports at Almere’s Lakes and Beaches

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Almere has several lakes, including the Weerwater Lake, where you can try various water sports like windsurfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The Almeerderstrand beach on the shores of Weerwater is perfect for relaxing in the summer or enjoying water activities. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it’s an ideal spot for aquatic adventures.

Climbing at Climbing Park Almere

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For adventure seekers, Climbing Park Almere offers a fun and challenging experience. The park features rope courses, climbing walls, and zip lines, providing a thrilling outdoor activity for families, friends, and adrenaline junkies alike.

Visit the Almere Jungle

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The Almere Jungle is an adventure park that offers a jungle-themed adventure experience with obstacle courses and zip lines. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, this park combines physical challenges with fun activities like climbing and jumping through a lush, outdoor environment.

Almere Stadshart (City Heart)

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Stadshart is the central hub of Almere and offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. You’ll find modern architecture, a wide range of stores, and restaurants offering international cuisines. The area also includes the Kunstlinie Almere Flevoland (KAF), a cultural venue hosting theater performances, music concerts, and exhibitions.

Almeerderstrand Beach

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Located along the shores of Weerwater Lake, Almeerderstrand is Almere’s main beach, perfect for relaxation during the warmer months. It’s a great place to unwind, swim, or enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape. The beach is also ideal for water sports and has a laid-back atmosphere, offering a nice escape from the city center.

The Floriade Expo (if visiting during the event)

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Almere will host the Floriade Expo in 2022, which is a world-renowned horticultural exhibition held once every ten years in the Netherlands. The expo focuses on sustainability, innovation in urban greenery, and the future of urban living. While the event is limited to a specific timeframe, the Floriade Expo is a must-visit for anyone interested in the latest in environmental design, landscaping, and green innovations.

Almere Haven

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Almere Haven is the oldest part of the city and offers a charming and scenic waterfront area. You can wander around its historic harbor, enjoy the waterfront cafes, and admire the traditional Dutch architecture. The area has a quaint, small-town feel and is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a relaxing meal by the water.

Dos and Don’ts in Almere

Dos

Do Rent a Bike: Almere is a very bike-friendly city with excellent cycling paths. Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore the city and its surrounding nature. It’s a convenient, eco-friendly way to see the sights, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful green spaces and lakes at your own pace.
Do Respect Public Spaces: Almere has many parks and public spaces, such as Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve and Almeerderstrand Beach, where locals and tourists enjoy outdoor activities. Make sure to respect nature by keeping the area clean and disposing of trash properly.
Do Embrace Dutch Directness: The Dutch are known for their directness and honesty. When interacting with locals, don’t take their straightforwardness as rudeness—it’s simply a cultural trait. They appreciate clear communication and transparency.

Don’ts

Don’t Walk in Bike Lanes: Almere is a bike-friendly city, and cyclists have their own dedicated lanes. Don’t walk in these bike lanes as it can be dangerous for both you and the cyclists. Always be mindful of the marked bike lanes and stick to the sidewalks.
Don’t Expect Late-Night Shopping: Most shops in Almere close by 6-7 PM, especially on weekdays, and many are closed on Sundays. Don’t expect late-night shopping unless you’re in a larger shopping area or mall. Plan your shopping or sightseeing accordingly.
Don’t Tip Excessively: In the Netherlands, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. It’s customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) for good service, but you won’t be expected to leave large amounts. Rounding up the bill is often sufficient, especially in cafés or casual dining places.

Best time to reach in Almere

The best time to visit Almere largely depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd sizes. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during each season to help you decide when to visit:

Spring (April to June)
- Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit Almere, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). The weather is mild, and the city’s parks and green spaces start to bloom, offering a beautiful setting for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.
- Spring is perfect for enjoying Almere’s nature reserves, such as Oostvaardersplassen.
- Events like King’s Day (April 27) offer a unique opportunity to experience Dutch culture.
Summer (July to August)
- Summer in Almere brings warm temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F), with occasional hotter spells.
- Summer is the peak tourist season, so there will be more events and festivals, as well as a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
- Almere hosts a variety of summer events, including outdoor concerts, markets, and festivals. Floriade Expo (if visiting during the event year) is also a major attraction during this season.
Autumn (September to November)
- Early autumn is still relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). As the season progresses, temperatures cool down, and the fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities.
- Autumn is a quieter time in Almere, with fewer tourists. It’s perfect for enjoying the city’s green spaces and parks without the crowds.
- Cultural events like exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts are common in autumn. The weather is still pleasant enough for cycling and walking tours.
Winter (December to February)
- Winter in Almere can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F). Snowfall is possible, although it’s relatively rare. The city experiences shorter days and crisp weather.
- If you enjoy the holiday season, Almere’s Christmas markets and festive decorations will give you a cozy winter experience.
- Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations make this a festive season, although the weather can be chilly.