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Landscape
Bringing people and nature together
In Nieuw Land National Park, everything revolves around the interaction between people and nature. How they complement and reinforce each other. People have created and developed a National Park here. It is, consciously and unconsciously, the Nieuw Land as you can experience it today: a true bird paradise where people are welcome and will remain welcome. Above all, it is a beautiful watery nature area where thousands of birds, herds of heck cattle, and grazing konik horses have found their place, with the help of humans.
A new story for the Dutch Zuiderzee
Nieuw Land symbolizes the centuries-long struggle against water, making the delta habitable and living on the bottom of the Zuiderzee. It's a dynamic story about the creation of new nature on a piece of land reclaimed by humans.
This national park is located meters below sea level and has four sub-areas: the Oostvaardersplassen, Lepelaarplassen, Marker Wadden, and the Markermeer. Wherever you stand or go, you experience the power of nature and the influence of humans everywhere. The man-made (bird) islands that are still under development, the marshy areas, and the wetlands; they constantly change due to this interaction between humans and nature. Ecologically, the dynamism and diversity in Nieuw Land are very unique.
The sea eagle, back from the brink
Gone for a long time, but nowadays the White-tailed Eagle is once again a regular inhabitant of Dutch nature. The Oostvaardersplassen, one of the areas of Nieuw Land National Park, is the place where this majestic bird of prey settled down in 2006 to start a new adventure. With a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, this surprisingly fast hunter is a bird to look forward to.
Man-made nature at the bottom of the sea
The reclamation of Flevoland has gone down in history as the largest hydraulic engineering project in the world. Nature was given free rein and humans continued to build with — and for — nature. An example of this is the artificial island group Marker Wadden. Created by humans to restore nature, but also to experience nature themselves. Gradually, more facilities for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and seekers of tranquility are being added here.
Time to refuel
Every year, bluethroats, common terns, spoonbills, and other migratory birds settle in Nieuw Land, after navigating thousands of kilometers along the East Atlantic Flyway. Not only a beautiful spectacle, this massive bird migration is also of great ecological value internationally.
Experience the bird migration
At the border of water and land, many migratory birds find food. Exactly along this watery border of water and land lie the six national parks: Lauwersmeer, Duinen van Texel, De Biesbosch, Schiermonnikoog, Nieuw Land, and Oosterschelde. In these iconic spots in Dutch nature, many of these birds can be seen during the bird migration. Together, the areas tell the story of bird migration, with each area focusing on its own iconic species. Discover below where and when to spot the birds.
Highlights
Go on a photo safari or discover the Marker Wadden
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Personal story
Liselot finds it special that the story of Flevoland, living on the seabed, is so present here.
Do you want to know more about Nieuw Land National Park?
Discover all the current information on the park's website. From the activities calendar and walking routes to contact information and more.