Almere

📌 About

Almere, a modern city located just east of Amsterdam, is known for its innovative urban planning and rapid growth. Founded in the 1970s on reclaimed land, Almere is a city built from scratch, designed with futuristic architecture and plenty of green spaces. It features modern housing, shopping areas, and cultural venues like the Almere Theater. The city is also close to nature, with beautiful lakes, parks, and walking trails. With its contemporary vibe and focus on sustainability, Almere is a perfect example of a forward-thinking, vibrant Dutch city.

🎭 Activities

Almere Boat Tours – Year-Round: Explore Almere from the water with a boat tour across the Weerwater and along its modern architecture. It’s an ideal way to see the city from a unique perspective.

Floriade Expo – Every 10 Years (Next in 2032): This world-famous horticultural exhibition offers a green spectacle with innovative landscape designs, pavilions, and sustainable technologies.

Kunstlinie Program – Year-Round: The Kunstlinie in Almere Stad offers a year-round program of theater, music performances, comedy, and art exhibitions in an iconic building by the water.

Almere Haven Festival – September: An annual event featuring classical music performances, a botter race, and a cozy market along the harbor.

Almeerderstrand Events – Summer Months: From beach volleyball tournaments to music festivals, the Almeerderstrand is the place for summer activities with a relaxed atmosphere.

World Living Statues Almere – October: The city transforms into an open-air stage for living statues from around the world. Visitors enjoy art and entertainment in public spaces.

Winter Festival Almere – December: The Esplanade turns into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, Christmas stalls, and atmospheric lighting.

Almere City Run – June: Running enthusiasts gather for this annual race through the city center and the surrounding nature of Almere. Various distances cater to all skill levels.

Open Haven Dagen Almere – May: During this maritime event in Almere Haven, you can view boats, participate in water sports, and enjoy live music.

Summer at the Harbor Basin – July/August: Live music, food trucks, and a cozy atmosphere make the Harbor Basin the perfect place to spend summer evenings.

Almere Jungle – Year-Round: Visit this unique animal and plant sanctuary in Almere, with a focus on sustainability and animal rescue.

Film in the Forest – August: Enjoy outdoor films in the middle of nature at Almeerderhout. Bring a picnic and experience a unique cinema under the stars.

🏛 Landmarks

Kunstlinie Almere Flevoland (KAF): An iconic building on the Weerwater featuring theater, exhibitions, and stunning views over the city and the lake.

The New Library: An architectural highlight and cultural center with modern facilities, a wide range of books, and cozy workspaces.

Weerwater: A central lake with walking and cycling routes, water sports opportunities, and views of Almere’s skyline.

Almere Jungle: A unique zoo and botanical garden featuring exotic plants and rescued animals in a green and sustainable environment.

Floriade Park: A remnant of the world horticultural exhibition, featuring innovative landscapes, footbridges, and pavilions to explore.

The Oostvaardersplassen: A vast nature reserve with wildlife such as red deer and birds, perfect for walks, bike rides, and nature enthusiasts.

🔹 Small Facts

The Youngest City in the Netherlands: Almere was officially inhabited only in 1976, making it one of the newest cities in the Netherlands.

Built on the Seabed: The city lies in the province of Flevoland, on land reclaimed during the Zuiderzee Works in the 20th century.

Largest City in Flevoland: With over 220,000 inhabitants, Almere is the largest city in the province of Flevoland.

Most Modern Architecture: Almere is known for its innovative and daring architecture, featuring designs by world-renowned architects such as Rem Koolhaas and SANAA.

Inspired by Amsterdam: Districts of Almere, such as Almere Haven and Almere Stad, were designed with influences from Amsterdam’s city structures.

Weerwater as a Focal Point: The Weerwater is a central lake that naturally separates various districts of Almere.

Floriade Expo 2022: Almere hosted the world horticultural exhibition Floriade in 2022, focusing on sustainability and green cities.

Almere Poort: A Growing District: One of the newest districts, Almere Poort, features modern homes and beach access, popular with younger families.

Nature Areas Around the City: Almere is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Oostvaardersplassen, one of the largest wetland areas in the Netherlands.

The Fastest Growing City: Almere continues to grow rapidly and expects a population of over 300,000 by 2030.

A Cyclist’s Paradise: With over 500 kilometers of bike paths, Almere is an ideal city for cyclists.

Film City of the Netherlands: The city is often used as a filming location due to its modern appearance and diverse architecture.

The Largest Skatepark: Almere is home to one of the largest indoor skateparks in the Netherlands, the Area 51 Skatepark.

Greenest City in the Netherlands: With many parks, forests, and water areas, Almere is one of the greenest cities in the country.

International Allure: Almere attracts international attention for its innovative urban planning and unique architecture, often serving as an example for other cities worldwide.

Stories

Almere Haven: The Beginning of a City

Almere Haven is not just a neighborhood; it is the birthplace of the city of Almere. When the Zuiderzee transformed into the Flevopolder, it created an opportunity to build a city entirely focused on modern living.

The Green Cathedral: Where Art and Nature Meet

Amid the vast landscape of Almere lies a remarkable phenomenon: the Green Cathedral. This monumental artwork, designed by artist Marinus Boezem, merges architecture and nature in an unparalleled way.