Overnight stay in Almere

Architecture

Almere is known for its modern architecture and exceptional buildings. The town hall, for example, is the most emblematic building in the centre, with its circular council chamber. Seen from the motorway, De Smaragd (The Emerald) is a striking apparition on the Almere skyline. It is unmissable, with its bright colours and slanting walls, which ensure optimum lighting. With so many exciting architectural creations, it is no surprise that Almere is number 1 for contemporary architecture in ‘European New Towns’.

Water sports

With a 42-kilometre coastline, Almere is the perfect destination for beach and water sports. Surfers and kite surfers can find plenty of space at the surfing beaches Surfstrand Almere Haven and Atlantisstrand. Almere has the largest beach for catamaran sailing in Europe! Those not actively involved in water sports can enjoy watching the impressive surfers from a seaside café.

Walking or cycling

Do you prefer to keep your feet dry? Around Almere there are woods, lakes and polders for fabulous walks or cycle rides among unique flora and fauna. The most exceptional place to visit is the Oostvaardersplassen, a nature reserve that grows on what used to be the seabed. During your tour, you could well spot roe deer, red deer, wild boar or seals.

Amsterdam

If this is all a bit too quiet for you, don’t forget that Almere is barely 30 minutes away from vibrant Amsterdam. The A6 motorway goes directly to Amsterdam, making it extremely easy to reach the Dutch capital. Amsterdam is full of life and there is no shortage of things to see and do. For your flight from Schiphol Airport, too, it is more pleasant to avoid driving into the busy centre of Amsterdam and instead take the motorway to Almere.