Oostvaardersplassen and Krentenplas Loop

The loop is almost perfectly flat—about 32 km / 20 mi with roughly 0 m / 0 ft of climbing—so the challenge is less about elevation and more about distance, wind exposure on dikes, and staying on the limited-access path network around one of Europe’s most famous “new wilderness” wetlands.

Getting to the start (nearest address / landmark) A practical start point for a long loop here is the main visitor hub on the Knardijk:

- Buitencentrum Oostvaardersplassen (Staatsbosbeheer), Kitsweg 1, 8218 AA Lelystad, Netherlands (by the Knardijk and railway viaduct). ([mapcarta.com](https://mapcarta.com/N3543518128?utm_source=openai))

By car: From the A6, use exit 10 (Lelystad) and follow directions toward the Knardijk area; there’s parking at/near the visitor centre. ([visitflevoland.nl](https://www.visitflevoland.nl/en/locaties/1060745282/the-keersluisplas-observation-point-oostvaardersplassen?utm_source=openai)) By public transport: This side of the reserve is not convenient by bus (the nearest stop can be a long walk). A common workaround is train to Lelystad Centrum and continue by rental bike (or a long walk) to the visitor centre area. ([visitflevoland.nl](https://www.visitflevoland.nl/en/locaties/1060745282/the-keersluisplas-observation-point-oostvaardersplassen?utm_source=openai)) If you want a more PT-friendly gateway to the broader Nieuw Land / Oostvaardersplassen experience, the Oostvaarders Nature Experience Center (Almere) is reachable from Almere Oostvaarders station with about a 30-minute walk—but that’s a different access point than Kitsweg 1. ([opreismetco.nl](https://www.opreismetco.nl/en/the-netherlands/discover-nieuw-land-national-park/?utm_source=openai))

What the route feels like underfoot (and why it’s “easy”) Expect **wide, well-made paths, dike-top tracks, and compacted gravel/earth** with short boardwalk/bridge sections near wetter edges. Because you’re walking in reclaimed polder land, gradients are negligible; the “easy” rating fits the terrain, but **32 km / 20 mi** still demands pacing, food, and foot care.

Wind is the silent factor: the open polder and dike lines can be breezy to punishing, and in wet seasons the chill can cut through quickly. Bring a windproof layer even when forecasts look mild.

The landscape you’ll be walking through Oostvaardersplassen sits in **Flevoland**, a province created by large-scale land reclamation as part of the **Zuiderzee Works**. The reserve itself formed in a polder created in **1968**, when parts didn’t dry as planned and shallow pools, reedbeds, and marsh developed—eventually becoming internationally important wetland habitat and later part of **Nieuw Land National Park (est. 2018)**. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oostvaardersplassen?utm_source=openai))

You’ll notice two big “moods” to the scenery: - Wet core and reed sea: broad reedbeds, open water, and muddy margins that draw huge numbers of birds. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oostvaardersplassen?utm_source=openai)) - Drier fringes / scrub and woodland patches: willow, shrubs, and mixed edges that feel more sheltered and often hold mammals.

Wildlife and what to look out for This is one of the Netherlands’ standout places for **birding and big grazers**—often at surprisingly close range (but still wild).

Birdlife: The area is known for species such as great egret, spoonbill, cormorant, bittern, and notably the white-tailed eagle, which has become a flagship species here. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oostvaardersplassen?utm_source=openai)) Bring binoculars if you have them; even without, you’ll often see mass movements of geese and raptors riding the wind.

Large herbivores: You may encounter Konik horses, red deer, and Heck cattle—introduced as part of a rewilding-style management approach. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oostvaardersplassen?utm_source=openai)) Give them space: don’t try to “pass through” a herd. If animals are on the path, wait, detour only where permitted, and keep a calm, predictable line.

Seasonal closures: Parts of the reserve’s path network can close at certain times of year for wildlife management/seasonal protection. Check your route in HiiKER shortly before you go and