Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city that is known for its picturesque canal belt and the freedom of life will be an ideal option to consider if you are planning a vacation shortly. Besides the serene nature, national monuments, architectural wonders, red light street, etc., that are famous here, there are some appealing neighborhoods outside the city. Most of these areas will surely remind you of the locations that you have watched in your favorite fairytale movies.
One of these neighborhoods that will make you instantly fall in love with it is the New land area, which is located towards the north-east side of the Dutch capital. This amazing piece of land has been reclaimed or cultivated from the sea giving rise to incredible expanses of wild nature and stunning cities. Additionally, the New Land area is internationally acclaimed as the playground for art, architecture, and design. If you are wondering about including this mesmerizing neighborhood in your Amsterdam tours itinerary, below are some of the major facts about the place that can back your decision.
The Largest Polder in the World
A polder can be defined as ‘a low-lying tract of land that forms an artificial hydrological entity, enclosed by embankments known as dikes’. Before a century, all you could see at this neighborhood, which is also known as Flevoland, was water. Note that Flevoland is the smallest region in the capital city of the Netherlands. Imploded in the first half of the 19th century, the province of Flevoland was officially acknowledged in 1986.
Currently, it is home to a number of modern cities like Lelystad, Almere, etc. The main highlights of the cities here are the captivating blend of futuristic urban planning with modern architecture. On top of that, the surrounding scenic nature and water just add to its enchanting appeal. Without any doubts, visitors who venture this amazing region are sure to swoon over the bewitching beauty of New Land. If you are a history buff and would like to know more about the past of New Land, head on to the outstanding nature reserve, National Park Nieuw Land as well as its expanses of reed beds and marshland.
The Breathtaking Architecture
As mentioned earlier, one of the eye-catching attractions at New Land is the mesmerizing architecture. Do you know that Almere city in New Land holds the third position in the Netherlands when it comes to impressive architecture? As you contemplate of the architectural aesthetics here, you may find it relatable to the contemporary architecture in some modern European towns. Most of the high-profile buildings housed at New Land are designed by popular architects. Some of those veteran designers include Herman Hertzbergen, TeunKoolhass, Liesbeth van der Pol, etc.
The Incredible Land Art
Just like the amazing architecture here, the neighborhood is famous for its extraordinary land art as well. Do you know that Flevoland serves as the house to the biggest concentration of Land Art in the world? In fact, the huge artworks designed in response to the surrounding landscape will be one of the first things that you are likely to notice here. On a related note, there is a total of 6 incredible artworks at New Land designed by popular artists, Anthony Gormley, Richard Serra, and Daniel Libeskind.
While most of these land arts are unique and different from each other, they all reflect the history of the land and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Some artworks also emphasize the a-historical and untouched side of this spectacular landscape. The best part is that you can enjoy all these magnificent attractions in one day. Better, if you can hire the services of a guided tour so that it will be easier for you to understand the history of New Land.
The Secret Island
Before the land was reclaimed from the sea, there was a former island here known as Schokland. Even though the island is not exactly in its former shape, you can still see its outline since it is located higher from the surrounding land. Plus, you can see a sea wall in front of the remarkable old church here. In fact, as a result of the exceptional status of Schokland, UNESCO acclaimed it as the first world heritage site. Currently, the island serves as a home to a stunning museum and a famous archaeological site.
An Ideal Spot for Water Sports Junkies
You can see an impressive artificial lake in New Land that was formed by Ijsselmeer, Ijmeer, and Markermeer. This lake, which is known as the Big Lake, is a perfect option for enjoying a wide range of water sports including fishing, surfing, sailing, swimming, etc. After enjoying a day of sightseeing and activities, you can visit the small villages and harbors along the coastline of the landscape to relish the taste of local cuisine, especially the seafood here. Plus, socializing on the waterside is regarded as one of the best relaxation activities in New Land.