Oostvaardersplassen, Nature reserve in Flevoland, Netherlands
Oostvaardersplassen is a nature reserve in Flevoland, Netherlands, situated between Lelystad and Almere along the edge of Markermeer. The terrain includes open water, dense reedbeds, and wide grasslands where large herbivores graze and many bird species nest.
The area appeared after 1968 when Flevoland was reclaimed from the IJsselmeer, and reeds and marsh plants established themselves naturally. In the 1980s, horses and cattle were introduced to keep the grassland open and create conditions similar to a prehistoric landscape.
The name comes from Oostvaardersdijk, a dike that once stood near this area before the land was reclaimed from water. Visitors notice the quiet and lack of human interference, as the terrain is left largely to itself and animals move freely between meadows and waterways.
The reserve has viewing platforms and marked paths that allow a look at animals and birds without entering the protected core area. Guided tours take place mainly in spring and autumn when bird activity is at its highest.
The Konik horse breed originally comes from Poland and was introduced here because their ancestors lived in similar wetlands. The animals survive without stables or extra feeding, and their grazing helps keep reedbeds and meadows in balance.
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