Oostvaardersplassen and Hollandse Hout

The Oostvaardersplassen is a unique area in Europe; nowhere else will you find a natural wetland with reed plains, rugged grasslands and open ponds that are so well preserved. It is a true paradise for many bird species, from water birds such as spoonbills and geese to many birds of prey. The Oostvaardersplassen are therefore mainly known for the gigantic colony of cormorants and as a breeding ground for the white-tailed eagle. Other animals also come into their own in the swampy fields, which look almost as they did a thousand years ago. The large grazing herds of game are characteristic of the area. Red deer, Heck cattle and Konik horses live here in the wild and graze the plain, preventing the area from becoming overgrown. When you cycle through the Oostvaardersplassen, it is no exception when you see large herds of horses, cows or a lone bull in the landscape. But roe deer, foxes, rabbits and other smaller mammals also scrounge for their food between the puddles in the grass and reeds. More information about the Oostvaardersplassen and the various sub-areas, including Hollandse Hout, can be found at Visitor Center Oostvaardersplassen. If you want to know more about the history, maintenance, flora and fauna or the future of the Oostvaardersplassen, then you have come to the right place at the visitor center. And when you return to the visitor center you can reminisce about all the special features and surprises that the natural beauty has offered you during your trip.