Netherlands
Almere
A planned city where modern Dutch design meets engineered nature on reclaimed land.
Almere exists as proof that humans can build cities from scratch on land that didn't exist forty years ago. Wide boulevards connect clusters of experimental housing blocks, while artificial forests and constructed wetlands create the illusion of organic growth. The city moves with the measured pace of intentional design—cyclists glide along perfectly planned routes while families push strollers through neighborhoods that feel like architectural test cases.
Perfect for
- —Architecture enthusiasts seeking contemporary Dutch planning
- —Families drawn to spacious suburban living
- —Urban planners studying new city development
Atmosphere
architecture•nature•design
The rhythm of the day
morning
Coffee shops fill with commuters heading to Amsterdam while joggers circle engineered lakes
afternoon
Families populate playgrounds and shopping centers designed around pedestrian zones
night
Restaurants and cafes create intimate pockets of warmth in expansive planned districts
Signature experiences
- 01Cycle through color-coded districts designed by different architectural teams
- 02Walk artificial beaches along Weerwater lake at engineered sunset viewpoints
- 03Browse weekend markets in geometric town squares surrounded by experimental housing
- 04Follow bird migration paths through constructed wetlands and planned forests
- 05Explore Oostvaardersplassen's rewilded landscape of grazing herds and wetland birds
How to experience Almere
Rent a bicycle to appreciate the city's systematic layout and dedicated cycling infrastructure
Visit different districts to see varying architectural approaches to planned community living
Time visits around seasonal changes when the engineered landscape shows its careful design