CURRENT MISSION

Creating an active CouchSurfing community in Almere and getting more travellers to see Almere.

ABOUT ME

About Almere
The history of a new town

Almere is a lively, fast growing new town you just have to visit! Almere is one of the Netherlands' larger cities. Possibly the most important day in the history of Almere is of course the day in November 1976 when the very first inhabitants actually stood on Almere soil. This occurred in the brand new (first, and at that time, only) zone, Almere Haven.

Now, more than 30 years later there are 192,000+ inhabitants of Almere. As well as the six zones, each with its own centre, we have a brand new town centre, with tens of thousands of square metres of shops and various places of entertainment, thus ensuring Almere's attractiveness to both resident and visitor alike.

Almere is known for its wonderful parks, diverse woods, gorgeous lakes, well maintained canals and enchanting nature reserves. Take for instance the wonderful Oostvaardersplassen or the Lepelaarsplassen. And just try Atlantis Beach (Atlantisstrand - part of the recreational area 'Weerwater'), for a fabulous view of the Almere skyline! (Architecture and all its vagaries is actually a huge leading attraction in Almere and the new skyline is one of the city's treasures.) The Smaragd (Emerald), Lakeside, Side by Side and The wave are the names of projects for which Almere is known throughout the architectural world and you can see them all from there.

Tourist information

You can find out about lots of things at the VVV in Almere – there is information on all the sights, architecture, current events, venues for going out, cycle tours and lots, lots more, all in Almere. We also have some nice souvenirs on sale, as well as various gift tokens such as of course the VVV's own, the Bol.com token, Cinema gift tokens, the Diner's Voucher and Podiumkaart). Want to cycle around Almere? VVV Almere now hires bikes; ladies and gents (7 gears) and kids – and now electric ones too (best to reserve in advance if you fancy the electric one).

Interested in one of Almere's events? Please check the VVV agenda here: http://www.vvvalmere.nl/zien-en-doen/Evenementen or check Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vvvalmere

Address: Stadhuispromenade 1
Email: info@vvvalmere.nl

Opening hours:
Monday 13:00 - 17:00
Tuesday till Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 12:00 – 17:00

About the Dutch and Holland / The Netherlands:
Its all very simple, take a look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE_IUPInEuc

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Meetings
Almere CS Monthly meeting

Every first week of the month, locals and travellers come together for drinks, food and fun! We meet at 8 pm at Café Cameleon. Everyone is invited to join us, it doesn't matter if you're a host, surfer, have lots of experience or non at all, if you just joined CS, or if you're a friend of a CSer. You're welcome! Check out the groups to see which day we are meeting!

Time: 8 pm
Address: Deventerpad 26
Website: http://www.lecameleon.nl/

You are also welcome to join our local Facebook Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CSAlmere/

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Weather
Rain radar
Warning! The Dutch weather is a little unpredictable! Don't listen to the anchorman and work on you're own weather forecast by clicking on the below map. Further there is a HD webcam here:

http://hdtv.webcam.nl/flevoland3/

See, that wasn't so hard :P

Interests

Expats in Almere
Building a network in Almere

Since there are a lot of expats living in Almere we noticed that a lot of people are looking to meet other expats. Besides CS and the local meetings there is an organisation called International Almere. They connect and build social networks for expats, migrants and internationally-minded locals in and around Almere.

Check out their website or FB profile for the meetings and other info.

Facebook

Website

• architecture
• dining
• drinking
• movies
• cycling
• history
• tours
• beaches
• parks
• lakes

Music, Movies, and Books

Arts & Culture
Markets

A typical Dutch market is the right place to start your visit in Holland and to get to know the Dutch very well. There's nothing you won't find at a Dutch market, fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, nuts, fish, chicken, clothes, hardware, bike supplies, fabrics, haberdashery, bags and lots more. Dutch sales men are willing to help you find the right souvenir. Don't forget to try a fresh syrup waffle (stroopwafel), they're delicious! If you're a real thrillseeker, try raw herring with onions, or if you're not so much into raw fish, try another typical Dutch dish, Batter Cod Fish (Kibbeling).

Almere Stad
Address: Stadhuisplein and Promenade
When: Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm

Almere Buiten
Address: the Markt and the Brink
When: Every Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm

Almere Haven
Address: Globeplein and Rio de Janeiroplein
When: Friday from 9 am to 4 pm

Farmers’ Market
Organic products that are locally produced. Potatoes, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, bread, meat flour, packaged goods, flowers and plants.
Address: Kemphaanpad 10
When: Every Saturday from 9:30 am to 1 pm.

Theatre

Schouwburg Almere
Schouwburg Almere offers a wide variety of family shows, dance performances, classical concerts, jazz concerts, operas and musicals.
Address: Esplanade 10
Website: http://www.schouwburgalmere.nl

Corrosia! Theater De Roestbak
Fringe theater De Roestbak in the district center of Almere Haven offers a wide range of theater productions and art house movies.
Address: Markt 1
Website: http://www.corrosia.nl

Sports & Activities

Friday Night Skate
Organized by one of our couchsurfers. Every friday starting at 19.00 hrs. location: Gateway Diner - Beatrixpark. Participation is free. Bring your own skates! The skate will take you to some great places and routes may differ over time. Don’t forget to check the FNS Almere Facebook page to double check the go or no go: https://www.facebook.com/FNS.Almere.

Skatepark Almere Buiten
One of the biggest skateparks (25x85 meter!). Free entrance. Bring your own skates and protection http://tinyurl.com/celwumu

Almere Cityrun
The biggest annual run in Flevoland exists of 3 different distances. 7, 14 or 21 Km's. The run starts in the city center. Participation by (pre) registration only. (http://www.almerecityrun.com/)

Holland Triathlon
This annual Triathlon started in 1983 and is the most famous triathlon in the Netherlands. Participation is only possible by registration. (http://www.almerehollandtriathlon.nl/)

ASV Skate (plus routes)
The ASV is Almere's inline skate/ skate association. Most activities need registration but you can pick up a card with their skate/ cycle routes at Sportpaleis 2000 in Almere City Center.

Inline skate and nature ice track
Pretty unique in the Netherlands. Opened in 2012 this 200 meter track is build according to the international standards and can be used for future Olympic games. Its surrounded by 400 meters of asfalt and another 500 meters around it. During the winter the 400 and 500 meter tracks can be flooded to create a gigantic “nature” ice track.

Ziplines
In need for some speed and action? Combine your visit to the Kemphaan area/ restaurant with a thrilling experience! This zipline park opened in 2012 and lets you enjoy the great view on the surrounding area while moving with high speed from three to three.
(http://www.klimbosalmere.nl/)

Paintball/ laser gaming
Almere has different paintball parks. However Gladiator sports claims to be the biggest and cheapest park of the Netherlands. So while here you might enjoy shooting some Dutchies for almost nothing! (9 outdoor fields and a 9000 m2 indoor park) (http://www.gladiator.nl/)

Canoeing
You probably noticed that we like water, especially in Almere. So why not exploring the waters with some manpower? Go to the Haddock or Boathouse to gear up for the time of your live. Warning: take your ID and sun cream. Feeling lazy or having a hangover? They also rent motorboats...

Waterski/ wakeboard cable track
Can’t get enough of our water huh? Ok, lets go waterskiing or wakeboarding! Rent your wetsuit and other gear at Lido and hop on. Lets see if you can keep up for more then 10 minutes. Warning: if you fall you’ll need to queue up again.

Cycling One thing we Dutchies like to do is cycling. If you manage to borrow or rent a bike try to explore the area by following the connection points (knooppunten) you can easily follow the many numbers. Nice areas will include then Oostvaarders plassen, around the Noorderplassen and the famous Oostvaarders dyke to see what’s protecting Almere from the water!

Mountainbiking
Who would have thought? MTBing in the Netherlands? Well, the American Eagle track is a nice and short cross country route through the Kotterforrest (Kotterbos). Just try it but make sure you have a decent MTB and if possible a helmet. Don’t complain about your painful ass afterwards. If you looking for a more challenging route you can check alternatives in the surrounding area here: http://www.mtbroutes.nl/ (check Flevoland)

Surviving, kickbike steps, GPS and mountainbike rental etc
Wanna do some activities but don’t have the right gear? Go to the Kotterbos and ask for more info. This event club will help you out. (http://www.kotterbos.nl/)

Indoor ski and snowboard
Sounds more fancy then it actually is but still... Wanna practice before going on holiday? This might be a handy thing.(http://www.indoorskialmere.nl/)

Squash/ tennis
Feeling like playing a game with one of your friends or a total stranger? Visit the biggest squash hall in the Netherlands: http://www.squashalmere.nl/

Minigolf
Combine your visit to the Beatrixpark and the gateway diner to the minigolf park. Don’t expect to much as its originally for little kids. Its still fun though.

Nature

Oostvaardersplassen
This internationally known protected nature area of 56 Km2 was originally intended as an industrial site back in the zeventies but now functions as a home base for many different birds. You will aslo find wild horses, cows and other wildlife. Visit the nature center and go upstairs for the outlook. A few minutes from the center is an little outside outlook hill where you will find a lot of bird spotters. It’s definitely worth bringing a visit to this place but you’ll probably need a ride to get there.

Noorderplassen
This residential area was developed back in the 90's. Until now they are still developing the western part. If you get a chance do a little tour around the lake and check out the bird viewing houses. Furthermore there is a small chance you’ll encounter some deer’s on the road.

Almere beach
This artificial beach often hosts a lot of big parties and events. Without the events it might be worth bringing a visit. You will find a nice beach club called Poortdock.

Kromslootpark
Another famous nature area with sheeps, lama's and wild horses. A very nice place for a hike. Combine this hike with your bike trip to Almere Haven. Don't forget to lock your bike!

Beatrixpark
This modern park is definitely worth bringing a visit when its nice weather. Named after the queen you will find the Beatrix Linde, a tree planted by our queen. Further there is a canal tour boot station, a really cool American diner (originally imported and they have the 5 dollar shake!) a skatepark, playground and minigolf park. Organize a BBQ here and invite your fellow CS'ers!

Kemphaan
This citypark is a definitely worth a visit. You can combine a nice walk with a short visit to the monkey shelter, zipline/ playpark, labyrinth, local store, farmersmarket (sat only) or a visit to the pancake restaurant. Address: Kemphaanpad 4, 1358 AC Almere.

Kotterbos
This amazing forrest is situated between Almere and Lelystad. Its very close to the Oosvaardersplassen, one of West Europe's biggest national reserve's. Here you will find a wide variety of wildlife including the very rare sea eagle. You can combine your Kotterbos visit with camping, mountainbiking, a visit to the Oostvaardersplassen or some other local activities from Flevo Events. Address: Kotterbosweg 97, 8218 AD Lelystad

Garden of love and fire
This area is actually only worth bringing a visit if you are into art/ architecture and nature. It’s part of one of the five Land Art projects in Flevoland and its designed by Daniel Libeskind, the architect of the new Ground Zero buildings in New York, USA. It should represent a mediation garden.