Looking for a creative and off-the-beaten track in the Netherlands, we end up at Kallumaan in the Noordoostpolder. The region is a polder, municipality and region in the Dutch province of Flevoland. The Noordoostpolder was created in 1942 by draining the Zuiderzee, a shallow bay of the North Sea, and reclaiming the land for agricultural use. It feels familair to Angela, who is born in Flevoland as the daughter of one of the first families to settle there.  

The Lighthouse beach

Kallumaan is a surprising, beautiful place to stay, located in the idyllic village of Kraggenburg. It is a perfect place for families with children and teenagers looking for a unique and unforgettable vacation with nature all around. The vast landscape is a maze of beaches, bamboo jungle, elephant paths, swimming water and islands where you can relax and go on an adventure. They even created an artificial lake to provide all this.

The idea behind Netl starts with a story about sustainability. Now a trend word, thirty years ago for two brothers of the Crebas family are already part of their upbringing. The brothers bought the land with the aim of creating an experience center for nettle. So that visitors could see how it is growing. But as people don't come here just for nettles, they started doing other things to entertain people. They create a pavilion for a cup of coffee and a stage room. And they started creating nature. As a fan of bamboo they planted a forest with 45 species, which is always green. As from 2016 people can also stay at Kallumaan.

This vacation Angela enjoys time with her friend Renate and our teenage children at Kallumaan. The area is also called Netl “The wildest garden” and one can come here for a day and stay at the campsite or in one of the special accommodations.

When driving in at the enormous entrance we feel this is something different. We stay at the campsite which is a wonderful experience. The camping area has been divided into fields: the MIG-field, the Heli-field and the UFO-field. We find our tent at the MIG-field with lots of children. Many herbs have been sown all over the site, these include fennel, mint, thyme and oregano. It proliferates nicely and guests are allowed to pick it. Of course it’s possible to bring your own tent, but we decided to have a bit of luxury and rent a tent (at this time called ‘The Boss’), equipped for four persons.

A little exercise for our glamping adventure in ‘The Boss’ :-)

Our tent is spacious and comfortable, with four beds and enough room for the teenagers to relax and enjoy their vacation. And for a foodie such as my friend a fridge has been added. We go all out for more luxury and simply book the final cleaning as well. The luxury facilities such as free fast internet connection (Wi-Fi) and free parking make the stay extra comfortable.

Overall when you compare the place with an average camping site in the Netherlands the prices are higher. Also when you only want to spent a day you have to pay an entry fee per person, so you’d better plan the whole day in that scenario. 

A festival vibe

If you do stay overnight, Kallumaan offers lots of different accommodation. When with a group you can also try one of the group hotels on the terrain. There’s also a pioneer house to stay in with a group. The pioneers’ houses were built in the early years of the Noordoostpolder’s development to house the first settlers who came to work on the land. These houses were simple and functional, designed to prove basic shelter for the pioneers and their families. Today, many of these houses have been preserved as a testament to the Noordoostpolder’s rich history and heritage. More creative accommodations are really worthwhile a look: how about sleeping in a (beautiful) shipping container or a gypsy wagon (house on wheels). Or with two persons in a real tram, a bird house, an artistic tree or a hiker’s cabin.

How about sleeping in a shipping container?

Kallumaan offers various options for creative activities, such as renting a go-kart around the campsite, take a bike ride through the area or canoe the nearby lake. There is also a natural playground where children can have fun. Overall the freedom, creativity and music give a festival vibe. And you can see the creativity in the buildings that are on the site, the works of art. But also what the terrain looks like, with all the paths. On the lighthouse beach, you'll find yourself in the ultimate chill mode.

We admire the amazing nature and our teenagers enjoy the many activities that the campsite has to offer. In short, Netl Kallumaan is a creative place to stay for families with teenagers looking for a unique and unforgettable vacation. It’s an amazing natural playground the size of no less than 90 football fields.

TOP:
# The beautiful nature in a special piece of the polder. Unexpectedly fabulous spot.

# The many creative activities and the recreation area with beach pavilion is really great. Mud slide, rolling from a sand hill, hanging on ropes, great chess game…. How amazing! 

# The luxury facilities make the stay extra special.