IJmeer

IJmeer is a shallow freshwater lake in the central Netherlands. It lies to the east of Amsterdam and forms part of the boundary between the provinces of North Holland and Flevoland. It is separated from the adjacent Markermeer by the Houtribdijk, a road and waterworks completed in the 1970s.

Formation and geography: After the Afsluitdijk closed the Zuiderzee in 1932, the IJsselmeer was created. In the mid-1970s, the Houtribdijk split the IJsselmeer into two basins: the IJmeer to the east and the Markermeer to the west. The IJmeer stretches along the eastern side of Amsterdam and along the western shores of Flevoland, with the lake opening toward the North Sea Canal and the IJ.

Hydrology and ecology: The IJmeer is relatively shallow, with depths generally a few metres. As an inland water body, its waters are freshwater with minor salinity fluctuations and support diverse birdlife and fish. The lake and its shores include areas designated for recreation and nature, attracting boaters, anglers, and birdwatchers.

Human settlement and development: The IJmeer borders Amsterdam’s eastern districts and has been the focus of urban development, most notably the IJburg project, which created several artificial residential islands in the eastern part of the lake. The area is used for boating, sailing, and other water sports, as well as residential and leisure activities.

Management and planning: The IJmeer is managed under Dutch water authorities and regional planning policies. Ongoing work addresses environmental protection, water quality, and compatible land use, balancing recreation, housing development, and habitat conservation.