Espel, built from 1956 onwards, was allocated exactly one agricultural plot measuring 300 by 800 metres as building land. That is why the original village has a rectangular shape and is surrounded by agricultural plots of identical shape and size. That rectangular shape is reflected in Espel's flag.
World-famous in the Noordoostpolder, especially among young people, is the annual Dijkfeest van Espel. This takes place right next to the dike, hence the name. The festival with live music originated as the annual final party of the then Catholic Rural Youth, which still organises it today under the name J19nu. Since the first Dijkfeest in 1976, the event has been held every year on the last Saturday of June. It attracts around 3,000 visitors.
The Ducdalf in Espel is the place to go bowling with family or friends, escape from an escape room or attend a cooking workshop. Not in the mood for an activity? Just eating out in the café-restaurant is of course also possible.
Do you like plants and gardening? Then you should definitely visit De Stekkentuin in Espel. This is a special farm garden where leaf colour, leaf shape and leaf structure play an important role. This garden continues to fascinate from early spring until autumn.
Just outside Espel, on the Westermeerdijk, you will find a vista panel with an information board under the name 'Sluitgat'. A closure hole is the last hole to be closed before the completion of a dam or dike. This vista panel is the start of a beautiful and informative route through the Noordoostpolder.
