Cycling route National Park Zuid-Kennemerland and Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
Cycling through a dynamic dune landscape with high dune peaks, deep valleys, quiet dune lakes, flower rich meadows and stately country estates between the sea and the city.
The Landscape
Along the coast between Zandvoort and IJmuiden, you cycle through National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, where high dunes, valleys and dune meadows alternate in quick succession. Tall dune peaks, sheltered valleys and open sandy plains create a constantly changing landscape, with occasional dune lakes and wide dune meadows filled with light and open space. The influence of wind and salt can be felt everywhere, while the varied terrain and changing vegetation give the scenery a new character around every bend. Further inland, the dunes gradually transition into forests and the inner dune edge, where old tree lined avenues and historic country estates add extra atmosphere and history to the route.
The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen form a vast dune landscape between Zandvoort and Noordwijk, known for both drinking water production and its rich natural environment. The area features open dune plains, reed filled lowlands, dense shrubs, deciduous forests and quiet canals that follow the contours of the terrain, giving the landscape a surprisingly water rich character. Cycling is not allowed within the reserve itself, which helps preserve its peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere. Around the area, however, an excellent network of cycling paths offers continuous views of dune edges, forest strips and the nearby coast.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
In National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, you cycle from open dune meadows into sheltered dune forests, where light filters through pine and deciduous trees onto the paths. Between the sandy ridges, heath like areas and flower rich grasslands appear, creating a constant transition between open and enclosed dune landscapes along the route.
Along the inner dune edge near Overveen and Bloemendaal, historic country estates appear with stately avenues, ponds and old trees that give the landscape a classic atmosphere. This combination of country estates and dune scenery makes the route especially attractive for cyclists who enjoy experiencing nature and culture in a single ride.
Near Zandvoort, you ride close to the North Sea, with the coastal ridge and young shifting dunes forming a rugged and lively shoreline landscape. From the higher dune points, there are regular views towards the beach and coastline, while the cycling path gently follows the rolling contours of the dunes.
As soon as you leave the dunes behind, the polders open up with long fields, drainage canals and waterways stretching towards places such as Haarlem, Heemstede and Hillegom, creating a wonderfully open and typically North Holland landscape. Along the edges of the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, you cycle with views of both dunes and polders at the same time, while enjoying the pleasant feeling that the quiet nature reserve lies just behind the vegetation.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through National Park Zuid-Kennemerland and the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen takes you past high dune peaks, deep dune valleys and open sandy plains, with a constant feeling of wind and open space near the North Sea. Along the route, flower rich dune meadows, shrubs and dune forests alternate throughout the landscape, while regular views open up towards the coastline around Zandvoort and the inner dune edge.
This virtual cycling route also captures the atmosphere of the country estates and manor houses near Overveen and Bloemendaal, where tree lined avenues and old trees form a peaceful contrast to the open dunes. Around the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, you ride along pleasant paths with views of both dunes and polders, beside a nature reserve where walking is allowed but cycling is not, making the silence and tranquillity feel even more special.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 36 on the Duinvlietspad in Overveen. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 60 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 59 minutes
Elevation gain: 344 m
Paved roads: 93%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 7%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
