The Landscape

National Park Zuid-Kennemerland stretches along the North Holland coast between Zandvoort and IJmuiden and offers one of the most varied dune landscapes in the Netherlands. Towering dunes and deep valleys blend seamlessly into quiet dune lakes, drifting sand plains and flower-filled meadows. The wind shapes this undulating landscape, where young and old dunes alternate and the gradual shift from salt to fresh water can be felt at every turn. Further inland, the dunes slowly give way to shady woodlands and grand country estates. Tree-lined avenues, ponds and centuries-old trees mark a rich transition zone where nature and culture come together in harmony.

The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is a unique and expansive dune area between Zandvoort and Noordwijk, specially designed for both drinking water extraction and nature conservation. The landscape is remarkably varied, with open sandy plains, reed-filled valleys, dense shrubland, leafy forests and quiet canals winding through the rolling terrain. Shaped by centuries of wind and water, the dunes offer striking contrasts, from dry ridges to moist lowlands where rare plants thrive. Visitors are welcome to explore the area on foot, but cycling is not allowed. This ensures a peaceful atmosphere and a truly immersive nature experience. Around the reserve, a well-developed network of cycle paths offers scenic routes with views of dunes, forests and the nearby sea.