5x the most beautiful dune walks in the Netherlands

Tip: Due to the corona measures, some visitor centers and eateries are closed or only open for takeout. Check the website for the latest developments before you leave.

North Holland Dune Reserve – Castricum & Egmond

During this walk you walk through high grass dunes and hilly meadows. Along the way you will encounter all kinds of grass, shrubs and moss and who knows, you might also spot a cormorant or Scottish highlander. Extra fun: the route also goes a bit over the beach at Egmond aan Zee. Ideal to pick up a snack at one of the child-friendly beach bars, but you can also go for tasty poffertjes at restaurant Johanna’s Hof. This eatery is located opposite Visitor Center De Hoep: walk in there too, for interesting information about the dune area.

Please note, for this walk you have to buy an entrance ticket (1.80 euros) from the North Holland Dune Reserve. You simply do this at the ticket machine at the starting point.

Length: 15 km. Directions: download here.

Kennemerduinen – near Haarlem

First you walk across three different estates and then you don’t go onto the beach, but you continue your route through the Kennemerduinen. Good for the leg muscles, because there are large differences in height during this walk. On the way you can see the water tower of Overveen and the beach of Zandvoort from the Hazenberg.

Length: 16 km. Directions: download here.

Also read:
The most beautiful beach walks in a row>

Dune area – Wassenaar

Do you not only want to experience nature, but also a bit of culture? Then go for this beautiful walk where you walk directly into Haagse Bosch from The Hague Central. It doesn’t take long for Huis Ten Bosch palace to emerge and shortly afterwards you can admire the Clingendael estate. Further on you walk through the dunes of Meijendel and the dunes of Wassenaar.

Take a look at the visitor center at farm Meijendel, because there is plenty to do for children there. For example, learn everything about the water extraction in this area and test your knowledge about the animals that live in the dunes.

Length: 13 km. Directions: download here.

De Koploper – Zeeland

If you are going to Zeeland for a few days, this is a fantastic route to walk with the whole family. On Goeree-Overflakkee you will find many extensive dunes where you can discover everything. The route is 20 kilometers long, but you can also only walk the first part (10 km).

Along the way you will cross dune valleys that are centuries old with many flowers and animals. Can you spot dragonflies, frogs and toads? Also nice: the lookout tower that gives a wide view over the beach, the sea and the dunes.

Length: 10 or 20 km. Directions: download here.

Bosch en Duin – near Udenhout

You don’t necessarily have to go to the Dutch coast for beautiful walks in dune areas. There are also many dunes in Brabant where it is wonderful to walk.

During this walk you start in the forest and after a while you will be treated to a wide landscape: the Loonse en Drunense Duinen. It is very nice to walk here, but sometimes you have to keep going, because walking through the drifting sand is not always easy. Before you know it you will be back at the starting point, because the route is not long at 4.3 km. You can also rest afterwards and have a snack at the brasserie of the Bosch en Duin estate.

Length: 4.3 km. Directions: download here.