Walking in and around Wijk aan Zee

Wijk aan Zee is a characterful fishing village on the edge of the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, with a wide beach and a surprisingly rich natural hinterland. The combination of an industrial outlook on one side and a sweeping dune landscape on the other makes this a uniquely atmospheric walking destination.

Walking routes

The walking routes around Wijk aan Zee lead through dunes, past dune lakes and along the beach, connecting to the wider network of the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. Below are the finest routes.

14 Nature reserves

Around Wijk aan Zee lie 14 nature reserves for walkers. The Noordhollands Duinreservaat provides access from here to one of the largest contiguous dune areas in the Netherlands.

Visitor Center De Kennemerduinen

The perfect starting point to explore the breathtaking nature of the South Kennemerland National Park. This center offers visitors a unique insight into the local flora and fauna, as well as the geological and cultural history of the area. What to Expect at Visitor Center De Kennemerduinen? \r\n- Interactive Exhibitions: The visitor center features engaging and ...

Zeeweg 12, Overveen
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De Oranjekom Visitor Centre

The De Oranjekom visitor centre in Bentveld is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. The centre is located right by the main entrance on Zandvoortselaan, between Zandvoort and Haarlem. Here, you can discover how nature, dunes and drinking water extraction have been connected for more than 170 years. What can you expect at De ...

Eerste Leijweg, Vogelenzang
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Duin en Kruidberg

The Duin en Kruidberg nature area is located near Santpoort-Noord and forms part of South Kennemerland National Park. This varied dune area of around 350 hectares provides a beautiful transition from ancient dune woodland and former country estates to open dunes, wet dune valleys and, eventually, the North Sea beach. What can you expect in Duin en Kruidberg? - Varied ...

Duin- en Kruidbergerweg, Santpoort-Noord
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Heerenduinen

The Heerenduinen nature area forms the northernmost part of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, close to IJmuiden. The area has its own distinctive atmosphere: not endless open sand plains, but mainly old dune oak woodlands, winding paths, quiet dune valleys and high dune tops with surprisingly beautiful views. What can you expect in the Heerenduinen? - Part of ...

Heerenduinweg, IJmuiden aan Zee
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Keukenhof

The Keukenhof in Lisse has been the place to celebrate spring at its finest for over 60 years. With millions of blooming bulbs, breathtaking flower shows, and the largest sculpture garden in the Netherlands, Keukenhof offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

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Stationsweg 166a, Lisse
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Visitor Centre De Hoep

The Visitor Centre De Hoep in Castricum is a good starting point for a visit to the southern part of the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. Here, you can experience the story behind water purification and enjoy the beautiful nature. What to expect at Visitor Centre De Hoep? - Beautiful Nature Areas: The centre offers access to the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, where you ...

Johannisweg 2, Castricum
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Kraansvlak

The Kraansvlak is a special nature area between Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort. The area is part of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and consists of open dunes, woodland, sandy plains, dune lakes and flower-rich grasslands. Thanks to its tranquillity and varied landscape, this is one of the most valuable dune areas in the Netherlands. What can you expect in the ...

Duinpieperpad, Bloemendaal aan Zee
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Koningshof

The Koningshof is a peaceful nature area between Bentveld and Aerdenhout, on the edge of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. The former country estate covers around 43 hectares and consists of old dune woodland, open grasslands, dune valleys, ponds and stately avenues. What can you expect in the Koningshof? - Former country estate: During a walk, you can still clearly ...

Duinlustweg, AerdenhoutMore information

Viewpints

Wijk aan Zee has 4 viewpoints with a striking outlook, over the sea, the dunes and the contrast with the industry of IJmuiden. Below are the finest spots.

Konijnenberg

The Konijnenberg is a beautiful dune top and popular viewpoint in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. From the top, you have a wonderful view over the varied dune landscape with sand dunes, woodland, grasslands and dune valleys. In clear weather, you can even see the North Sea, Haarlem and, in the distance, the high-rise buildings of Amsterdam. What can you expect at the ...

Bloemendaal
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Cremermeer

The Cremermeer viewpoint is a peaceful and somewhat hidden spot in the Kennemerduinen. From the top of a dune, you look out over the shimmering Cremermeer, surrounded by reeds, dunes and open skies. A lovely place for anyone who wants to escape the crowds for a while and enjoy silence, nature and a wide view. What can you expect at the Cremermeer viewpoint? - Peaceful ...

Zeeweg, BloemendaalMore information

Lichtbakkeet

The Lichtbakkeet viewpoint is one of the most beautiful spots in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. From this iconic dune top, around 32 metres above sea level, you can look out across dunes, woods and valleys, and on a clear day even towards Haarlem, Amsterdam and the North Sea. What can you expect at the Lichtbakkeet? -

Heerenduinweg, Santpoort-NoordMore information

De Blinkert

The Blinkert is one of the best-known dune tops in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. This strikingly steep dune lies on the edge of Overveen and is a lovely starting point for a walk through the extensive Kennemerduinen. What can you expect at De Blinkert? - Steep dune top: The climb to the top is short but quite demanding. Once at the summit, you are rewarded with a ...

Duinlustweg, OverveenMore information

» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.