Kraansvlak - Nature

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 Kraansvlak?

• Habitat of the wisent: The Kraansvlak is best known for the wisent, also known as the European bison. This impressive animal is the largest land mammal in Europe and has lived here since 2007 in a freely roaming herd.
• Naturally grazed dune landscape: The wisents help keep the dune area open by grazing grasses, shrubs and young trees. This creates a varied landscape with space for special plants, butterflies, birds and reptiles.
• Plenty of wildlife: Besides wisents, you may also encounter Scottish Highland cattle, Konik horses, fallow deer, foxes, rabbits and countless bird species in the Kraansvlak. Especially in spring and summer, the area is rich in flowers, dragonflies and butterflies.
• Wisent viewpoint: One of the most beautiful places is the Wisent-uitkijkpunt. From here, you look out over the largest dune lake in the Kraansvlak. On warm days, wisents regularly come here to drink or cool down.
• Walking along the edges of the area: From places such as the Duinpieperpad and the Visscherspad, you regularly have views of the wisents’ habitat without having to enter the closed nature area.
• Wisentenpad: For walkers, there is the approximately 3-kilometre-long Wisentenpad. This route runs through part of the wisents’ habitat and is only open from September through March. During the breeding season, the path remains closed to give nature enough peace and quiet.

A special dune area full of peace and nature

The Kraansvlak is a lovely destination for anyone who wants to discover the wilder side of the Dutch dunes. The combination of open sand, dune lakes, woodland and large grazers makes every walk different. With a bit of luck, you may see the wisents moving through the dune landscape from a safe distance.

Practical information

• Entrances: Important access points include the entrance at the Duinpieperpad in Bloemendaal aan Zee and the entrance near the Noordduinen.
• Parking: Paid parking is available at the car parks on the Duinpieperpad and near the Noordduinen.
• Opening times: The Kraansvlak is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. The Wisentenpad is only open from September through March.
• Accessibility: Paved cycle paths and shell paths, such as the Duinpieperpad, are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Many walking paths consist of loose sand and are less suitable for people with limited mobility. The Wisentenpad is unpaved and not accessible for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Visit the Kraansvlak for a peaceful and impressive nature experience in the dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.

Discover the wisents, dune lakes and rugged nature of the Kraansvlak near Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort!

Furthermore Kraansvlak is near the following sights: Kennemerduinen (±1,4 km), Gestrand (±1,9 km), Konijnenberg (±2,1 km), Visitor Center De Kennemerduinen (±2,1 km) & De Blinkert (±2,1 km).

For information

Duinpieperpad, Bloemendaal aan Zee
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