Heerenduinen - Nature

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 Zuid-Kennemerland National Park: The Heerenduinen connect with the nature areas Midden-Herenduin, Duin en Kruidberg and Koningshof. Together, these areas form one large continuous dune landscape on the northern side of the national park.
• Old dune oak woodlands: A walk through the Heerenduinen mainly takes you through atmospheric, low oak woodlands. The twisted trunks, narrow paths and sheltered spots give the area an almost fairytale-like appearance.
• Views over the sea and IJmuiden: Between the woodlands are open dunes and higher viewpoints. From the dune tops, you can look out over the dune landscape, the North Sea, the harbour of IJmuiden and, in clear weather, even towards the North Sea Canal.
• Wild animals: The area is home to fallow deer, roe deer, foxes, Konik horses and Scottish Highland cattle, among other animals. Especially during quiet moments in the morning or towards evening, your chances of seeing wildlife are greater.
• Special dune plants: In the damp dune valleys, special plants grow, including grass-of-Parnassus and several types of orchid. This makes the area not only beautiful for walking, but also interesting for nature lovers.
• Traces from the Second World War: Scattered throughout the dunes are still bunkers from the Second World War. These formed part of the Atlantic Wall, the German defensive line along the coast. The location near IJmuiden was strategically important because of the harbour and the North Sea Canal.
• Peaceful walking routes: The marked routes run along unpaved paths, through woodland, over dunes and past open spaces. The well-known circular walk through the Heerenduinen is around 4,5 kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half.

A varied dune walk

The Heerenduinen are ideal for anyone who wants to leave the bustle of the coastal towns behind for a while. Thanks to the combination of woodland, dunes, viewpoints, wild animals and historic remains, every walk feels varied. The area is especially suitable for walkers who enjoy natural, unpaved paths and a little height difference.

Practical information

• Location: The main entrance is on Heerenduinweg in IJmuiden. This is also the starting point for several walking routes.
• Access: The nature area is freely accessible every day from sunrise to sunset.
• Accessibility: The paths are largely unpaved and partly run through loose sand and over dunes. As a result, the area is less suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The marked route through the Heerenduinen is challenging with a pushchair and not accessible for wheelchairs.
• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the Heerenduinen.

Anyone who wants to experience the dunes near IJmuiden in a peaceful and natural way will find a beautiful walking area in the Heerenduinen, full of woodland paths, wide views and hidden history.

Furthermore Heerenduinen is near the following sights: Kennemerstrand (±1,3 km), Bunker museum (±1,3 km), Cremermeer (±1,4 km), Sea and Harbour Museum (±2,1 km) & Forteiland IJmuiden (±2,3 km).

For information

Heerenduinweg, IJmuiden aan Zee
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