Discover the Schoorl Dunes

The Schoorl Dunes invite you for a unique experience in the widest and tallest dune area of the Netherlands. This vast nature reserve, managed by Staatsbosbeheer, is the perfect location for lovers of nature, tranquility, and outdoor activities.

Why visit the Schoorl Dunes?

There are countless reasons to visit this beautiful natural area:

It houses the tallest dunes in the Netherlands, with peaks rising more than 50 meters above sea level.
The area offers beautiful hiking and cycling routes through forests, heathlands, and dune landscapes.
For the adventurous visitor, there are mountain bike trails winding through the rugged terrain.
The diversity of flora and fauna is impressive, with a chance of spotting rare bird species and the flowering of unique dune plants.

Characteristics of the Schoorl Dunes

Discover the various facets that make the Schoorl Dunes so special:

Rolling dunes: Explore the expanse of the dunes that are nowhere in the Netherlands wider and higher. With some areas stretching up to five kilometers wide, this landscape offers an unparalleled experience of space and freedom.
Particularly special are places like De Kerf where sand can blow over again and create new landscape forms. This phenomenon illustrates the constant change and natural dynamics of the dunes.
Bird-rich forests and open heathlands: Walk through the dense forests rich in avifauna and admire the open heathlands that present a colourful palette of flora. These areas form a crucial habitat for many species and are essential for the conservation of biodiversity.
The dynamics of water and land: Special attention deserves the cut in the dunes, where the sea and the land meet. This dynamic area shows the constant change and natural power of our coastlines.

Activities for Everyone

Whether you are an avid cyclist, skater, rider, or simply seek tranquility, the Schoorl Dunes offer something for everyone. The variety of paths and routes ensure that every visitor can find a unique experience that suits them.

Seasonal Beauty

Each season colours the Schoorl Dunes in a unique way:

Winter: A serene silence covers the landscape, with frost sparkling on the branches.
Spring: The area comes to life with the song of birds, including the green woodpecker and the nightjar, making their presence known.
Summer: The dunes bloom with thousands of dwarf rattlesnakes, and the heather turns purple, a true spectacle for the eye.
Autumn: With more than 800 species of mushrooms, this season is a feast for nature lovers and photographers.

Flora and Fauna

The Schoorl Dunes are rich in special plants and animal species:

Flora: Besides the characteristic heather and dwarf rattlesnake weed, you will find salt-tolerant plants such as salt marsh grass, sea kale, and sea aster, forming a unique ecosystem.
Fauna: The area is a refuge for sand lizards, burrowing bees and wasps, and serves as a breeding ground for various bird species, including the green woodpecker, woodcock, and nightjar.

Starting Points for Your Visit

Ready to explore the Schoorl Dunes? Here are some good starting points:

Visitor Centre Schoorl Dunes: An ideal starting point for your journey. Here you can find information about the hiking trails, nature, and activities for children.
De Kerf: A unique place where the sea can flow into the dune landscape. This creates a special natural phenomenon and a rich biodiversity.
Walking route from Catrijp: A less known starting point that leads you directly into the quieter parts of the dune area.

Whether you are looking for an active day in nature or simply want to enjoy the peace and beauty of the landscape, the Schoorl Dunes offer something for everyone. Discover it yourself!