Explore Bloemendaal through two very different interests: spending time in the dune landscape and at the beach, or discovering historic places. At Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland, the focus is on walking trails, marked routes and designated swimming areas; historic country estates and distinctive buildings also add to the area’s appeal. The focus you choose can shape your plans for the day.
Dunes, Walking Trails and Beach
Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland has 58 kilometres of walking trails. There are also various marked routes ranging from 1 to 16 kilometres. An audio guide is available for the popular route from the visitor centre through the Kennemerduinen to the beach. The different route lengths can help you choose a trail; no walking time is specified. The national park’s landscape includes open dunes, forests and dune lakes.
The De Kennemerduinen visitor centre is a good starting point for a visit to the national park. Bicycle rental is available there; check availability before your visit. An exhibition introduces notable areas and landmarks in the park, though the exhibition content may change. The section of the park managed by PWN can be reached via the main entrances at Koevlak in Overveen, on Parnassiaweg, and at Bleek en Berg in Bloemendaal. As access conditions and parking options may change, check local information before travelling.
Swimming is possible year-round between sunrise and sunset in the dune lake ’t Wed, at the Koevlak entrance. Swimming is also permitted in some other areas of the national park; check on site which areas are suitable. The coastline at Bloemendaal aan Zee stretches for 4.3 kilometres. There are two paid car parks there; consult the municipality’s visitor information before setting out. The Strandbus shuttle service Noord runs to Bloemendaal aan Zee. Check the timetable before travelling.
Historic Places and Distinctive Buildings
Buitenplaats Elswout is a well-preserved estate dating from the 17th century. It covers more than 65 hectares and is protected as a Rijksmonument for its cultural and historical value. Visitors can walk around the estate from sunrise to sunset; check local access information in advance. A red walking route runs through the centuries-old estate, which is laid out in the English landscape style. At Elswout, both the landscape design and the historic country estate are highlights.
Thijsse’s Hof is the oldest heemtuin (wildlife garden) in the Netherlands. Plants from the dune region can be seen in a natural setting. Guided tours and adventurous nature treasure hunts add to the visit; activity dates may change. If you are interested in plants and landscapes, the garden offers a different way to experience the dune region than the longer trails in the national park.
The Eerebegraafplaats lies within the protected natural area of Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland and was designated a Rijksmonument by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science in 2010. Stichting Nationale Herdenking offers information and guided tours for groups, such as school classes. Group visits must be arranged in advance. Keep this requirement in mind when including the site in plans for a group.
Huis te Vogelenzang is a historic country estate at Bekslaan 14 in Vogelenzang, in the municipality of Bloemendaal. Its history dates back to the medieval hunting lodge De Voghelsanck, founded by Count Floris V around 1290. A sightline from the 18th century, known as the “kijklaan,” has been preserved in the historic garden and park. The name refers to a sightline within the grounds and adds the design of the surrounding landscape to the history of the house.
The church of Onze Lieve Vrouw ten Hemelopneming is also in Vogelenzang: a single-nave, non-oriented Neo-Gothic cruciform church with a tower topped by an octagonal structure. A bell cast by the Hemony brothers in 1664 hangs in its tower. The church’s architecture and the dated bell offer two specific points of interest if you are interested in architectural history and historical details.
Walking Park and Outdoor Programme
Caprera is an open-air theatre and walking park set among the forests and dunes of Bloemendaal. The walking park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with exceptions on performance days. From May to September, Caprera presents outdoor concerts and performances. Dates and availability may change, so check the programme if you want to plan a visit around an event. This makes it possible to choose between a visit focused on trails and scenery and a date in the seasonal outdoor programme.
When choosing a hotel, you can first consider which aspect of Bloemendaal matters most for your trip: the beach, walks in the national park, historic estates or a seasonal event. Then check the conditions for each planned visit, especially for group tours, park access, swimming and events. This helps you organise excursions around the activities you actually plan, without assuming the same schedule for every stop.
Discover more destinations: Bloemendaal, Overveen, Vogelenzang, Aerdenhout, Schermer, Huizen, Anna Paulowna, Hilversum.
For the regional travel overview: North Holland.
