Kasteel Oud Haerlem has lain hidden underground since its destruction. The outlines of the castle, its moats and ramparts are still clearly visible from the air. This unusual history sits alongside formal gardens, dune landscapes and Fort Veldhuis – Heemskerk offers discoveries for culture and nature enthusiasts.
Dunes, Beach and Trails
The dunes of Heemskerk are ideal for walking and cycling. Their vegetation is diverse; the area has been designated a nature reserve, benefiting its fauna. Near Heemskerk, the Noord-Hollandse Duinreservaat covers 5,300 hectares and is at least five kilometres wide.
At Heemskerk beach, the lifeguard station is staffed continuously during the bathing season. If you want to swim, check the current arrangements in advance.
A walking route alternates between historic buildings and works of art and is signposted. The route and signage may change, so check the course locally. This makes it easy to include the route and its cultural stops in your explorations.
Gardens, Castles and Fortification History
Kasteeltuin Assumburg is laid out symmetrically as a formal garden. Its areas include an orchard, a rose garden, and a vegetable and herb garden. The different sections combine ornamental and productive plants in a clearly ordered design.
Kasteel Oud Haerlem was built by Simon van Haerlem in 1248. In 1351, the castle was besieged and destroyed during the Hoek–Cod Wars. Marquette also has a long history: around 1250, William II, Count of Holland, had a castle built there. Heemskerk has more than 70 listed monuments, including municipal, provincial and national ones.
Landgoed Marquette is a nature area where nature and culture come together. For a different perspective on the region’s history, the Historische Kring Heemskerk organises activities, walks and talks about the town’s cultural heritage and history. If you would like to attend an event, check the organisation’s current programme.
Fort bij Veldhuis is one of the 45 forts that together form the Stelling van Amsterdam. Fort Veldhuis houses the Luchtoorlogsmuseum of the Stichting Aircraft Recovery Group 1940–1945. A German searchlight shelter dating from the Second World War is located in the fort’s front rampart. The museum also offers a special educational package. School and group visits outside regular opening hours are possible by appointment; arrange such a visit with the museum in advance.
Culinary Discoveries
A culinary route runs through the modern horticultural area on the edge of the inner dunes. Stalls along the route sell fresh flowers, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, herbs and other seasonal produce. The products on offer may vary with the season. The route thus offers a glimpse of horticulture alongside regional produce – a different way to explore the area than through its historic gardens and buildings.
Getting There and Planning
By train, Heemskerk is about 15 minutes from Alkmaar and Haarlem; the journey to Amsterdam Centraal takes less than 30 minutes. These times are approximate and timetables may change. Check the current connections for your travel date.
You can tailor your stay to your interests: a walk or cycle ride through the dunes, a look at the gardens and historic buildings, or a culinary discovery along the route. Individual activities have their own conditions – for example, the bathing season at the beach, seasonal sales at the stalls or arranging group visits outside the museum’s regular opening hours in advance.
Discover more destinations: Heemskerk, Bloemendaal, Uithoorn, Zandvoort, Haarlem, Blaricum, Beverwijk, Graft-De Rijp.
Return to the regional travel overview: North Holland.
