Discover Heiloo through two special themes: paths through forests and estates, and a rich pilgrimage tradition. Among winding forest trails, historic sites and museums, you can encounter different sides of the town—from nature experiences to the history of Marian pilgrimage.

Forest, Estates and Paths

Heilooërbos offers winding paths, old trees and surprising views for walks and nature experiences. On the Kattenberg stands a lime tree that is more than 300 years old. The Kattenberg area also has a playing field and picnic benches, making it suitable for a family outing. Landgoed Nijenburg and Heilooërbos are open to the public from sunrise to sunset; check the access rules before your visit.

A family-friendly walking route runs through the forest of the old Nijenburg estate. The Landgoederenroute, in turn, passes through the Willibrordus, Ter Coulster and Nijenburg estates in Heiloo. A pilgrimage route through Heiloo and Egmond offers a different focus, following in the footsteps of the Irish monk Willibrord. The routes therefore highlight different themes: forest and estates on one, and a religious trail on the other.

Landgoed Ter Coulster also brings together nature and historic features: its old park woodland includes meadows, a tea pavilion, an ice cellar and ancient drifting dunes. Het Maalwater offers another nature and recreation area on the northwestern edge of Heiloo, where you can go canoeing.

Pilgrimage and History

The six-hectare sanctuary of Onze Lieve Vrouw ter Nood includes the Genadekapel, the Runxputte, also known as the Mariabron, and a prayer and reflection park. It is considered the largest Marian pilgrimage site in the Netherlands. The first chapel was almost certainly built toward the end of the 14th century. The pilgrimage route through Heiloo and Egmond draws on another religious connection by following in Willibrord’s footsteps.

The Witte Kerk also connects history with contemporary cultural life. It stands on the site where the Frisians held tribal gatherings around the year 700, and has been listed in the Dutch Rijksmonumentenregister since 1967. The church regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions and talks. If you would like to attend an event, check the schedule in advance.

Landgoed Willibrordus was formerly a psychiatric institution and is now a cultural site with museums, the Verhalenkamer and the Cultuurkoepel. The VVV-Heiloo information office is located in the Verhalenkamer. Walking expeditions and cycling routes start there; Landgoed Willibrordus is also connected to the walking junction network.

The museum collections offer different points of interest: the Archeologisch Museum Baduhenna displays finds from a century of archaeological research in Heiloo and the surrounding area. The Toverlantaarn Museum Heiloo has more than 400 magic lanterns and associated light sources dating from 1720 to 1920. A permanent exhibition also tells the story of Heiloo.

Getting Around and Local Highlights

Heiloo has wide cycle paths along its main roads, and spacious bicycle parking facilities at the station. The station offers a train connection to Amsterdam and OV-fiets rental bicycles. Train times and connections can change, so check the latest information before travelling.

For a seasonal swimming break, visit the outdoor Het Baafje pool, which has a 50-metre pool. Check the latest opening information before your visit. Het Oesdom serves coffee, tea and treats and has a children’s playground. Walking and cycling routes can be downloaded at the entrance using a QR code.

Discover more destinations: Heiloo, Zaanstad, Loenen, Waterland, Wieringermeer, Uithoorn, Laren, Hollands Kroon.

For the main travel overview: North Holland.