The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen are a protected Natura 2000 landscape, shaped by dune grasslands, damp dune valleys, shifting dunes and thickets. Animals that live there include fallow deer, foxes, roe deer, bitterns and pine martens. Parnassia, numerous species of dragonflies and butterflies, and more than a thousand species of fungi are also part of this diverse landscape. Nature lovers will find more here than just a backdrop for a walk: its different habitats and species make it a destination to explore in their own right.
Dune trails and distinctive wildlife
The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen are for pedestrians only; cycling is not permitted there. Visitors may also walk off the trails. The Herten Route leads through the area's woodlands in search of fallow deer. However, sightings are not guaranteed. The daily visiting hours are also important for planning: the Waterleidingduinen welcome visitors from sunrise to sunset. Check the applicable opening hours and visitor rules before your trip.
Another dune area is the Kraansvlak, between Zandvoort and Bloemendaal in the southern part of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Its remarkable wildlife includes European bison. The Wisentenroute leads into this area; European bison live in only a few places in the Netherlands. Keep your distance and don't count on seeing them. Outside the breeding season, you can walk along the yellow route via the Wisentenpad through part of the bison habitat.
The different access areas to the Kraansvlak each have their own character, too: the area bordering Zandvoort's built-up area is open to the public and used mainly for recreation. The Duinpieperpad tourist cycle route passes through it. This sets this section apart from the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, which are for pedestrians only. Check the current access rules before visiting.
Beach and motorsport
Zandvoort's beach is nine kilometres long and one hundred metres wide. In summer, you can sunbathe there and visit beach pavilions. You can also watch swimmers, surfers, stand-up paddleboarders and kitesurfers; if you'd like to get active yourself, try surfing, stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing. Beach pavilions that are open year-round serve visitors after winter beach walks, too.
Circuit Zandvoort offers a different perspective on Zandvoort. The racetrack hosts the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, as well as other race events and track days. As the event schedule may change, it's a good idea to check dates in advance. If you're interested in the circuit itself, you'll also find information there about its history and its 14 corners. Beach activities and motorsport are distinct experiences in their own right.
Fishing history, collections and art
The Zandvoortse Sloppies are narrow historic alleyways behind the beach. Old fishermen's houses and traces of the area's fishing past shape their character. The guided Sloppieswandeling takes you through the alleys in the centre of Zandvoort; stops at houses make the fishing history the focus of the tour. The route is 1.7 kilometres long. As availability of the guided tour may vary, check before your trip to see if it's running.
The Zandvoorts Museum also focuses on the town's cultural heritage. It manages the collection of the municipality of Zandvoort and presents exhibitions on art and history. There are also lectures and guided tours about Zandvoort's cultural heritage. The exhibition “The Life of Memories” explores maritime history, village life and the growth of tourism. For a different kind of collection, visit the Juttersmu-ZEE-um: admission is free, and you can see objects beachcombers have found on the shore. Notable examples include a mammoth tooth, remains of ships or aircraft, and metal from a NASA rocket.
The Beeldenroute combines art with a walk through Zandvoort and along the sea. The 13-kilometre route features 32 sculptures, from historic figures from the village to modern works of art. The collection and route details may change; check the route locally. The series of sculptures makes for a discovery in its own right, alongside the historic alleyways and museum collections.
Cycling routes and getting there
A mountain bike trail runs around Circuit Zandvoort. It is about ten kilometres long and features steep descents, climbs and the longest Laarwall in the Netherlands. Conditions and access may change; check in advance. Another cycle tour runs between Zandvoort and Noordwijk through hilly dune landscapes, and can be extended on the return journey via the Bollenstreek.
There is a direct train connection from Amsterdam to Zandvoort; check the latest timetable before travelling. Zandvoort station is about 200 metres from the beach. This approximate distance gives you a concrete point of reference without suggesting a walking time.
Discover more destinations: Zandvoort, Bentveld, Blaricum, Andijk, Medemblik, Amstelveen, Aalsmeer, Huizen.
Back to the regional travel overview: North Holland.
