The elevated position of Zilkerduinweg came about after a considerable amount of dune sand was removed between 1920 and 1930.

Trails through the dunes and local history

The route marked in purple starts at the De Zilk entrance, passes through the dune landscape and returns there after 4.8 kilometres. The route marked in black also starts at the entrance and is 9.1 kilometres long. This lets you compare two routes of different lengths. If you are looking for a signposted loop, the purple route offers a clear point of reference, as it returns to its starting point. Check the latest route information before setting out. The black route is therefore 4.3 kilometres longer than the purple one.

The “Verborgen Verleden – De Zilk” walking route also combines exercise with local history: several information boards bring the area’s vanished past to life. The artwork “WIND, ZONLICHT & TRANSPARANTIE” is part of the “Verborgen Verleden” cycling and walking routes. Its stainless-steel silhouettes turn in the wind and glint in the sunlight. The boards convey the area’s vanished past through their content; the artwork adds a visual accent to the cycling and walking routes with its moving stainless-steel silhouettes. This way, you encounter the theme in different forms: through the information boards while walking, and on both routes through the artwork itself.

Another way to explore the area by bike is the “Gezellige Terrasjes Tour door de Streek”. It follows the cycle junction network; the junctions and connecting routes are signposted with green-and-white signs. Follow the green-and-white signs to navigate the cycle junction network when riding the tour.

Flower fields and local traditions

Colourful flower fields shape the landscape of De Zilk. Hyacinths, daffodils and tulips are still the main flowers grown in the village. Alongside this continued flower cultivation, the popular flower mosaics return every year.

Carnival is also one of the activities for which De Zilk is known in the region.

Heilig Hart van Jezuskerk: history and visiting information

Heilig Hart van Jezuskerk was built in 1919–1920 to the plans of architect Jos Margry. On 30 August 1920, Bishop Callier of Haarlem consecrated the church. It is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The chancel contains three large stained-glass windows; the church also has a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Fátima. In 2023, the Diocese of Rotterdam described the chapel as unique in the diocese. During your visit, also take a look at the three large stained-glass windows in the chancel.

Getting around the Waterleidingduinen

The Waterleidingduinen can be accessed from De Zilk. Bus stops are within walking distance of the Zandvoortselaan, Oranjekom/Oase and De Zilk entrances to the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen.

Discover more destinations: Noordwijkerhout.

Go to the main travel overview: Noordwijkerhout.