Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a national park in North Holland in the Netherlands.
Understand
Zuid-Kennemerland is a unique national park made of dunes formed over the centuries. A great place to go in the summer when the days are long. Take the train to Overveen (the entrance is a short walk from the station) or to Santpoort Noord (entrance almost next to the station). From Overveen, it's a 20 km walk to Zandvoort where you can take the train back to Amsterdam.
History
Landscape
The National Park is between the North Sea on the west and several towns such as IJmuiden, Santpoort, Overveen and Haarlem in other directions. Towards the west of the park, you will find more open sandy dunes, whereas the east is richer in forest. Many of these forests are originally planted. In fact, the word "hol" in Holland is Middle Dutch for wood.
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
- Overveen: the entrance is opposite of Tennis Club WOC.
- Bloemendaal aan Zee: the entrance is east of Camping Bloemendaal
- Bloemendaal: there is an entrance near Hockey Club HBS
- Santpoort: there is an entrance next to the Duin en Kruidberg hotel
- Driehuis: crossing the railroad at the Westerveld cemetery to the west, you can follow the road for a bit and there's an entrance on your right (Midden-Herenduin). This entrance leads to a forest that's not officially part of the National Park, but the trails are connected.
Fees and permits
No fees or permits required.
Get around
Besides hiking trails, the Kennemerduinen have good roads for cycling, even without a mountain bike. Entry by car or motorcycle is prohibited.
It's prohibited to leave the trails.
See
Towards the south of Overveen, there is an area with re-introduced European bisons.
Do
Buy
The small visitors centre has small exhibitions on various topics relating to the nature and history of the area. Also includes a shop and small restaurant.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
There are several hotels and other forms of accommodation around the park.
Camping
Camping is prohibited in the National Park outside of official campgrounds, like everywhere in the Netherlands.