Groet: Church, History and Dune Trails

Groet combines a historic look at its church and town hall with activities in the dune area. You can plan your stay around different interests: exhibitions, architectural history, and walking or cycling trails each offer a different focus.

The Church and Town Hall: A Look at Their History

Exhibitions are held at the Witte Kerkje in Groet. The church was put into use in 1639, replacing the original parish church dating from the early 15th century. It has been recognized and protected as a Rijksmonument since 1972. This brings together two interests: the history of church architecture and the current exhibition program. As the program may change, check in advance whether the exhibition you are interested in will be on during your stay.

The Raadhuisje Groet is a modest, rectangular building dating from 1639. It measures 6.75 by 4.25 meters and is considered the smallest town hall in the Netherlands. The building’s cellar contained a prison cell, a striking detail in the history of the town. The year 1639 is also significant for the Witte Kerkje, as the year it was put into use; for the Raadhuisje, it is the year it was built. This means that cultural visits have two different planning considerations: the Witte Kerkje’s exhibition program may change, while the Groetermolen is only accessible on special open days. If a particular exhibition or a visit to the mill is important to you, check the program or opening day in advance.

Walking, Cycling and Free Play

For a walk, you can start at the Hargen-Groet dune entrance in Groet and take a loop around the Pirolavallei. A longer walking option with a specified distance is the red Duintoppentocht route: it is 23 km long, crosses the highest dune peaks in the Schoorlse Duinen dune area, and offers viewpoints along the way. Markers and conditions may change, so check the current route in advance.

The “De groeten uit Groet” cycling route passes through the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. If you plan to ride this route, check the route conditions and access requirements before setting out. This will help you plan your trip using the specific route description.

Groeterzandgat offers something different from the walking options: it is a play area where visitors can run, climb and scramble freely. The focus here is on free movement rather than following a set route.

Special Open Days at the Groetermolen

The Groetermolen is located near Groet. It is now a residence and is therefore not open to visitors. However, it opens to the public on special open days, when its workings and historical background are explained. If you would like to see the mill, check in advance whether an open day falls during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bergen, Schoorl, Egmond-Binnen, Egmond Aan Den Hoef, Bergen Aan Zee, Egmond Aan Zee

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