Discover Bloemendaal: Beach, Dunes and Culture

Bloemendaal offers a range of starting points for planning a trip: marked trails in Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland, historic country estates, special places in Vogelenzang and the beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Dune trails and activities in the national park

Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland has 58 kilometres of walking trails. There are also various marked routes ranging from 1 to 16 kilometres. The total figure describes the size of the trail network, while the range of route lengths helps you choose a specific trail. An audio guide is available for the popular route from the visitor centre through the Kennemerduinen to the beach. You can walk and cycle in the park; swimming is possible in some areas and is restricted to specific locations.

One such location is the dune lake ’t Wed at the Koevlak entrance, where swimming is permitted year-round between sunrise and sunset. The park area managed by PWN can be accessed via the main entrances at Koevlak in Overveen, on Parnassiaweg and at Bleek en Berg in Bloemendaal. Access conditions and parking options may change; check the latest information before your visit.

The De Kennemerduinen visitor centre is a good starting point for a visit to the national park. It has an exhibition about the park’s special areas and landmarks, as well as bicycle rental. Rental availability and exhibition content may change. If you plan to cycle or are interested in the exhibition, check the latest information in advance.

Beach and trails through the cultural landscape

The beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee is 4.3 kilometres long. The Strandbus Noord shuttle bus runs to Bloemendaal aan Zee. There are also two paid car parks at Bloemendaal beach. Check the latest information about the bus and parking before travelling if you plan to use these options.

Buitenplaats Elswout is a well-preserved estate dating from the 17th century, covering more than 65 hectares. Due to its cultural and historical value, it is protected as a Rijksmonument. Walkers have free access from sunrise to sunset; check local access information before your visit. The red walking route through Elswout passes through a centuries-old English-style landscape. This lets you combine a walk with an appreciation of the estate’s design, without assigning the route an unspecified length.

Historic places in Vogelenzang

Huis te Vogelenzang is a historic country estate at Bekslaan 14 in Vogelenzang, in the municipality of Bloemendaal. Its history dates back to the medieval hunting lodge “De Voghelsanck”, founded by Count Floris V around 1290. A sightline from the 18th century, known as a “kijklaan”, has been preserved in the historic garden and park. The site thus brings into view both its medieval origins and an element of its later garden design.

The Onze Lieve Vrouw ten Hemelopneming church in Vogelenzang can also be understood through its architecture and furnishings. It is a single-nave, non-oriented Neo-Gothic cruciform church with a tower whose upper section is octagonal. A bell made by the Hemony brothers in 1664 hangs in the tower. The church thus combines a clearly described architectural form with a dated feature.

Thijsse’s Hof is the oldest heemtuin (native plant garden) in the Netherlands. Plants from the dune region can be seen there in a natural setting. Guided tours and adventurous nature-based treasure hunts are also on offer; dates may change. Another place of interest is the Eerebegraafplaats in the protected natural area of Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland. It was designated a Rijksmonument by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science in 2010. The Stichting Nationale Herdenking in Bloemendaal provides information and guided tours for groups, such as school classes; group visits must be arranged in advance.

Caprera walking park and open-air theatre

Caprera is an open-air theatre and walking park surrounded by the woods and dunes of Bloemendaal. The walking park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with exceptions on performance days. From May to September, Caprera offers concerts and outdoor performances. As programme dates and availability may change, it is advisable to check the specific dates before planning a visit. At Caprera, nature and events offer different reasons to visit.

Discover more destinations: Bloemendaal, Overveen, Vogelenzang, Aerdenhout, Beemster, Wieringen, Landsmeer, Blaricum.

For the main travel overview: North Holland.