IJmuiden: Dunes, Bunkers and Locks

Specific options include a circular walk with a stated duration, several routes with different themes, and a guided tour of the lock complex.

Dunes, Circular Walk and Beach

Near IJmuiden lies Heerenduinen, part of Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland. The landscape features high dunes and old oak forests. With a little luck, you may spot deer, foxes, Konik horses or Scottish Highland cattle; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

The Heerenduinen circular walk is 4.5 kilometres long and starts at the Heerenduinen entrance. The route is expected to take about one hour and 30 minutes. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out. This lets you include the walk in your plans with a specific time frame, without treating the approximate duration as a guarantee.

The extensive beach is also among the activities mentioned in IJmuiden. It is suitable for land sailing with buggies, sunbathing and walks. In addition to the dune trails, there are other options if you would like to spend time outdoors during your stay.

Bunkers and Fortress History

The BunkerMuseum IJmuiden consists of six furnished bunkers. Volunteers answer questions and provide detailed information. A two-hour bunker excursion, led by an experienced guide, takes you through the dune area and past Batterij Heerenduin and the Olmen anti-aircraft position. The museum and excursion have different focuses: one centres on the furnished bunkers and information, while the other follows a guided route to two named military installations.

Forteiland IJmuiden also combines a specific building history with a special distinction: the fort is the largest in the Stelling van Amsterdam, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a long corridor system with more than forty rooms. The island can be reached by boat from IJmuiden. This describes both the fort's historical significance and one way of reaching the island, without specifying a particular visiting time.

Routes through IJmuiden and Velsen

The routes vary in length and course. The Oud-IJmuiden Heritage Trail is 5.5 kilometres long, runs through Oud-IJmuiden and passes historically and culturally significant places. Rondje IJmuiden is intended for walkers and cyclists and runs through the municipality of Velsen: the route passes notable Atlantic Wall sites in and around the port, as well as in the dunes. IJmuiden van Dudok is another walking route that leads through the centre of IJmuiden.

The distances allow for a direct comparison of two circular walks or walking routes: the Oud-IJmuiden Heritage Trail is one kilometre longer than the 4.5-kilometre Heerenduinen circular walk. An approximate duration of one hour and 30 minutes is also given for the circular walk. The routes also differ in whether they pass through Oud-IJmuiden, the centre, the municipality of Velsen or the dune area.

The Zeesluis IJmuiden

The Zeesluis IJmuiden is 500 metres long, 70 metres wide and 18 metres deep; it is described as the largest sea lock in the world. A guided tour starts at the IJmuider Zee- en Havenmuseum and then continues to the lock complex. The guided tour covers approximately four kilometres within the complex. The lock's dimensions and the length of the guided route are two different points of reference: one describes the structure, while the other describes the distance covered during the tour.

The options for travelling through the lock complex also vary by mode of transport. Cars may drive as far as the Middensluis, while bicycles are allowed throughout the entire lock complex. If the Zeesluis or its guided tour is a key part of your stay, take this information into account when planning your routes.

Discover more destinations: Velsen-Noord, Driehuis, Velsen-Zuid, Santpoort-Noord.

View the overarching travel guide: Velsen.