Zandvoort between beach, dunes and cultural heritage

Dune landscapes and wildlife

The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is a protected Natura 2000 landscape with dune grassland, damp dune valleys, shifting dunes and scrubland. Among the animals living there are fallow deer, foxes, roe deer, bitterns and pine martens. Parnassia, numerous species of dragonflies and butterflies, and more than a thousand species of fungi are also part of this landscape. The mix of open and wet habitats makes the dunes a nature destination in their own right, alongside the beach and town.

It’s important to follow the rules when visiting the Waterleidingduinen: the area is designated for pedestrians, cycling is not allowed, and visitors may walk off the paths. The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset; check visiting hours before your trip. The Herten Route passes through woodland in search of fallow deer, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Kraansvlak also offers a different perspective on the dunes. This area lies between Zandvoort and Bloemendaal in the southern part of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, and is home to European bison. Outside the breeding season, the yellow-marked Wisentenpad trail passes through part of their habitat. Access via the Wisentenpad is seasonal; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed on this route either.

Beach, water and trails

In summer, sunbathing and visiting the beach pavilions are among the things to do on Zandvoort beach. You can watch swimmers, surfers, stand-up paddleboarders and kitesurfers, or try surfing, stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing yourself. The beach pavilions are also worth noting for winter walks: five are open year-round. As their number may change, it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit.

There’s more to enjoying nature here than walking. The Duinpieperpad tourist cycling route runs through the publicly accessible Kraansvlak recreation area, which borders the built-up area of Zandvoort. The mountain bike course around Circuit Zandvoort is about ten kilometres long and includes steep descents, climbs and the longest Laarwall in the Netherlands. If you prefer a longer bike ride, there’s also a route between Zandvoort and Noordwijk through a hilly dune landscape, which can be extended on the return via the Bollenstreek. Check the latest conditions and access rules for the course and cycling routes.

Local history, art and motorsport

The Zandvoorts Museum offers exhibitions on art and history, as well as talks and guided tours exploring the town’s cultural heritage. The permanent exhibition “The Life of Memories” covers Zandvoort’s maritime history, village life and the growth of tourism. The Juttersmu-ZEE-um offers a different focus: admission is free, and the museum displays items beachcombers have found on the shore. These include a mammoth tooth, remains from ships or aircraft, and metal from a NASA rocket.

Discover traces of the fishing era in the Zandvoortse Sloppies, the historic narrow lanes behind the beach lined with old fishermen’s houses. The guided Sloppieswandeling takes visitors through narrow lanes in the town centre, with stops at houses that explore the history of fishing. At 1.7 kilometres, it’s considerably shorter than the 13-kilometre Beeldenroute, an art walk through Zandvoort and along the seafront. The Beeldenroute features 32 sculptures, from historic figures from the village to modern artworks.

The dunes also bear traces of the Second World War. The Bunkerwandeling passes several bunkers in the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. There are around 400 bunkers in the area, built by Germany during the Second World War; the route does not pass all of them. At Circuit Zandvoort, the focus is on motorsport and the circuit’s history: it hosts the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, as well as other racing events and track days. Information about the circuit’s history and its 14 corners adds to the visit. As the event schedule may change, check the dates when planning your trip.

Getting there and your hotel stay

Zandvoort has a direct train connection from Amsterdam. The station is about 200 metres from the beach; check the latest timetable when planning your journey. When planning your hotel stay, you can focus on the beach and water sports, dune trails or culture. This lets you choose a destination based on the experiences you’re most interested in during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Zandvoort, Bentveld, Zeevang, Velsen, Stede Broec, Bergen, Hollands Kroon, Purmerend.

Back to the main travel overview: North Holland.