Playing and discovering in the dunes

Hiking, discovering, swimming, mountain biking, spotting animals, rolling of the dunes or romping in the special ‘playing forest’.  In the dunes you can have great fun all day.

Spotting animals

In the vast woodlands and dunes between IJmuiden, Haarlem and Zandvoort live over one hundred bird species, deer, roe deer, rabbits, butterflies, but also koniks (wild horses), Shetland ponies and Scottish Highlanders. Also the only Dutch wisents herd, the European bison, grazes here on a part of the 3800 hectare National Park. To avoid that the original open dunes become overgrown with marram grass, Scottish Highlanders, European bison, and herds of wild horses are brought to graze in this area. The bison´s are apart, and you can admire them from behind a sturdy fence. If you encounter a Scottish Highlander or a wild horse, stay calm. Do not scare them, pause to admire them and walk quietly in a different direction.  

Hiking through the dunes and the forest

You will find your way effortlessly through the wooded dune reserve. During this hiking route open dunes, water features and panorama views alternate each other. The rich nature will certainly surprise you.

Swimming in a dune lake

Dune Lake ‘Het Wed’ is a fantastic place for the family to enjoy a summers day. It's a lovely sheltered Beach, mostly out of the wind. Even small children can play safely here in the water and the sand. Or swimming in the Lake, climb the high dunes and let yourself rolling of them again.

Ice creams and small snacks can be purchased at the kiosk on the way to the Lake. Or take a picnic basket, and have your meal near the lake! Take the entrance Koevlak on the Zeeweg (the road between Overveen and Zandvoort). 

Pay close attention to the signs

In most of the dune Lakes you may swim. But not in all, because the many birds and other animals, need a safe and quiet spot to. So watch the signs.  

Visitors Centre de Zandwaaier

If you would like your children to get knowledge about nature in a playful way, then ‘de Zandwaaier’ is the place to visit. In addition to an exhibition about dunes and the plants and animals that live in it, you can also book a treasure hunt. And you will find up to date information about projects in the area such as the three natural bridges or archaeological sites. Outside, in front of the terrace, is a fun sand and water playground for the little ones. A 5-minute walk away is the swimming lake ‘´t Wed’ and games area Koevlak