Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes
The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes border the south of Zandvoort. 38km2 of Amsterdam territory where you can take fantastic walks. In complete freedom among the deer and foxes, and off the paths.
Strolling through the dunes
Where can you find space and peace in the busy Randstad? Exactly, in the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes! A unique area, because you can venture off the beaten track here, which means you can literally wander through nature. You won’t find a greater variety of plants anywhere else in the Netherlands. The fauna is also well represented: more than 100 different bird species, mustelids, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, fallow deer, it’s all here!
Undisturbed walking
The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes are the domain of walkers; cycling is not allowed here. However, an extensive network of cycle paths (part of the cycle junction network) surrounds the area. And because dogs are not allowed in the area either, you can walk here undisturbed. The nice thing about this is that you are also allowed to get off the paths, so you can enjoy wandering through the woods. No walk need be the same.
Walking routes through the dunes
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Ronde van Zandvoort
Cycling along the coast, through varied dune landscapes and past impressive villas. Look around you during your trip through the NPZK. This area is home to many Konik horses, Scottish Highlanders, foxes and deer. A small moment of happiness during the trip.
Bicycle route -
Naar Amsterdam en terug
Bicycle route -
Rondom het Kraansvlak
This route takes you through the beautiful nature around Zandvoort. In Zandvoort you drive via Bentveld into the dunes towards the forests of Koningshof and Elswout. Along the Zeeweg you drive towards Bloemendaal aan Zee. Via the Duinpieperpad you drive through the dunes back to Zandvoort.
Bicycle route -
Rondje om de Zuidduinen
The Zuiderduin loop takes you through the southern dunes of Zandvoort and a part through the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen. Enjoy the fresh sea air, the animals in the AWD and the beautiful views.
Walking route -
Bunkerwandeling
In the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes there are many bunkers, about 400. This route runs along several bunkers. They were built by Germany during the Second World War and are part of the Atlantic Wall.
Walking route -
Wisentenroute
The Kraansvlak is one of the few areas in the Netherlands where the Wisent lives. These European Bisons can have a back height of up to 2 meters high and are therefore incredibly impressive to see. They are wild animals so keep your distance.
Walking route -
De Fijnproever Tour
This route offers you the peace of nature on the one hand and the coziness of the surrounding villages on the other. A good balance because you end the route with a nice piece through the dunes. Along the way you will come across enough nice places for a cup of coffee, a good lunch or a drink.
Bicycle route -
Route naar Noordvoort
With this route you walk from the NS station into the peace of nature. Spot seals at the Noordvoort nature reserve from the sea strip and come face to face with foxes and deer in the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen. A unique walk.
Walking route
Clearing your head in the dunes
I love being outdoors. It allows me to clear my head. I enjoy all the nature around us. The Waterleidingduinen are my favourite place; you can walk there in all seasons. It’s different every season, which keeps it special. If you look around carefully, you can see a lot. In winter, we once saw a fox jumping in the snow!
– Mirjam –
Deerguarantee
The water supply dunes are home to the largest population of fallow deer in the Netherlands. So chances are you will see one or more during your walk. Of course, that is already quite an experience, but if you want to make your walk through the dunes really special, visit the area during the mating season in October.
Historical bunkers
Apart from the large number of animals, you will also find many traces of history in the area. Hidden in the dunes are numerous abandoned World War II bunkers. Several bunkers can also be visited, but beware: there is a good chance that bats live in them. The bunkers were part of the AtlantikWall, the Germans’ 6,200-kilometre defence line.
Water treatment in the dunes
The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes are the water catchment area for the city of Amsterdam. Water from the river Lek is carried through large pipes to the AWD, where it flows into a distribution pond. From here it slowly sinks into the dune bed, where after 3 months it is purified by the dune and flows into lower channels. In the post-filtration at the filter site of the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes, the water is brought to drinking water quality.
Entrance to the dunes
The water dunes are open from sunrise to sunset. Entrance costs €1.50 for everyone aged 18 and over. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online.
Food & drink
At the entrance on Zandvoortselaan, you can eat & drink something at restaurant Dune on the Duinrand. If you bring your own food and drink, please do not leave any mess and do not feed the animals.
By public transport
The Waterleidingduinen are easily accessible by public transport. Bus line 80 stops at the Zandvoortselaan/New Unicum stop.
Parking
Parking is available for a fee at the entrance to the dunes on Zandvoortselaan and at the entrance in Zandvoort at P De Zuid.