Nature in Zandvoort
Nature in Zandvoort is nature at its finest. Enclosed by two nature reserves, Zandvoort is surrounded by stunning scenery. Both areas have their own stories, animals and, of course, routes.
Discover the dunes
Zandvoort is sandwiched between two beautiful nature reserves that are both open to the public. The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park on the north side and the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes on the south side ensure that you cannot ignore the nature in Zandvoort. You can walk for hours without running into anyone. You will be surrounded only by the sounds of nature while exploring the rare plants and animals that live there.
Nature areas in Zandvoort
Zandvoort is surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
Amsterdam Water supply dunes
The water catchment area of the Water Supply Dunes is a unique area. In fact, you are allowed to walk off the beaten track here. You won’t find a greater variety of plants in nature anywhere else. Besides squirrels, foxes and rabbits, you will also find the largest population of fallow deer in the Netherlands. We can safely give you a deer guarantee, because you will definitely come across deer on a walk. And if you really want to give your visit a golden edge, visit the Waterleidingduinen during the deer’s rutting season in October. Moreover, there are World War II bunkers scattered throughout the area that are freely accessible.
Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
National Park South-Kennemerland
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is unique. There is a good chance that you will come face to face with a Scottish Highlander, Konik horse or even an impressive bison. This is the only place in the Netherlands where you can bump into wisents in the wild! From September to March, the wisentenpad is open and you can walk on the unpaved path over the dune tops through their habitat. You can also join a Wisent walk or other diverse excursions together with a forest ranger. And you will find wide cycle paths that lend themselves perfectly to a day of cycling. There are several beautiful cycling tours possible, not forgetting, of course, the promenade along the beach.
Zandvoort Beach
Beach
Apart from the parks, the beach is Zandvoort’s most famous natural area. The beach here is endless and there is something for everyone. Summer or winter, rain or sun, crowds or quiet: there is always a reason to come here. Whether this is for sunbathing, people-watching from the terrace of one of the beach pavilions, doing water sports yourself or watching athletes. With over 30 pavilions spread over 9 kilometres of beach, the offer is very varied. And in winter, five pavilions remain where you can warm up after a brisk walk along the sea. Just to clear your head.
The rut was hugely impressive
With our guide, we walked into the dunes in search of deer. We didn’t have to look far, because they were right there at the entrance, next to the path. It was clear that it was rutting season. We regularly heard the deer bellowing, or ‘grunting’ as the guide explained. After walking off the paths for about 30 minutes, we came to a place where the deer were gathering. It was really cool to hear the animals, see them hunting and even see them fighting! The sound of their antlers clashing was incredibly impressive.
– Annika –
Bronze time in the dunes
The Water Supply Dunes are home to the largest population of fallow deer in the Netherlands. You can see them all year round, but a visit in October is very special. During this rutting season, our guide will take you to places where you can hear the deer belling, watch them hunt and (hopefully) fight. A magnificent scene you won’t soon forget. Of course, he will tell you all about the area and the ritual.
Beachcombing on the beach
Every year, several hundred kilos of plastic waste wash ashore on the beach. To keep the beach clean, the volunteers of the Beachcomber’s Happiness Foundation go out every day to dig up as much plastic as possible to make the cutest souvenirs. And you can help them! Either by signing up for a beachcomber walk or by picking up one of the beachcomber bingo cards at Center Parcs and Roompot Zandvoort, among others.
Want more tips? Check out our personal 5 favourite activities in the Zandvoort countryside.
Spot the Zandvoort 'Big Five'
Of course, you already knew that Zandvoort’s nature has a lot to offer. But did you also know that you can spot the Big Five in Zandvoort? Surely seeing Big Five can only be done in Africa? No! In Zandvoort we have our own Big Five: deer, wisents, konik horses, foxes and of course the Scottish Highlanders.
Entrance nature reserves
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland can be visited free of charge. For the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen, an entrance fee of €1.50 per person aged 18 and over must be paid. Tickets can be bought at the entrance to the area.
Opening hours nature reserves
Both the National Park and the Waterleidingduinen are open from sunrise to sunset. Outside these times, it is forbidden to enter the area. The beach is always accessible.
Parking by car
There is ample parking space at the entrances to the various parks. Near the beach, you can park on the boulevard or in car park De Zuid. Zandvoort has paid parking.
Dogs off-leash areas
Dogs are not allowed in nature reserves or are allowed under strict conditions. In Zandvoort, there are several off-leash areas for dogs.