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People Hiking at Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
Image from Creativebros

4 hours at Amsterdam Beach: coastal landscapes and dunes

Spend a morning or an afternoon at the Dutch coastline soaking up the impressive windswept landscapes and exploring the dunes. Don’t miss the chance to spot wildlife in the Zuid Kennermerland National Park or to explore the area’s historic country estates and castle ruins. This 4-hour tour is the perfect starting point for getting to know the region.

Explore the area on two wheels

Image from created by @creativebros.nl for amsterdam&partners

Anyone who wants to experience everything Amsterdam Beach offers but is pressed for time should look into bike hire or an electric bike tour. Dutch Pedelec Tours allow visitors to cycle with ease through the stunning dune landscape and they even offer route maps and professional guides. The Amsterdam Beach Cycleseeing Route is also a great starting point for a do-it-yourself tour, passing by windswept beaches, quaint historic villages, unique dune ecology and even some 13th-century ruins.

Spot some unexpected wildlife

Bull at Nationaal park Zuid-Kennemerland
Image from created by @creativebros.nl for amsterdam&partners

The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a stunning nature reserve home to an array of wildlife, including various bird species, deer, rabbits, Highland cattle and even European bison. Open from sunrise to sunset, the dunes offer various walking and cycling routes, forested areas, lakes and ponds.

Stop for lunch after exploring a stunning country estate

Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg aeriel view of grounds and park
Image from Duin & Kruidberg

Anyone seeking refreshment should make a pitstop for lunch, dinner or high tea at the Duin & Kruidberg estate located within the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. When the weather is fine, diners can move onto the terrace for stunning views over the English landscape-style garden. Have a read of this guide to restaurants and bars in the area for more foodie tips.

Climb the turrets of a 13th-century castle

The ruins of Brederode are the remnants of castle Brederode near Santpoort-Zuid.
Image from koen smilde

Nearby, the Ruïne van Brederode (Brederode Ruins) are well worth checking out. These ruins are the remnants of the medieval Castle Brederode, built around 1355 atop an older, damaged stronghold. The far-reaching views from the highest turret are spectacular. Check the summer agenda for family events such as games, concerts and Knight’s Tournaments.

Explore hidden military bunkers

Forest in Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
Image from Koen Smilde

To the south of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, you’ll find a nature reserve called the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. The area is home to unique flora and fauna and military bunkers used as defence lines during the Second World War. Take a walking tour around these historical sites and spot some native wildlife along the way, including foxes and roe deer.

Don’t fancy leaving the area so soon? Check out these 12 and 24-hour guides that will take you to the sandy beaches of Zandvoort and the quaint harbour town of IJmuiden.