Deer and history in the dune area - walking in Zandvoort

History and nature are the focus of this hike. You start your tour in a parking lot between Zandvoort and Bentveld. But the more important information is that you are at the gate to the “Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen”. Two thirds of the drinking water for Amsterdam is purified here. But that's not all. The dune area is also a hiking paradise. Cycling is not allowed here. Dogs also have to stay outside.

You roam through a nature reserve with the dune meadows and depressions as well as shifting dunes and bushes that are so typical of the area. On your hike you will cross canals several times, pass through forests and are very likely to be visited by animals. After all, the “Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen” has the largest population of fallow deer in the Netherlands. A visit in October is particularly interesting. Then it is rutting season and you can hear the acoustic courting of the males for the ladies.

As you continue your hike you will discover historical things. Numerous bunkers in the area are a reminder of the horrors of the Second World War. The museum dune (Museumduin) is a special feature. Art treasures were stored here in bunkers.

The parking lot where the tour starts and ends is about a five-minute drive from the center of Zandvoort. It's about 25 minutes on foot. One of the main entrances to the “Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen” is right next to the parking lot. Here you can buy an access card for 1.50 euros. This is also possible online at: https://awd.waternet.nl/bezoek/toegangskaarten.