national park in the Netherlands
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a national park in North Holland in the Netherlands.
Zuid-Kennemerland is a unique national park made of dunes formed over the centuries. A great place to go in the summer when the days are long. Take the train to Overveen (the entrance is a short walk from the station) or to Santpoort Noord (entrance almost next to the station). From Overveen, it's a 20 km walk to Zandvoort where you can take the train back to Amsterdam.
The National Park is between the North Sea on the west and several towns such as IJmuiden, Santpoort, Overveen and Haarlem in other directions. Towards the west of the park, you will find more open sandy dunes, whereas the east is richer in forest. Many of these forests are originally planted. In fact, the word "hol" in Holland is Middle Dutch for wood.
No fees or permits required.
Besides hiking trails, the Kennemerduinen have good roads for cycling, even without a mountain bike. Entry by car or motorcycle is prohibited.
It's prohibited to leave the trails.
Towards the south of Overveen, there is an area with re-introduced European bison.
The small visitors centre has small exhibitions on various topics relating to the nature and history of the area. Also includes a shop and small restaurant.
There are several hotels and other forms of accommodation around the park.
Camping is prohibited in the National Park outside of official campgrounds, like everywhere in the Netherlands.