6 hours at Amsterdam Beach: coastal landscapes and dunes

Spot unexpected wildlife on two wheels

From 10:00 to 12:00

Anyone who wants to experience everything Amsterdam Beach - offers windswept beaches, quaint historic villages, unique dune ecology and even some 13th-century ruins - but is pressed for time should consider hiring a bike. The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park - a stunning nature reserve home to various bird species, deer, rabbits, Highland cattle and even European bison is open from sunrise to sunset and is criss-crossed by cycling routes. The dunes are accessible by train from the stations at Overveen, Bloemendaal and Haarlem. Alternatively, Dutch Pedelec Tours, based in Beverwijk, allows visitors to easily cycle on an electric-bike and offer route maps and professional guides through the region.

Duration: 2 hours

Climb the turrets of a 13th-century castle

From 12:00 to 13:00

Within the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, 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.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop for lunch at a stunning country estate

From 13:00 to 14:00

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. For more foodie tips, have a read of this guide to restaurants and bars in the area.

Duration: 1 hour

Explore hidden military bunkers

From 14:00 to 16:00

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, 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, including foxes and roe deer. To the north, IJmuiden’s Bunker Museum, tucked away in the dunes, is open for visitors every first and third Sunday from 11:00-16:00. This WWII fortress was used to defend the IJmuiden harbour mouth and access routes to the port of Amsterdam. The museum is a former WWII fortress consisting of six underground bunkers filled with enormous military collections.

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