The Netherlands is known worldwide for its flat polder landscape, but nowhere is that myth more spectacularly shattered than here. Discover the Schoorl Dunes, a fairytale-like wilderness in the northern tip of North Holland that truly takes the crown along our coast.
It’s not just a boring stretch of beach, but a vast nature reserve spanning nearly two thousand hectares where you can climb the highest peaks in our country. As soon as you pass through the dense pine forests, you step into a world that feels completely unlike the Netherlands—one filled with purple heather, shifting sand, and rugged tales.
The Schoorl Dunes: Hiking Across the Highest Dune Peaks in the Netherlands
With peaks reaching as high as 58 meters, you’ll find the most rugged landscape on the Dutch coast here. Where a century ago it was still one large, barren sandbox, it is now an impressive and varied nature reserve spanning no less than 1,875 hectares.
It is not only the highest but also the widest dune area in our country, crisscrossed by over 60 kilometers of hiking trails. Within a few steps, you’ll trade dense, ancient pine forests for vast plains full of shifting sand dunes and purple heather.
The Klimduin: A 55-meter-high sand wall in a historic village
Right from the charming center of Schoorl , you can walk straight up to the famous Klimduin. This vertical wall of sand is a whopping 55 meters high and literally plunges into the historic village.
At the foot of the giant dune, you can settle down at one of the outdoor cafés while the kids roll down the dune. Nearby is the Buitencentrum, the starting point for an adventure through the Zandspoor play forest or a walk along the barefoot trail.
De Kerf: Where the North Sea Runs Wild
In 1997, Staatsbosbeheer decided to let nature take its course in a revolutionary way. A gap was dug in the first row of dunes, allowing the salty North Sea water to flow directly into the dune valleys behind them during storms and spring tides.
This interplay of wind, sand, and seawater has created a unique landscape. Thanks to the salt water, rare plants such as glasswort and sea beet now thrive here. The natterjack toad and the sand lizard have also found a home here in large numbers.
Catrijpermoor: Biking along a bird paradise at the inner edge of the dunes
On the inner side of the dunes, the landscape changes completely. Here lies the Catrijpermoor, a vast meadow bird habitat through which a clear dune stream flows and where you can enjoy beautiful bike rides with a constant view of the impressive row of dunes.
This area attracts rare birds all year round. In the spring, lapwings and black-tailed godwits nest here. In the summer, spoonbills fish in the narrow ditches.
- Admission: Completely free. Unlike other dunes in North Holland, you don’t need a dune pass here.
- Address: Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen, Oorsprongweg 1, Schoorl.
