What makes Bloemendaal aan Zee such a good place to explore by bike? Dunes, city and sea, all within reach of one front door. From the beach you ride straight into Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, with 33 kilometres of cycle paths through dunes, woods and old country estates, and Haarlem and Zandvoort are both an easy ride away. Stay with us on our Explore the coast by bike package and you get our own cycling routes in three levels of difficulty, so all you have to do is pick one and ride.
Picture it: breakfast with a view of the sea, something sweet in your pocket and the first dune climb of the day right outside the door. By lunchtime you could be on a terrace in Haarlem or with your feet in the sand at Zandvoort. Or both, if your legs agree.
What makes the dunes so good by bike?
The national park starts where the beach ends. The cycle paths wind past drifting sand, pine woods and quiet dune lakes, and the climbs are short enough to enjoy, with a view waiting at the top.
Keep your eyes open. Highland cattle, wild horses and even a herd of wisent, the European bison, graze in the park. Further inland you pass grand country estates, built in the days when wealthy Amsterdam merchants came here to escape the city in summer.
The dunes are a protected Natura 2000 area, which is exactly why they still feel this wild. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and bikes stay on the cycle paths, all 33 kilometres of them, while the footpaths are left to walkers. Riding an e-bike? That's fine, as long as it's pedal-assist up to 25 km/h. Dogs have to sit this one out, even in a cargo bike, apart from a few local exceptions.
When you meet the locals, give them room: 50 metres for the wisent, 25 for the Highland cattle and wild horses. They may look calm, but they are wild animals.
After heavy rain or when the sand starts to drift, a path can close for a while. A quick look at the park's current walking and cycling map before you leave saves you a detour, and the full area rules are on the same website.
Need a break? The Duincafé at Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen has a sunny terrace and organic lunch. On a warm day, dune lake 't Wed is an official swimming spot. There are no lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk.
Can you cycle to Haarlem and Zandvoort?
Yes, and that is what makes this coast so easy to explore: city and sea are both a ride away. Pedal inland and the woods slowly turn into the canals and cobbles of Haarlem, with the Grote Markt, the Grote of St.-Bavokerk and the Frans Hals Museum waiting for you. Our piece on pairing a day in Haarlem with a night by the sea has more ideas for the city.
Or follow the coast south to Zandvoort, surf on one side and dunes on the other. Find a beach pavilion, order something cold and, if you time it right, stay for the sunset.
On stormy days, check the weather warnings from KNMI, the Dutch weather institute, before you head out along the coast. On a code orange day, the ride can wait.
How do you get our cycling routes?
The best rides aren't always the ones on the signposts. That's why we put together our own routes for guests, in three levels of difficulty: from a relaxed ride through the dunes to a longer day along the coast and the villages nearby. Along the way you pass beach bars, nature areas and quiet spots worth stopping for.
You get them with Explore the coast by bike, our package for people who like to spend their days outside. You stay two nights in a Deluxe Dune or Deluxe Seaside room and start every morning with breakfast. A welcome drink is ready when you arrive, and Dutch stroopwafels wait in your room, easy to take along for the road. No planning, no searching for a route: just pick a level and go. No bike with you? You can book one at the hotel for an extra charge.
Back at the hotel, salt in your hair and pleasantly tired? Have a drink on the terrace, or stay for dinner at The Blonde, just downstairs. Not every day needs two wheels either: our guide to running and yoga by the sea has ideas for a slower morning. Want to compare first? Take a look at our rooms and suites.
Good to know before you set off
Your ride starts at our front door in Bloemendaal aan Zee. Bikes can be booked at the hotel for an extra charge, and our own routes in three levels of difficulty come with the Explore the coast by bike package. Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen, at Zeeweg 12 in Overveen, makes a good first stop: entry is free, and it's open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, until 16:30 in December. You'll find more visitor information on the park's English pages.
Questions guests often ask
- How do I get your cycling routes? They're part of Explore the coast by bike. We share them with you during your stay, in three levels, from an easy ride through the dunes to a longer day along the coast.
- Can I bring my e-bike? Of course. Pedal-assist bikes up to 25 km/h are welcome on the cycle paths in the dunes.
- What if I don't have a bike with me? No problem. You can book one at the hotel for an extra charge.
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