Cycling through the dunes of Kennemerland.
This bicycle route starts from Velsen-Zuid. Past IJmuiden, you cycle to the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. In the Golden Age, rich merchants invested in luxurious country estates. These estates each have a unique style and the atmosphere is like a fairy tale. The dune area between the estates is more than worth cycling through. The dune landscapes and forests are the habitat of numerous special plants and animals. Up to 40% of all plants and animals found in the Netherlands live in the park. Bird species, rabbits, butterflies, anyone who looks around will see all sorts of things. Scattered through the dune areas of the park, there are also large grazers such as Scottish Highlanders, Konik horses, fallow deer and a herd of wisents. There are several lakes, dug by man. Swimming is not allowed in most of them but it is allowed in dune lake 't Wed. Through the posh neighborhoods north of Haarlem, you cross over to Spaarnwoude Recreation Area. This peat meadow area shows a completely different landscape. You can even spot birds of prey. After a special tour you will cycle back along the North Sea Canal.