Autumn and Winter in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park: A Relaxed Discovery Tour

National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, located on the Dutch coast between Zandvoort and IJmuiden, offers a unique experience in every season. In autumn and winter, the park becomes quieter and nature takes on different colors and shapes. Although these months are less crowded in the area than spring and summer, the very silence, special light and rich nature make a visit to Zuid-Kennemerland in the colder months extra special. In this blog, we take you on an exploration of this vast park in autumn and winter.

Autumn: splashes of color in the dunes

In autumn, the dunes and forests of South Kennemerland transform into a palette of warm hues. Park trees such as oaks and birches turn red, orange and brown, and ferns shift from fresh green to earth tones. Heaths give way to evergreen mosses and graceful grasses, creating a diverse landscape that is never the same. Tip: For a beautiful autumn walk, the Brederodeberg trail is highly recommended. This trail leads you through forests and moors and up to Brederodeberg, where you’ll have views of the park and coastline. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the autumn colors make every part of the trail worth capturing.

Animals in Autumn and Winter

In autumn, the animals prepare for winter, giving the park a dynamic character. Fallow deer and roe deer are active, and sometimes you can hear the deer’s belling – an impressive sound that echoes through the dunes. Foxes, Scottish Highlanders and Konik horses are also highly visible at this time, as the vegetation thins and hiding places are reduced. Winter tip: In winter, provided there is snow, you can follow the tracks of these animals. Especially around dawn or dusk you have a chance to spot them in their natural habitat.

Winter Walks: Silent Coastlines and Foggy Dunes

With falling temperatures, National Park South-Kennemerland becomes an oasis of calm. The sea breeze blows through the dunes, and sometimes a light mist slowly creeps over the hills. Winter is a good time for long, quiet walks along the coast, where the silence gives your thoughts space and you really get away from the hustle and bustle. For example, try a walk along Bloemendaal beach, where the waves of the North Sea make the fresh winter air even more intense. A warm hat and thick coat are enough to keep out the cold, and the clear air will give you new energy. Tip: The Visscherspad is a beautiful path that takes you from the dunes to the coast, offering views of the sea along the way. After a winter beach walk, you can warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the open beach pavilions.

Birds and Nature Observation

Bird watchers also get their money’s worth in South Kennemerland in autumn and winter. Migratory birds such as geese, redwings and blackbirds stop over or stay temporarily in the park. The kingfisher also sometimes shows itself along the waters, especially in cold, clear weather. The dune lakes, such as Vogelmeer and ‘t Wed, are ideal places to spot birds. With binoculars, you can discover waterfowl and other species that come to rest during their long migration.

Routes and Winter Highlights

In winter there are special excursions where you can discover the park in a unique way, such as twilight or night walks with a guide. During these walks you will experience the silence of the dunes in a different way and learn more about nature and animal life in these cold months. You can also explore the park by bike via the special bike routes. Bring a thermos bottle for a warm break along the way and enjoy the view of the dunes from one of the benches along the route.

To conclude: Discovering South-Kennemerland in Winter

Whether you come for hiking, biking, bird watching or just to experience the peace and quiet, National Park South-Kennemerland in autumn and winter has much to offer. The quiet trails, vistas and animals in their winter coats make this time of year special. Where in summer you encounter other hikers, now you are often alone with nature – an experience that energizes you and provides a moment of relaxation. Special Offer: Plan your winter visit and enjoy 10% off all overnight stays during December, January and February. Use the discount code FINESTWINTER when booking and discover South-Kennemerland at its best!

Bosvilla – Forest Stay, Kennemerduinen, by Alys.nl

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photos: https://www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl/nl