Schoorl Dunes

The 'Schoorlse Duinen' cycling route offers stunning views of the North Sea, but also takes in parts of Alkmaar and Bergen, and leads through a vast landscape of fields, dunes, and forests. The heathlands, also found in this area, are unique in combination with the dunes. Nowhere else in the Netherlands are they wider or higher than here. With a bit of luck, you might see a sand lizard foraging among the dunes, hear a pheasant or a nightjar sing, and enjoy tens of thousands of flowering orchids or 800 different types of mushrooms.

Once you've hopped on your bike, you'll come across the Geestmolen mill after 1.2 kilometers. This octagonal oak mill on a low base was built in 1565. The mill used to grind the grain produced by the Geestmolenpolder, a 170-hectare plot of land. This function ceased when a new housing development was built in the polder.

After about two kilometers, you'll come across the remains of the Robonsbosmolen mill. The predecessor of this mill was built around 1541 as a hollow post mill powered by the wind. This mill has now disappeared and also stood in a different location. The current mill was probably built around 1781 and is the only mill in the Netherlands with a wooden crossbar. In this construction, four half-rods are clamped around a solid wooden axle. The mill cannot be visited inside because it serves as a residence.

Just before you cycle into Bergen, you'll see another windmill: the Damlander. This windmill was probably built at the end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century. The windmill is a holiday home and fell into disuse due to disrepair. In mid-2012, the windmill was sold to a new owner who is working to restore it.

Once you've cycled past this last windmill and left Bergen behind, you'll begin the section of the route that leads through the dunes. The wind picks up, and long before you can see it, the scent of the North Sea announces your direction.