Bloemendaal, Zandvoort and the dunes

The ruins of Brederode Castle are the remains of the castle built in the second half of the 13th century by William I of Brederode. After centuries of alternating decay, destruction, repair, and reconstruction, during which the castle was frequently the scene of battle, siege, and plunder, it was restored as a ruin in the 19th century. It was the Netherlands' first national monument.

The dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park are a wonderful place to unwind. The young, calcareous dunes are home to rare flora and fauna. Within the first row of dunes, the water is brackish: sweetish saltwater. This is why unique, adapted plants such as Parnassus, orchids, sea bindweed, and sea holly thrive here. Centaury and slender gentian grow in the moist dune valleys further inland. The sand lizard and the natterjack toad thrive here, and it's a beautiful area to breathe in the sea air.

At the popular Bloemendaal aan Zee beach, you'll find seven summer beach pavilions: perfect for those who want to relax with a drink in hand and the sand between their toes. Afterward, the drive leads along the boulevard and past the Formula 1 racetrack to Zandvoort.

The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes provide the city of Amsterdam with drinking water. This oldest water extraction area in the Netherlands has been used since 1853. Cycling isn't permitted, but for those who want to put their bike down for a while, it's a wonderful walking area.

You'll cycle around the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes and then back through the bulb fields west of Lisse. The impressive array of colors in the fields attracts thousands of tourists every year. Each bulb has its own blooming season, but anyone cycling here between mid-March and mid-May is sure to enjoy the dazzling display of colors.