Tour of IJmuiden through the dunes

The North Holland Dune Reserve (NHD) extends over 20 km. The wet dune valleys of the Heemskerkerduinen are phenomenal. In the sheltered valleys where the wind drops, the bushes are higher and this is the domain of breeding birds. Seabirds make their noise as they skim over the water, as you cycle through pristine white dunes, on your way to a sea of purple/pink orchids blooming in the wet dune valleys.

The bike tour starts at the parking lot near IJmuiden aan Zee. Shortly after departure, you can see the flag on Fort Island IJmuiden from 1885 fluttering from afar. The fort is part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. It is regularly open to the public and worth a visit. Already in the Golden Age, the dunes were popular with Amsterdam merchants and they built their country estates here. Huis Akerendam acquired a special social position due to their housing and nursing care for elderly ladies.