Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, between Haarlem and Zandvoort, offers a rare gravel terrain in the Netherlands: a coastal dune massif that rises a few dozen metres above the North Sea, criss-crossed by sandy and forest tracks.
A dune massif facing the sea
From Overveen, the tracks head into the dunes toward Bloemendaal and then Zandvoort, alternating shaded forest paths with more open sections offering views over the North Sea. Expect around 25 km and 150 m of elevation gain for a loop representative of the park — a modest profile, but a real one in a country otherwise almost entirely flat.
Getting the ride right
Wide gravel tyres, around 45-50mm, help float better over the softer sandy sections, particularly near the coastline. The park hosts extensive grazing areas with Highland cattle and Konik horses, marked off by gates that should be carefully closed behind you.
When to go
April to October, as the park stays accessible year-round but the forest sections’ tracks can turn muddier in winter. Summer offers the best conditions, with the option to combine the ride with a stop at Zandvoort beach.
Good to know
Overveen and Bloemendaal, on the edge of the park, offer a decent choice of accommodation, with convenient access to Haarlem, a few kilometres away, for extending the stay beyond the gravel ride.
