Kennemerstrand - Nature

The Kennemerstrand near IJmuiden is a special nature area on the northern side of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. The area lies between the sea, dunes and Kennemermeer, and is a surprisingly varied place for anyone who wants to walk, watch birds or simply enjoy coastal nature.

What can you expect at the Kennemerstrand?

• Young dune landscape: Unlike many other coastal areas, the Kennemerstrand is relatively young. After the Zuidpier was extended in the 1960s, a large amount of sand accumulated here. This created a broad beach plain, where young dunes and damp dune valleys later developed.
• Special nature: The area covers around 50 hectares and forms part of the much larger Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Thanks to the combination of beach, dunes, freshwater lakes, grasslands and wet dune valleys, the Kennemerstrand is among the most valuable coastal nature areas in the Netherlands.
• Walking along lake and dunes: Narrow walking paths lead along the Kennemermeer, through open dunes and over sandy tracks towards the beach. Along the way, you can enjoy wide views, tranquillity and constantly changing landscapes.
• Flowers and orchids: In summer, the area is known for its flower-rich dune valleys. Here you will find plants such as grass-of-Parnassus, honey orchid and the rare fen orchid, a special plant species for which the Kennemerstrand is nationally known.
• Birds and animals: Various waterbirds live around Kennemermeer, while the open dunes and beach plains are attractive to coastal birds. With a bit of luck, you may also see rabbits, foxes or roe deer among the dunes.
• Close to the beach and sea: The nature area is located directly beside IJmuiden aan Zee. This makes a walk through the dune landscape easy to combine with a visit to the beach, a refreshing swim or a break at a beach pavilion.

A varied walk through coastal nature

The Kennemerstrand is ideal for visitors who want to experience many different landscapes in a short time. In just one walk, you pass water, dunes, flower-rich grasslands, sandy plains and the wide beach of IJmuiden.

Practical information

• Location: The main entrance to the Kennemerstrand is on Badweg in IJmuiden aan Zee. For longer walks, the area can also be reached via walking routes from Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, for example from Parnassia near Bloemendaal.
• Parking: Paid parking is available in the car parks on Badweg near the Kennemerstrand and IJmuiden aan Zee. For longer walks through the National Park, the car parks at Parnassia and Koevlak are also possible options.
• Opening times: The nature area is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.
• Accessibility: The walking paths are largely unpaved sand and shell paths. This makes them less suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Elsewhere in the National Park, several adapted facilities are available, including a beach wheelchair via De Kennemerduinen Visitor Centre.

Visit the Kennemerstrand for a varied walk through young dunes, damp dune valleys and open coastal landscape, close to the sea yet right in nature.

Furthermore Kennemerstrand is near the following sights: Heerenduinen (±1,3 km), Cremermeer (±2,4 km), Sea and Harbour Museum (±2,6 km), Midden-Herenduin (±3,5 km) & Gestrand (±4,8 km).

For information

Badweg, IJmuiden aan Zee
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