Katwijkse Duinen Nature Reserve

The Katwijkse Duinen are the coastal dunes around Katwijk, on the North Sea coast of South Holland, and they form part of the long belt of dunes that protects the low-lying land behind. Katwijk lies at the mouth of the Oude Rijn, the old Rhine, which reaches the sea here through a sluice, and the dunes stretch to the north and south of the town. They are a protected nature reserve, with a mix of open sand, grassland, scrub and woods, and they are a pleasant place for a walk away from the beach crowds. They are not part of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, which lies much further north.

The dune belt is one of the most important natural features of the Netherlands. Formed by wind-blown sand over the past several thousand years, it acts as the first line of defence against the sea, and in many places it also stores fresh water, which is used for drinking supplies for cities such as Leiden and The Hague. The calcareous sand supports a rich flora, including several orchids that are rare elsewhere, and in spring and early summer the dune valleys are full of flowers. The animals include rabbits, foxes, hares and many birds, such as skylarks, stonechats, kestrels and, in the scrub, warblers. Larger grazers such as cattle and ponies are sometimes introduced to keep the vegetation open.

Marked walking and cycling paths run through the reserve, and the routes vary from short walks to longer circuits. The terrain is gently undulating, with some steeper climbs to the higher dunes, which reward walkers with views over the sea and the coastal plain. Paths are mostly well kept, but sandy stretches can make walking tiring, so wear sturdy shoes. Some areas are closed or restricted to protect sensitive habitats, particularly in the breeding season, and signs show where. Entry is free and there are several access points with parking near the town.

Katwijk has other attractions to combine with a walk. Katwijk aan Zee Beach is wide and sandy, with pavilions, the Katwijk lighthouse is a landmark, Museum Katwijk covers local history, and the old village of Oud Katwijk has windmills called De Valk and De Vink. The Huis ten Bosch entry, listed in this town, concerns a name that belongs to a palace in The Hague and a theme park in Japan. Leiden and The Hague are within easy reach by bus and bicycle.

The dunes suit walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and families. Go in spring for the flowers, in early morning for birds, and bring windproof clothing and water.