Meijendel is the largest continuous dune area in South Holland. Here you can wander for hours through the moist dune valleys, open sand plains, rugged water features, and dense pine forests. With open access to the sea, the beach at Meijendel is a recommendation for those who love tranquility. The unique feature of this nature reserve is that more than 250 species of birds are flying around. It is a purification area for both the spirit and the water. In a natural way, water is purified here to become delicious drinking water for almost a million consumers in the region. On a spring evening, you can enjoy in stereo with the exuberant song of the nightingale as a 'soundtrack' in the background.
.time-to-visit { margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding-left: 30px; background: url(/sites/default/files/2025-03/timetovisit.svg) no-repeat 0 0px; background-size: 20px; }Listening to the king of European songbirds
Meijendel is among the top ten most bird-rich nature areas in the Netherlands. The most exuberant singer of all, the nightingale, only arrives when the trees and shrubs are well in young leaves. The sheltered dune nature of Meijendel is the favorite of this famous singer. From mid-April, the nightingale arrives in the Netherlands and begins its passionate singing. This is the perfect place to hear the king of European songbirds sing.
A perfect base
Visitor Center De Tapuit is a perfect base for all your adventures in Meijendel. You can orient yourself on a fun route, learn more about water extraction, or buy fun souvenirs.
Wandering for hours over winding paths
In fact, Meijendel consists of all different mini-landscapes, each with its own flora and fauna. The variety is due to the differences in elevation, the influence of the sea (wind), and the use of the landscape by humans.
You might also randomly encounter Konik horses or Galloway cattle. And all this just a stone's throw away from the city. Losing track of time while walking on winding paths is not difficult at all in this unspoiled nature. Meijendel has over 140 kilometers of walking and cycling paths.
Thirst for dune, water, and more
The area is dotted with numerous dune pools. Here, pre-purified river water slowly seeps into the dune soil. After weeks of natural filtration, it is pumped up and further purified to make it suitable for drinking water.
Relax and Unwind
Finish your visit in a relaxed manner around the fireplace at Boerderij Meyendel. Everyone is welcome, you can even unhitch your horse at the back entrance of the restaurant.
Leaning back in the dunes
South of Meijendel (near bicycle junction 39) is the unmissable hospitality pavilion 'Onder de Watertoren'. This sleekly designed building, opposite the old water tower, is an ideal place to take a break, watch passers-by, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.