This is one for the sporty nature lover! Go on a three-day adventure and marvel at the nature and cultural history of South Kennemerland National Park. You walk through beautiful polders, along lakes, in dune areas and occasionally stop to enjoy stunning viewpoints. Along the way, you'll learn all about the history. For example, during the journey, you listen to the audio story 'The weapon of Brederode' in which the curious Rens plays an important role. You cover about 15 to 20 kilometers daily. Navigation is done via the IVN Routes app.
From garden to polder, from village to estate
No day is the same during this three-day trek. The route takes you past polders with their old medieval allotment and the old villages of Spaarndam and Santpoort. You also trek through the estate zone at the edge of the inner dunes and past the old Ruins of Brederode. Immerse yourself in the rural history of the castle and the Lords of Brederode, a noble family from the late Middle Ages. View the exhibitions, climb the donjon (or residential tower) for a marvelous view, and enjoy a drink in the tea garden during the summer months. Day 1 ends with an overnight stay in a beautiful Bed & Breakfast.
High dune tops and deep lakes
Day 2 starts at the dune area Duin en Kruidberg. A place where you can experience the rich history of what was once the largest residence in the Netherlands. Then on to a sporty challenge! It's a tough climb through the Kennemer dunes with high lookout points. You'll also find several man-made dune lakes, such as 't Wed, the Oosterplas, and the Vogelmeer. You are allowed to swim in the first two lakes, so don't forget to bring your swimwear.
Spending the Night in a Seashack
The second night, you sleep in a seashack nestled in the dunes. The French doors of the comfortable rooms provide a sense of being outdoors. Drift off to sleep to the sound of the sea as you relax in your personal hammock hanging by your seashack.
Slingering around Buitenplaats Elswout
The third day is the time to experience the fairy-tale-like Buitenplaats Elswout. So be sure to take a journey through this nearly 400-year-old national monument as you pass through the gate of the estate. Marvel at the various landscape styles that were typical for the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, with magnificent monumental buildings and showpieces of wealthy estate owners. The centuries-old trees and distinctive plant and animal species, such as stinzen plants and bats, complete the picture.
