Bergen aan Zee is a wonderful place to live and spend your holidays. Most guests prefer to visit the beach and the restaurants on the boulevard. Mr. Dijkema, a resident of Bergen aan Zee, noticed that few people took a walk through the village itself. That’s why he decided to put one out himself. This circular walk is the result. Wonderful to walk on a cool evening and a nice way to get acquainted with the special history of our cozy coastal village.
For background information and fun facts about the history of Bergen aan Zee, download the route here.
Going to the movies? In the middle of the wooded estate ‘t Oude Hof te Bergen – in the historic monument De Zwarte Schuur – lies Filmtheater Cinebergen, one of the most beautiful movie theaters in the Netherlands.
Filmtheater Cinebergen is located in the Zwarte Schuur, a former sawmill. The walk to it, through the forest, is already fun. Come a little earlier in the summer, for a cup of coffee on the terrace of the theatre café.
Cinebergen shows the best of what world cinema has to offer for the widest and most diverse audience possible. In addition, there is plenty of attention for classics, children’s films and documentaries. In addition, numerous special events take place. Cinebergen is open daily.
Bergen aan Zee, a picturesque fishing village in the northern region of Holland, about 100 km from the capital city, offers a serene and enriching beach experience. Its coastline faces the North Sea and boasts a beautiful beach with fine golden sand. The beach is renowned for its cleanliness, white sands, and dunes, making it ideal for long walks and relaxation.
The beach at Bergen aan Zee stretches north and south as far as the eye can see, offering a sense of remoteness despite its excellent facilities. The water quality is exceptional, earning it a Blue Flag status annually. In summer, visitors can enjoy the beach, water sports and numerous dining and drinking options.
In addition to the beach, the area is known for the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, one of the Netherlands’ largest nature reserves. This reserve features 20 kilometers of dunes, oak and pine forests, grasslands, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore this area through various walking and biking trails.
The Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen visitor center provides insights into the dunes’ origin, maintenance, and wildlife. It’s located near the tallest sand dune in the Netherlands and offers exhibitions about the dunes, their history, and ecosystems. The center is a starting point for numerous trails through the woods and grasslands.
Cycling is popular activity, with paved trails snaking through the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. The area offers bike rental services, including E-bikes, making it easy to explore the dunes and reach remote beach stretches.
Visitors can also explore the J.C.J. van Speijk Lighthouse at Egmond aan Zee, a historical site with an intriguing backstory and stunning views of the North Holland coastline.
Watersports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities at Bergen aan Zee, with facilities for surfing, kite-surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.
Combining natural beauty, the beautiful coastline, and a variety of activities, Bergen aan Zee offers a unique and memorable experience for all travelers. Whether it’s for relaxation, or adventure this charming coastal village in the Netherlands is a destination worth visiting.
Exploring the North Holland Dune Reserve: A Hidden Gem in the Netherlands
Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, the North Holland Dune Reserve (Noordhollands Duinreservaat)is a breathtaking nature reserve that offers an unparalleled experience of the Dutch natural landscape. Stretching over 20 kilometers long and averaging 2.5 kilometers in width, this reserve covers an impressive 5,300 hectares, making it one of the largest natural areas in the country. As a visitor, prepare to be enchanted by its diverse landscapes, ranging from dunes and beaches to forests and small nature areas.
A Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna
The reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Thanks to its vast expanse and varied vegetation, it is home to a myriad of plant and animal species. Factors like height, humidity, calcium content, and historical human usage have contributed to this rich diversity. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a serene escape, the Noordhollands Duinreservaat will not disappoint.
An Adventure Awaits
For those who love the outdoors, the reserve is a paradise. It offers a network of well-marked trails for walking, biking, and even horseback riding, allowing you to immerse yourself in its serene beauty. Visitors have praised it as one of the best dune reservations for its varied landscapes and the pleasure it offers to walkers and cyclists alike.
A Stroll Through Nature’s Best
A walk from Bergen aan Zee to Egmond aan Zee through the dunes is highly recommended. This journey showcases nature at its finest, with heath, dunes, large pine and oak forests, and water pools teeming with birds. The area is also noteworthy for its history; the northern section towards Schoorl aan Zee has young trees that sprouted after large forest fires.
Cycling Through Beauty
Cycling is a popular way to explore the reserve. The dunes between Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan de Hoef offer a delightful route, with an entrance fee of just 1.90 euros per person. Along the way, you’ll find a restaurant in an historic wooden building at “Het Woud” for a pleasant break. Renting bikes in nearby towns like Alkmaar and riding through the countryside to the dunes is another enjoyable option, perfect for a family outing.
Contributing to Conservation
Visiting the North Holland Dune Reserve does require a small fee for a “duinkaart” (dune card), but this contributes directly to the management and preservation of the dunes. Managed by PWN, a non-profit organization that receives no subsidies for nature conservation, each card sold helps ensure that the reserve remains a pristine environment for future generations.
Conclusion
The North Holland Dune Reserve is more than just a natural area; it’s a journey through diverse landscapes, a haven for wildlife, and a testament to successful conservation efforts. Whether you’re cycling through its paths, walking along its trails, or simply enjoying the tranquility, this reserve promises an unforgettable experience. As you explore, remember that you’re not just a visitor, but also a part of its ongoing preservation story.
Bergen aan Zee, a charming seaside town in the Netherlands, offers a unique way to explore its picturesque landscapes – by bike! Fietsverhuur Bergen aan Zee, a renowned bike rental service in the area, caters to all your cycling needs, ensuring a delightful and hassle-free experience.
Wide Range of Bikes for Every Rider
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, Fietsverhuur Bergen aan Zee has a bike for everyone. They offer a variety of options, including electric bikes, comfort bikes, mountain bikes, and even cargo bikes. For instance, their E-Bikes, such as the Bosch model with a 150 km range, is perfect for those looking for a smooth ride. For more traditional cyclists, the 7-speed comfort bike is available, and for adventure enthusiasts, the carbon mountain bikes, also available as E-MTBs, are a great choice.
Fietsverhuur Bergen aan Zee understands the diverse needs of its customers, offering flexible rental options. Bikes can be picked up between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and returned by 10:00 PM. They also have an attractive offer where you can rent a bike for seven days and pay for only five, making it an economical choice for extended stays. Plus, they provide mobile phone holders with advice on numerous cycling routes, ensuring you have all the guidance you need to explore Bergen aan Zee.
Accessibility and Service
Located at Paulineweg 11, 1865AD Bergen aan Zee, Fietsverhuur Bergen aan Zee is easily accessible. If you’re unable to make a reservation online, they encourage you to contact them directly for assistance.
Whether you’re winding through the scenic dunes, exploring quiet village roads, or cruising along the coastline, your cycling adventure will be both enjoyable and memorable. So, gear up and get ready to pedal your way through the breathtaking landscapes of Bergen aan Zee!
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