Step directly into the Kennemerduinen. A beautiful nature reserve that extends all the way to Zandvoort. Extensive walking and cycling paths provide days of fun in the dunes. The beach is merely a 5 minute walk away. By bike, car and bus you can easily go to surrounding cities (Haarlem, Bloemendaal aan Zee and Amsterdam). Or discover the area by boat. Moor the boat in the adjacent marina and defy the North Sea and the North Sea Canal from here.
In the mood for something more active? Please find our overview of activities on the resort and around here.
The Lake
Basecamp IJmuiden is located direclty on the lake. The lake is created after excavations for the construction of a row of dunes along the high tide line to protect the nature reserve. Start the day with a refreshing dip or walk around the lake. Take the route directly along the water and let your dog run free because that is allowed all year round!
Ijmuiden Beach
Listen to the ocean from your Tiny House. In less than 500 meters you will end up on one of the widest beaches in the Netherlands! The place to stroll barefoot or take a refreshing dip in the ocean. After extending the piers in the 1960s, the beach has grown to one kilometer and the process continues. Beginning dune formation on the landward side of the beach is clearly visible, and many types of shells can be found on the beach. There are also large slabs of peat that have loosened from the seabed and washed up on the beach. For example, from the beach to beyond the old foredune, the successive change in plant growth over time (succession) within a radius of three kilometers can be clearly seen.
Kennemerland Nationaal Park
The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park stretches from Zandvoort to IJmuiden. The ever surprising dune area, from estates along the outer edge, via wild dunes to the North Sea beach, is the habitat of countless special animals and plants. You can just come face to face with a bison, the largest mammal in Europe.
The pier
The pier is ideal to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the view. It is a well-known place for sea anglers, ship spotters and increasingly more people are here to spot cruise ships.
Catch crabs hiding in the rock toys or watch one of the anglers’ catch of the day. The piers are also widely used by migratory and songbirds that temporarily settle in large numbers. Every season attracts a different kind of bird.
Marina Seaport IJmuiden - Port
There is always something to see in the harbor of IJmuiden. It has everything from large yachts and sailboats from the Ocean Race to holiday boats. Since 1994, Marina Seaport IJmuiden has been a perfect base for water sports enthusiasts who love the ocean. The marina is located outside the locks, at the mouth of the North Sea Canal. This allows ships to enter and leave the harbor to and from the North Sea without being hit by guns. The harbor was built on the extended south pier of the IJmond. The port area has since been expanded with offices, a beach resort, a hotel and various cafes, beach pavilions, shops and a yacht club.
Surrounding cities
Bloemendaal aan zee
Bloemendaal beach is 4300 meters long and is located between Zandvoort aan Zee and Velsen. Everyone can find an ideal spot on this more than four kilometers of beach. For the cocktail lover, there is always a good place to be found in one of the seven beach pavilions on the beach of Bloemendaal. For the more active, there is a water sports center where you can take lessons, but also rent equipment. Further on the beach you can enjoy the tranquility with the sounds of the ocean in the background.
Wijk aan Zee
Wijk aan Zee is a beautiful seaside resort on the North Sea coast, located between the dunes and the beautiful beach. The beach is wide but also one of the cleanest beaches in the Netherlands. It is also known as one of the better surfing spots on the North Sea. The beach is bursting with facilities and has excellent catering. The open dune area with beautiful forests invites you to a nice walking or cycling trip. Despite its small size, Wijk aan Zee offers more than enough for a nice day at the beach.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, is known for its artistic heritage, extensive canal network and narrow gabled houses, a legacy of the Golden Age. The Museum Quarter is a must visit for culture enthusiasts. Here you will find the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Stedelijk Museum with modern art. The best way to explore the city is by bicycle.
Zandvoort
Zandvoort is also called the ‘Pearl by the sea’ with kilometers of clean white beaches. Zandvoort is also known for the Circuit Zandvoort where Formula 1 was driven until 1985. Today you can also drive on this circuit in a Ferrari. It is a pleasant seaside resort full of activities and a favorite with many Amsterdammers. Zandvoort is surrounded by two beautiful dune areas full of rich flora and fauna.
Haarlem
A pleasant historic center, famous museums, shops, restaurants and the beach around the corner. From hidden streets from bygone times to hip concept stores. From a medieval church to a terrace on the water. From Dutch Masters to French star chefs. From antique market to pop concert. Fancy an unforgettable day out? Visit Haarlem and be surprised by the sights, boutiques and picturesque squares, by the old and contemporary artists, the Burgundian atmosphere and the rich history.