This long stage—25 km is no small feat—is one of extremes. Here, you encounter not only grassy dikes, shell paths, and narrow dike roads, but you also walk through the prehistoric Oer-IJ, past remnants of the Amsterdam Defence Line and the North Sea Canal. And if that isn't enough, this stage takes you right into the heart of the Randstad, with planes flying to and from Schiphol overhead.
Northern IJ and Sea Dike
After Fort Veldhuis, you can choose from two variants. The original route follows the Noorder IJ- en Zeedijk. On the alternative route, you walk further along directly beside the North Sea Canal. In both cases, you take the ferry across the North Sea Canal at Buitenhuizen, where you can see a lot of shipping traffic and pleasure boats. Also noteworthy here are the man-made natural banks for migratory fish and a nesting wall for swallows and kingfishers.
Spaarnwoude Park
Between Haarlem, Hoofddorp, and Amsterdam, you will find the recreational areas of Spaarnwoude Park. It is an oasis of greenery where there is plenty to experience. Because this area was undergoing significant urbanization in the 1960s, it was decided to turn the remaining rural area into a buffer zone in the form of a recreational area. The first tree was planted in 1970, so the recreational area has now existed for over 50 years. In the middle of Spaarnwoude Park lies Boerderij Zorgvrij. Here you can pet cows, tap milk, make cheese, or read a newspaper in the pancake restaurant. You will also find the information center for the Spaarnwoude Park recreational area here!
Schiphol is always nearby
After the ferry, you walk through the Noorderbos and the Westhoffbos, both of which are managed ecologically. Just before Halfweg, the old dike has been partially replaced by a new dike, the Spaarndammerdijk. We cannot ignore the many planes flying overhead; they clearly indicate that Schiphol is nearby. Walking route 12 is therefore a special section of the Noord-Hollandpad. On the one hand, the hustle and bustle of the Randstad; on the other, enjoying peace and space.
