Tien Bergenroute - Overveen: Van binnenduinrand naar zeereep

You start in Overveen and take a 9 km circular walk through Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, passing dune lakes, viewpoints, and a varied dune landscape — ideal for experienced hikers.

Straight through the heart of the dunes

The Blue Tien Bergen Route is the quintessential hike of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park in the Zuid-Kennemerland region. Spanning 9 kilometers, the route connects the quiet inner dune edge with the rugged coastal dune ridge — and along the way, you will discover a surprising variety of landscapes, vistas, and hidden dune lakes. This is a route for those who really want to hike, not for a leisurely stroll.

From dune lake to viewpoint

You start at the Koevlak entrance, where the De Kennemerduinen Visitor Centre is also located. From the very beginning, you walk on wide paths that lead you deeper into the national park. You soon reach dune lake 't Wed, an open body of water surrounded by reeds and rugged dune vegetation. Here, it smells of damp earth and salt — a landscape you won't find anywhere else in North Holland.

Further on, you pass the Vogelmeer, a bird lake that is bustling with activity during the breeding season (April–July): herons, spoonbills, and terns can be heard and seen there. You then walk up to the Konijnenberg, where you get your first sweeping view of the dunes. Even higher up is the Lichtbakkeet, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the park — on a clear day, you can see the sea, the coast, and the hinterland all at once. Finish with the Hazenberg, the last and highest peak of the route, before returning to the starting point.

Highlights along the way

1. Dune Lake 't Wed — A picturesque dune lake in the middle of the park, surrounded by reeds and willow thickets. Beautiful in all seasons.
2. Vogelmeer — Resting area for migratory and breeding birds. In spring, it buzzes with the sound of birds.
3. Konijnenberg — First viewpoint along the way with a beautiful panorama over the surrounding dune valley.
4. Lichtbakkeet — The absolute highlight of the route, literally and figuratively. Panoramic views of the sea and the Haarlem hinterland.
5. Hazenberg — The highest peak of the route, ideal as a conclusion for a mindful moment of reflection.

The story behind the path

The name "Tien Bergen" refers to the ten distinctive dune peaks visited by the route. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the Netherlands and protects a unique dune landscape between Zandvoort and IJmuiden. The park is not only a nature reserve but also a living system — large grazers, rare plant species, and beach ridges thousands of years old combine to form an unmistakable landscape on the coast of North Holland.

Tips and practical information

1. Dogs: Not allowed in the park.
2. Public transport accessibility: Take the train to Haarlem Centraal and then take the bus towards Bloemendaal aan Zee or Overveen. The bus stop at the Parnassia or Koevlak entrance is within walking distance — so you can leave the car at home.
3. Alternative starting point: The route can also be started at the Parnassia entrance.
4. Marking: Blue arrows.
5. Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers — the route follows unpaved dune paths with elevation changes.
6. Seasonal restrictions: During the breeding season (April–July), some areas around the Vogelmeer may be quieter to visit.
7. Large grazers: Watch out for large grazers such as wild horses and Scottish Highlanders along the way. They keep the dune vegetation open and healthy. Do not touch, do not feed. Keep a distance of at least 25 meters and walk in a wide arc around the herd.
8. Duincafé: At the De Kennemerduinen Visitor Centre, you will find Het Duincafé, an ideal spot for a well-deserved coffee or lunch before or after your walk.