Cycling in Bloemendaal aan Zee is perhaps the most enjoyable way to discover this side of the coast. You step straight from the beach onto your bike, have the dunes all around you within a few minutes, and choose whether to take a leisurely loop along the sea or pedal briskly towards Haarlem.
Bloemendaal aan Zee is situated exactly between Zandvoort and the Kennemerduinen, making it an ideal starting point. From a short family loop to a challenging dune ride: you decide how far you want to go. In this guide, we list the most beautiful routes, tell you which bike suits which tour, and immediately arrange where you can rent one. That way, you'll be well prepared when you get in the saddle.
Table of contents:
- Why you want to start your bike tour in Bloemendaal aan Zee
- Route 1: along the coast to Zandvoort and back
- Route 2: through the Kennemerduinen to Overveen and Haarlem
- Route 3: along the coast to the north
- Which bike do you choose for which route?
- Rent a bike in Bloemendaal aan Zee
- Practical things on the road: parking, dogs, stops and the weather
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why you want to start your bike tour in Bloemendaal aan Zee
Bloemendaal aan Zee is small, but its location is priceless. On one side you have the open North Sea coast with a wide beach and a row of beach bars; on the other, the dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park begin immediately. So you don't have to navigate through busy traffic before the scenery gets beautiful: the beauty starts here at the first set of stairs. Why start here and not in busier Zandvoort? Because from Bloemendaal aan Zee you reach the tranquility of the dunes faster and can head in any direction right away.
From the beach, you can cycle to Zandvoort in the south or towards IJmuiden in the north in just a few minutes. Inland, the Zeeweg takes you straight through the park to Overveen and Haarlem. Along the way, you will encounter dune valleys, forest, and with a bit of luck, Scottish Highland cattle or even wisents, the wild bison that live in the Kraansvlak. So, you don't have to go far anywhere here for so much variety.
Event venues
Route 1: along the coast to Zandvoort and back
Do you want a short and relaxed ride that the whole family can enjoy? Then follow the coast south towards Zandvoort. You will ride mostly on flat, paved cycle paths with the beach on your right. In Zandvoort, you can take a look around the boulevard, grab an ice cream, and then take the same way back.
Count on about 8 to 10 kilometers round trip. That is perfectly manageable with children, even on a regular city bike or a children's bike. Is it windy? Then just cycle with the wind at your back on the way there and pedal a bit harder on the way back. Those who want to take it easy can park their bike briefly at a beach bar along the way and then continue on their way.
Route 2: through the Kennemerduinen to Overveen and Haarlem
For the most beautiful scenery, turn your back on the sea and take the Zeeweg inland. This road has a separate cycle path and runs straight through the Kennemerduinen, the dune area of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. You cycle past dune lakes and woodland, and there is a good chance you will spot grazers such as Konik horses or Scottish Highland cattle along the way. The park entrances are located along the Zeeweg, and the cycle route nodes guide you along the way.
At the edge of the dunes you arrive in Overveen, and from there you can cycle straight on to the center of Haarlem with its terraces and the Grote Markt. If you go all the way to Haarlem and back, you are looking at about 20 to 25 kilometers. It is not a strenuous ride, but the dunes have some undulations and you will feel it in your legs when cycling against the wind. An electric bike makes this stretch a lot more relaxed. The main cycle paths in the park are freely accessible, so you can just keep riding. If you want to explore that specific area, also read our route about cycling through Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
Event venues
Route 3: along the coast to the north
Would you prefer to get a breath of fresh air and cover some distance? Then head north from Bloemendaal aan Zee. Via the dunes and the beach, you will reach Parnassia and eventually IJmuiden, where you can watch the large ships sailing in and out of the harbor. Along the way, you have an almost constant view of the sea and the dunes.
Heading this way, you can count on about 20 to 30 kilometers, depending on how far you ride and which route through the dunes you choose. It is the toughest of the three, mainly because you often have a full headwind here. The wind along the coast usually comes from the southwest, so there is a good chance that the outward journey north will be easier and the return trip harder. Take this into account when planning your time, and if in doubt, choose an electric bike.
Which bike do you choose for which route?
The right bike makes your day. For the short loop to Zandvoort and back, a regular city bike is fine, and for the little ones you need a child's bike or a seat. Do you want to head out with young children without everyone getting tired halfway through? Then a cargo bike or picnic bike is handy: the children sit safely in the front and you pedal.
If you are heading into the dunes or north, where it takes longer and the wind plays a role, an electric bike is worth its weight in gold. You save energy for the view instead of pedaling. Are you looking for a bit of adventure on the sandy paths instead? Then a fatbike with its thick tires is a fun option. Unsure? Tell us what you are planning, and we will help you find the bike that suits your trip.
Event venues
Rent a bike in Bloemendaal aan Zee
The great thing is that you don't have to lug your own bike around here. At Behind the Beach, you can rent a bike in Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee and hop on right by the beach. We have everything from city bikes and electric bikes to cargo bikes and children's bikes, so everyone in your party sits comfortably.
If you come by car, you can park at the beach on the Zeeweg, but during peak season it is busy and you have to pay for parking. It is often smarter to take the train to Overveen or Zandvoort aan Zee station and cycle the last part. Book in advance during the summer, as bikes are snapped up quickly on nice days. Want to make sure the right bike is ready? Just get in touch and we'll arrange it.
Practical things on the road: parking, dogs, stops and the weather
A few things make your cycling day just a little bit nicer. Parking is easiest by taking a bike or coming by train, as cars fill up early on the Zeeweg in the summer. Bring water, as there aren't shops everywhere between the dunes, and apply plenty of sunscreen, because it's easy to underestimate the sun by the sea.
Are you going with your dog? On the beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee, this is allowed for part of the year and on certain sections, but during the high season, times and zones apply. Check the current rules of the Municipality of Bloemendaal before you go to avoid any surprises. You will find plenty of places to take a break along the way: the beach bars at Bloemendaal aan Zee, such as Republiek, are perfect for a drink with a view of the sea. And should the weather turn, a drive through the sheltered forest of the Kennemerduinen is more pleasant than the open coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to cycle on the beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee?
You don't cycle on the loose sand of the beach itself, as you would sink in immediately with a regular bike. You cycle on the paved paths along the coast and through the dunes. Do you still want the beach feeling? A fatbike with thick tires rides much more easily on compacted sand, but stay in the areas where cycling is permitted.
Can you cycle from Bloemendaal aan Zee to Zandvoort?
Yes, and it is even very short. You are in Zandvoort in about fifteen minutes along the flat coastal cycle path. It is one of the nicest short rides, even with children.
How long does a bike ride through the Kennemerduinen take?
That depends on your route. A loop through the dunes takes an hour to an hour and a half, and if you cycle on to Haarlem, you'll easily be on the road for half a day with breaks. Take your time, because it is precisely the sightseeing that makes it fun.
Which bike is best to rent for the dunes?
For the dunes and longer rides, an electric bike is highly recommended, especially against the wind. For the short loop along the sea, a regular city bike or children's bike is perfectly adequate.
Can you rent an electric bike or cargo bike in Bloemendaal aan Zee?
Yes. At Behind the Beach, in addition to regular bikes, you can also rent electric bikes, cargo bikes, and children's bikes. Handy if you are heading out with the whole family or want to cover longer distances.
Is cycling through South Kennemerland National Park free?
You can cycle freely on the main cycle paths in the park. If you park your car at one of the entrances, you usually have to pay a parking fee. If you arrive by bike, you don't have to worry about that. You can read more about the cycle paths and access at Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.