Once you stand on top of the Kopje van Bloemendaal, you immediately understand why people have been coming here for over a hundred years. Below you, the dunes undulate, in the distance you see Haarlem with the Grote Kerk, and on the other side, the North Sea glistens. It is the highest freely accessible viewpoint on this side of the coast, and the best news is that it is easiest to get there by bike.
That last point is exactly where many visitors get stuck. By car, the Kopje is surprisingly difficult to find, as there is no convenient main road leading up. By bike from Zandvoort or Bloemendaal aan Zee, however, it is a delightful ride through the dunes, with a challenging climb as a reward. In this guide, you will read exactly what the Kopje is, what you will see there, how to get there, and which bike is best to take. That way, you will soon be at the top without any hassle.
Table of contents:
- What is the Kopje van Bloemendaal?
- What do you see from the observation tower?
- The Letterbox: the Kopje as a cycling legend
- From Wilhelminaduin to bunker: the history
- This is how you get to the Kopje van Bloemendaal by bike.
- Which bike do you choose for the climb?
- Rent a bike and ride the route
- What else is there to do at the Kopje?
- Practical: parking, dogs and the weather
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kopje van Bloemendaal?
The Kopje van Bloemendaal is a 43-meter-high dune top on the edge of Bloemendaal, right next to the Kennemerduinen and Caprera walking park. An observation tower with a stone tableau stands on top, and from that point, you have the sweeping view that makes the Kopje so popular. Off the coast around Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, this is literally the highest point you can simply reach.
The dune is not a natural hill that has always been there, but a viewpoint dune that was deliberately created in the late nineteenth century. Since then, it has grown into a regular outing for walkers, cyclists, and road cyclists from the entire region. You will find peace, nature, and a panorama there, all less than a fifteen-minute bike ride from the beach.
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What do you see from the observation tower?
As you climb the stairs of the observation tower, the landscape unfolds beneath you. On the land side, you look over the dunes towards Haarlem, where the Grote or Sint-Bavokerk stands out prominently on a clear day. Turn around, and you see the dune ridge and, beyond it, the North Sea.
Be realistic about the view, though. In some places, the trees have grown considerably over the years, causing the view of IJmuiden and Amsterdam to be largely obscured. Towards Haarlem and the sea, however, the panorama remains open. If you are looking for the most beautiful colors, come in the late afternoon, as the sun slowly sets towards the sea. Take your time at the top, because it is precisely the looking around that makes the climb worthwhile.
The Letterbox: the Kopje as a cycling legend
For road cyclists, the Kopje van Bloemendaal is almost hallowed ground. The climb to the top is short but vicious: about 1,600 meters of climbing with an average gradient of 2.3 percent and a steepest section of around 10 percent. Small beer compared to the mountains, but in flat هولندا, this is a real test for your legs.
For years, riders used the mailbox at the top as an imaginary finish line. Cycling writer Tim Krabbé immortalized this in his collection 43 wielerverhalen (43 Cycling Stories): you had to go all the way there, to the Mailbox. When that mailbox disappeared in 2018, a new marker appeared a year later paying tribute to Gerrie Knetemann, popularly known as the King of 't Kopje. If you want to feel for yourself what those riders feel, this little climb is a nice destination for your bike ride, whether you are on a regular bike or an electric one.
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From Wilhelminaduin to bunker: the history
The Kopje has a surprisingly rich history. The viewpoint dune was constructed in the late nineteenth century and was named Wilhelminaduin after a visit by Queen Wilhelmina in 1894. In 1908, the dune was further raised and an orientation table was added. The name Kopje van Bloemendaal became popular, a reference to the kopjes, the hills in South Africa that were frequently in the news during the Boer War. For this reason, the walking area is still called Wilhelminapark.
During the Second World War, the Germans turned the viewpoint into an observation post in a concrete tower. After the war, in 1946, that bunker began serving as a lookout tower for the public. In 2008, the structure was fully restored, and it is now listed on the municipal monuments. So, here you are literally climbing into history.
This is how you get to the Kopje van Bloemendaal by bike.
This is exactly why so many people call the Kopje a mystery: it is difficult to reach by car, as there is no convenient main road leading to the top. By bike, however, it makes perfect sense. From the beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee or from Zandvoort, you cycle through the dunes towards the village of Bloemendaal, where you climb to the Kopje via the Wilhelminapark and the surrounding paths.
From Zandvoort, depending on your route, the journey takes about half an hour, and from Bloemendaal aan Zee it is even faster. You ride along quiet cycle paths through the nature of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, so you enjoy the journey just as much as the top. If you prefer to follow a mapped-out route, take a look at our cycling routes from Zandvoort or our tour through Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. The Kopje is a beautiful highlight on these routes, literally.
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Which bike do you choose for the climb?
The final climb to the top is short, but you will definitely feel it in your legs, especially if you have already completed a ride through the dunes. You will make it to the top just fine on a regular city bike, although you will have to pedal hard a few times. If you want to take the climb at a relaxed pace and mainly enjoy the view, an electric bike is ideal, as the pedal assist propels you to the top without breaking a sweat.
If you are traveling with children, a child's bike or a cargo bike is handy, although the last uphill stretch will require some effort. If you are looking for a bit of adventure on the sandier paths in the area, a fat bike with thick tires is a fun choice. Unsure which bike suits your plans? Tell us where you want to go, and we'll help you decide.
Rent a bike and ride the route
The convenient thing is that you don't have to lug your own bike around. At Behind the Beach, you rent a bike right by the beach in Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee and head straight in the right direction. From city bikes and electric bikes to cargo bikes and children's bikes: there is something for every group that will get you to the top comfortably.
If you are coming by train, get off at Bloemendaal, Overveen, or Zandvoort aan Zee station and take a bike for the final leg. That is also the smartest way to avoid the parking rush during peak season. Do book in advance on nice days, though, as the bikes go fast. Not sure exactly which route or bike you want yet? Just get in touch, and we will have the right bike ready for you.
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What else is there to do at the Kopje?
The view is the main attraction, but you can easily spend a few hours there. On and around the dune, you will find a restaurant and a pancake house, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or a drink with a view after the climb. In the adjacent walking park, there is an open-air theater where performances are regularly held during the summer season.
For children, it is a small adventure: climbing the stairs to the tower, looking out over the dunes, and then strolling through the park. Hikers are also well catered for, as the Kopje borders the Kennemerduinen and Caprera walking park, with paths for short and longer loops. This way, you can effortlessly combine the view with a bite to eat, a performance, or a walk in the woods.
Practical: parking, dogs and the weather
A few practical things will make your outing smoother. Parking is limited around the Kopje, and in the village of Bloemendaal, you often have to pay for a spot. If you arrive by bike or train, you won't have to worry about that. Bring some water along for the journey, as there aren't shops everywhere among the dunes, and apply plenty of sunscreen, because it's easy to underestimate the sun at the coast.
If you are going with a dog, please be aware of the rules in the area, as specific times and zones apply in parts of the dunes and on the beach during the high season. Check the current rules of the municipality and the park manager before you go. And the weather: the view is at its best on a clear day, but the dunes have their charm even with some clouds. If the weather changes, a drive through the sheltered forest of the Kennemerduinen is easily done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is the Kopje van Bloemendaal?
Het Kopje is a 43-meter-high dune top. Incidentally, an older height measurement is engraved on the stone tableau at the top, but 43 meters is the standard height. From the observation tower, you look out over the dunes towards Haarlem and the North Sea.
How do you get to the Kopje van Bloemendaal?
Getting there by car is difficult, as there is no main road leading to the top and parking is limited. By bicycle is by far the most convenient option: from Zandvoort or Bloemendaal aan Zee, you ride through the dunes to Bloemendaal and climb up via the Wilhelminapark. If you are coming from further away, the train to Bloemendaal, Overveen, or Zandvoort plus a rental bike is the smartest combination.
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.
Can you cycle to the top of the Kopje?
Yes. The road to the top is a well-known climb of about 1,600 meters and is particularly popular among road cyclists. On a regular bike, you can make it by pedaling hard, while on an electric bike, you take the climb in a relaxed manner.
What is the Mailbox on the Kopje van Bloemendaal?
For years, the Letterbox was the marker that cyclists used as a finish line at the top of the climb. The old mailbox was removed in 2018 and replaced in 2019 by a marker paying tribute to Gerrie Knetemann, the King of 't Kopje.
Is the Kopje van Bloemendaal free to visit?
You can visit the dune, the observation tower, and the surrounding walking park freely. For a bite to eat or a drink, you are dependent on the restaurant or the pancake house, which you naturally pay for separately.