The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park covers the entire strip of dunes between Haarlem and the sea — 3,800 hectares of windblown sand, pine and oak woodland, marshy slacks, and a final dune ridge dropping to the beach. It is one of the largest open natural areas in the Randstad and a delight on a sunny weekend: wide sandy paths, herds of Konik horses and Highland cattle grazing, fallow deer in the early morning, occasional sightings of the reintroduced European bison in the fenced Kraansvlak reserve.
The park is free to enter from any of the marked car parks, and the network of cycle and walking paths is well signposted. From Overveen station the easiest walking entry is up Tetterodeweg; from Bloemendaal village the access is from the Brouwerskolkweg. Allow at least two hours for a satisfying loop.