Across the Drunense Dunes

The characteristic landscape of the Drunense Dunes has largely been a result of overly exuberant agricultural activities in earlier centuries, compounded by all kinds of warfare in the 80-year war. Erosion was the consequence, resulting in the current landscape. Later, trees were planted and marram grass was planted to prevent further silting up. Nice detail is that the town of Efteling has remained buried under the sand since that time. The most important places on the route are Kaatsheuvel, with the Johannes de Doperkerk and corn mill de Couwenbergh, Loon op Zand with the beautiful St Jans Onthoofdingskerk and Cromvoirt, the starting place, whose name derives from an ancient 'ford at the bend of a river'. In National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, sand drifts and coniferous forests take center stage, with some space in between for meadows and marshes. The clean seepage water in the sandy area has created space for a specific fauna of amphibians with populations of tree frogs, moor frogs and crested newts. The badger has also been successfully reintroduced to this area. The attractiveness of this biking an hiking area is also manifested by many crowds, so careful planning of the bike ride will contribute to the enjoyment of this beautiful part of the Netherlands.