Cycling through Haarlem and the dunes

The bike route starts in De Haarlemmerhout, also called De Hout, the oldest urban forest in the Netherlands. In the 1960s, many old trees were cut down for highways. Hence, the N205 runs right through the area. Today it is a green national monument and has a protected status. There will be no new roads in this green area. The Haarlemmerhoutkwartier district lies on an old, excavated beach ridge. It meanders north along the river De Binnen Spaarne. Here you still cycle a lot through the built-up area, but gradually more dunes come into view of The National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. The changing dune landscapes and forests are the habitat of numerous special plants and animals. Here you can encounter large grazers such as Scottish Highlanders, Konik horses and a herd of wisents. You can also swim in the dune lake Wed. The last part goes past places like Aerdenhout where you pass beautiful villas.