Bloemendaal, Aerdenhout, Overveen

Cycling in and around chic Bloemendaal is pure enjoyment. For every cyclist! The silence in the beautiful and unique dune area, where you can unexpectedly come face to face with deer, Scottish Highlanders or wild konik horses. The cosy village full of terraces, restaurants and nice boutiques. And of course the beach and the sea, where it is always good to be, whatever the season.

The above are the things the North Holland town of Bloemendaal is mostly known for. Oh, and that it is a, shall we say, prosperous village people usually know too. In fact, it is the richest municipality in the Netherlands.

That prosperity started back in the Golden Age. When wealthy Amsterdammers had luxurious and stately country houses built in the wooded dune areas in and around Bloemendaal. Thirty-six in total by the end of the 17th century. Many of those opulent country houses (including sprawling estates) are still there and you can visit. What better way to do that than by bike?

Nice to know: in the 17th century, a country estate was called lust-plaetse. Usually consisting of a country house with ornamental gardens, an orchard, a coach house with stables, barns, an orangery and a farm. And the nature and clean air of Kennemerland was the perfect place to escape the smelly city, especially in the summer months. Whereas owning a country house started as an 'escape' from the city for the elite, later it also became a status symbol. A country house was the proof of wealth with which the owner could impress guests. The more beautiful the house and gardens, the higher the prestige.

Nowadays, we still enjoy the grandeur of the beautiful houses that were built back then and many of the historical country houses have been designated as national monuments.

One of these is Elswout, almost 400 years old and one of the most beautiful and best-preserved pleasure grounds in the Netherlands. Elswout was founded in the 17th century and considerably expanded two centuries later. Responsible for this was Johanna Borski, one of the wealthiest women of the 19th century. More than worth it to get off your bike and choose one of the four short walking routes. Our tip: take the dark blue 2.5-kilometre route. Like walking through a fairytale forest.

Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, once the largest residential estate in the Netherlands, also has a history you'll want to dive into. Take your time to visit and enjoy the impressive mansion that today houses a hotel, spa & wellness and fine dining restaurant for lunch and dinner, among other things.

However, this cycle route will lead you past several Bloemendaal country estates that you 'must' see. So, allow yourself the time and effort to check out this unique Dutch heritage and enjoy all the other beauty around Bloemendaal. And yes, that of course includes the dunes, the beach and the sea!

Good to know: not all estates are accessible to cyclists, so it's important that you're on your feet. Park your bike and walk around the estate or through the gardens, or admire (on your bike) the country house from a distance.


This Premium cycle route has been compiled by our editor: Annemieke Riesebos.