Zandvoort, Haarlem, Overveen

Nowhere in the Netherlands will you find such a high concentration of country estates and country houses as in the region of Zandvoort, Overveen, Bloemendaal and Aerdenhout. The beautiful dune areas between these places were the ideal location for wealthy Amsterdammers to relax and also to display their wealth.

Often the first owners of the country estates in this region, or their families, became rich in the Golden Age. The Golden Age refers to the period of great economic, cultural and political prosperity in the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. This period stretches from approximately the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 18th century, with the peak being the years 1600 to 1672. The Golden Age saw the rise of Dutch trade all over the world, with the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the West India Company (WIC) becoming dominant trading organizations.

Merchants such as Jan Gijsen Middelkoop and Carl du Moulin, but also politicians such as the Amsterdam mayor Joan Munter, belonged to the extremely wealthy elite who could afford a country house. They wanted to escape the hustle and bustle and pollution of the city and had the typical country estates built for that time. A typical country estate consisted of an elegant country house surrounded by lush ornamental gardens, an orchard, and various outbuildings such as a coach house, stables and a farm. The fresh air and serene surroundings of Kennemerland made these country estates popular summer residences. What started as a place to escape quickly grew into a status symbol: the more impressive the house and gardens, the greater the prestige of the owner.

This short route takes you past the country estates of Jan Gijsen Middelkoop (Kasteel Duinlust), Carl du Moulin (Landgoed Elswout and Landgoed Koningshof) and Joan Munter (Buitenplaats Duinvliet). But there are many more. At the end of the 17th century, the region had no fewer than 36 of these luxurious country houses, including extensive estates, owned by the wealthy. Some can still be visited; often only the garden is accessible. Please note: not all country houses are accessible to cyclists and e-choppers, so it is important that you are fit. Park your bike or e-chopper and walk around the estate or through the gardens, or admire the country house (on your bike) from a distance. Please note that e-choppers are only allowed on the designated paths. You can also park your e-chopper and explore the area on foot.

This Premium cycling route was put together by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen.