By Vicky · Published Jul. 13th, 2022 · Updated Nov. 21st, 2022
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Hike through the Wassenaar Dunes and along the windswept beach in this lovely area of the Netherlands.
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Wassenaar Dunes Hike Map
Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.
Location
This hike starts from a large car park near Wassenaar beach. It’s €10 in summer and €7.50 in winter for the day. You have to pay by card when leaving. It’s a 35-40 minute drive from Leiden or The Hague, and anywhere from 45 minutes to 1hr45 from Amsterdam, depending on traffic. It’s not possible to reach with public transport.
Tips for Wassenaar Dunes Hike
- Some of this trail involves hiking on sand dunes and Wassenaar Beach, which is slightly tough.
- The route is very sunny, the sand and ocean reflect the light. Bring a sunhat and sunglasses if it’s sunny.
- There are some cafes and snack stalls near the start/end of this hike.
- Why not explore the nearby historic town of Leiden?
- Or for another hike in the dunes, try Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park
- Check out other walks and hikes on our Netherlands Hiking Page.
Hiking through Wassenaar Dunes
From the car park, head up the steps and down over to Wassenaarseslag beach. This beach is very long and stretches almost as far as the eye can see in both directions. Near the car park there are cafes and snack stalls, as well as kiosks selling beach gear.
Walk left along the beach for roughly 400 metres before heading left, up and into the dunes along a sandy trail. Head straight across one path, then right at the T-junction. You walk around a watery area, and up to a viewpoint (called Uitkijkpunt Meijendel – Ganzenhoek) over the surrounding dunes.
Explore more of the Netherlands on our other walking tours
- Delft Walking Tour – near Rotterdam
- Leiden Walking Tour – not far from Amsterdam
- Kinderdijk Windmills Walk – near Rotterdam
- Amsterdam Walking Tour – Amsterdam
- Wassenaar Dunes Hike – not far from The Hague
Continue onwards and you’ll soon reach a larger trail. Turn right on the small walking path that roughly parallels the tarred bike trail. In just under a kilometer you’ll see a viewpoint on your right, Kikkerberg (frog mountain), over a thin lake.
The path winds its way through sand dunes and old forest. In about 1.5 km you’ll reach another viewpoint on the right (Uitkijkpunt Panneduin). From here there are 360-degree views over the lovely dunes and lake below. Keep your eyes peeled for the birds that live here.
Shortly after the viewpoint take the first path on the right. This is a lovely trail and you meander through the dunes and occasional trees. Follow this path straight onwards until you reach the beach.
Hiking along Wassenaar Beach
If you look left you can see the tall buildings of The Hague, only a few kilometres to the south. Turn right to walk along the beach towards the start of the hike. It can be quite windy, so bring warm clothes if it’s a cold day. The sand right by the ocean is hard and so easiest to walk. It’s about 3 km along the beach.
You’ll see cafes and boats from a sailing club, along with more people, when you need to leave the beach to head back to the car park. Head back up the tarred road and over the steps to the car park. This is the end of the Wassenaar Dunes Hike. You’ll need to pay for parking on the way out.
Guidebooks to explore more of the Netherlands
Explore Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, another area of sand dunes in the Netherlands, or discover other hikes and city walks on our Netherlands Hiking Page.
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