Nature | Kop van Noord-Holland

Nature in the Kop

Thanks to the diversity in soil types in Noord-Holland, the Kop features all the different landscapes known in the Netherlands; from forest to dune, from lake to sea and from heath to clay soil with arable farming. But there's also room for new nature reserves; areas where nature gets the chance to determine its own path.

It's for this very reason that the Wadden Sea has a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Go on a guided coastal mudflat hike and find out just how unique this slice of nature really is. Chances are you'll be able to spot seals, so bring your binoculars!

Behind the dunes, just south of Callantsoog, lies Het Zwanenwater. This protected nature reserve boasts the largest natural dune lakes in Europe, consisting of dunes, plains, marsh and pine forest. On hiking trails, either 2 or 4.5 km long, you get a clear and brilliant picture of the landscape and the versatility in plants and birds. You can also join one of the many activities organised here.

Discover nature reserves

Polder landscape

Kruiszwin

The Kop van Noord-Holland was actually a region comprised of coastal mudflats up until the 19th century. Through Wadden Sea land reclamation, the Kop finally came into being. The Kruiszwin, located in the Anna Paulownapolder, is a result of land reclamation dating back to 1846.

Wieringen

Wieringen is a beautiful former island between the Wadden Sea and Zuiderzee. Undulated greenery, wooded banks that protect cattle and cyclists against the sea winds, age-old farms, villages and winding roads.

Huisduinerpolder

A marshy polder, adjacent to the Fort Erfprins fort moat. At high water during the spring and autumn months, you can see large populations of curlews, sandpipers and oyster catchers. Brent geese, snow buntings and moor hens search for food here in the winter.

Landgoed Hoenderdaell

Discover a beautiful nature reserve on the edge of Kleine Sluis. The park is full of exotic and traditional Dutch Animals.

Van Blanckendaell Park

This zoo has about 24 different kind off animals from all over the world. This species include birds and mammals such as storks from Europe and Africa, Chilean flamingos, macaws, penguins, alpacas, wallaby and more.

Vlindorado

Come enjoy the exotic butterflies and birds in the largest butterfly farm in Europe and be surprised by the special colors in our tropical paradise. This attraction is suitable for all ages.

De Helderse Vallei

De Helderse Vallei is a nature and environmental education centre along the edge of the dunes of Den Helder. It is situated between the Donkere Duinen forest and De Helderse Duinen nature reserve, and also serves as the gateway to the Mariëndal recreational area.

De Groot Recreation Wadden Sea

There is plenty to do in the Kop van Noord-Holland: coastal mudflat hiking, seal spotting while on a boat cruise, an organised coastal mudflat excursion, a visit to the muZEEum, picnics and a mouth-watering menu to conclude the day at restaurant 't Schippershuus.

Cycling or hiking through nature

Actively getting the most out of nature. Plenty of beautiful routes through nature reserves can be found in the Kop van Noord-Holland.

Nature in the Kop

Nature in the Kop

Discover nature reserves

Polder landscape

Kruiszwin

Wieringen

Huisduinerpolder

Animals and nature

Landgoed Hoenderdaell

Van Blanckendaell Park

Vlindorado

Activities

De Helderse Vallei

De Groot Recreation Wadden Sea

Cycling or hiking through nature

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