The dunes around Zandvoort are so special! Not only because of the special trees, plants and animals, but also because of the rich history. How nice is it to find out more about it or experience it more. During the Experience Week that Zuid-Kennemerland National Park organizes during the autumn holidays, from October 16 to 24, 2021, you can participate in various excursions and activities. I have made a selection of a number of fun and special activities that really appeal to me, see below. A complete list can be found on the website of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. You must book in advance for all activities.
FISHERMAN WOMAN WALK
In the past, fishermen's wives walked from Zandvoort to Haarlem with their buckets of fish to offer the fish on the market. On the way they stopped at Kraantje Lek and 't Wapen van Kennemerland, also known as the Stinkende Emmer. During this walk you walk a bit of the route that fishermen's wives used to walk, namely from 't Wapen van Kennemerland to Kraantje Lek and you will hear all about the history of this path, the special nature and the cultural history of Elswout country estate. The Fisherwoman's walk takes place on October 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
SILENT, BAREFOOT & SENSE WALKS
During the Experience Week, various Silent, Barefoot and Sensory Walks take place, for example around sunrise or at the Full Moon. All special and unique walks. Your senses are stimulated so that nature can enter and you are left with a sense of wonder. You can combine the walks with an organic breakfast or lunch at the Duincafé. The Silent Walk will take place on October 17 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. The Barefoot Walk on October 20 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The Full Moon Walk on October 20 from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. And the Sensory Walk at sunrise on October 23 and 24 from 8:15 am to 9:45 am. View the activities overview for more information.
TEA CEREMONY – OPEN YOUR HEART!
The hawthorn, which you see everywhere in the dunes, is a real heart opener. To learn to use these forces of nature, herbalist Corina Busman from Groen Vitaal and Martine Scheen from Hallo Rust je will take part in a guided tour on October 24. Tea Ceremony and Shamanic Healing (from Tibet, Japan and Australia). You take a journey inward to find the answers in your heart. The tea ceremony will take place on October 24 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.
DISCOVER ELSWOUT COUNTRY PLACE
Elswout country estate is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved country estates in the Netherlands. I have always found it very beautiful to walk there. But there are many stories to be told about the building and the landscape. That's why it's a lot of fun discover the country estate with a guide, you will then hear what happened here. You will also recognize the different landscape styles that were typical of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The walk is with a guide from Staatsbosbeheer and takes place on October 24 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
2-DAY YOGA & MINDFULNESS RETREAT
On October 21 & 22 you can participate in a wonderful event at Duin & Kruidberg Estate 2-day Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat. At this special location on the edge of the National Park you can enjoy the Spa & Wellness, a delicious dinner and the beautiful surroundings on the first day. The next day a complete Yoga & Mindfulness program follows with various yoga sessions (including Yoga Nidra) and a mindfulness (silence) walk through the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. So relax, in beautiful surroundings!
MULTI-DAY WALK THROUGH THE NATIONAL PARK
Three days of walking through South Kennemerland National Park, including overnight stays and dinner on the first day. This way you really get to know the area well and you will meet different hosts of the National Park. On the first day you walk from Het Veerkwartier via the Ruins of Brederode to the Duin & Kruidberg Estate. The next day you walk to Camping de Lakens and the third day you walk from here to 't Wapen van Kennemerland. You walk about 15-20 km every day. You walk the route according to a route description with information about the National Park, the surroundings and its history. You can do the Multi-day walk starting on different days and also walking for 1 or 2 days.
CLIMBING THE BREDERODEBERG
The National Park was once the land property of the Lords of Brederode. The Brederodeberg was created to keep the sand outside the castle - now the Ruins of Brederode. It is the highest point in South Kennemerland. On October 16 and 23 you can climb the mountain together with a hiking coach. Along the way you will hear all kinds of things about the environment, nature and the history of the area. After the walk you visit the Ruins of Brederode and the Playmobil exhibition 'Battle for Holland'. You will then take a look - and taste - at the newly constructed herb garden.
WALKING & DRAWING WORKSHOP
So I don't do this enough, go out into nature and take a drawing pad with me. That's why the Wandering & Drawing Workshop I really like it. By drawing you look at nature completely differently and you see what special shapes there are. This walk is done in the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, from the Oranjekom entrance, and is also fun to do if you think you can't draw! For example, you will draw strangely grown trees, beautiful leaves and perhaps animals that you encounter along the way. A completely different nature experience! The workshop will take place on October 23 from 9 a.m. to noon and will be given by Struinkunst.
MORE INFORMATION
There are many more fun and interesting activities during the Experience Week, also for children and also at the Caprera Open Air Theater. You will find a complete overview on the activities calendar on the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park website. You must purchase a ticket in advance for all activities. And while you're there, stop by the new Visitor Center - with a beautiful exhibition 'Woodpeckers on bicycles' from October 16 and a nice shop - and the renovated Duincafé (delicious organic dishes and local products.
Beautiful autumn holiday! LOVE FROM ZANDVOORT, X KRISTEL
