Parks in Haarlem

The finest natural asset within cycling distance of any Dutch city. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park spans 3,800 hectares of coastal dunes, forests, heathland, grasslands, and small lakes between Haarlem and the North Sea. Reachable by bike from the city centre in around 20 minutes. Trails wind through extraordinary varied landscapes from open dune valleys and ancient woodland to freshwater lakes where rare birds gather. Wild Highland cattle and deer roam freely throughout the park and are regularly visible from the paths. The visitor centre at De Kennemerduinen near Overveen provides maps, information, and a cafe serving organic food. On clear days the routes through the dunes lead directly to the North Sea beach.

The oldest public park in the Netherlands, a 60-hectare forest park on the southern edge of Haarlem’s centre that has been a public recreational space since 1772. Known locally as De Hout, the park’s most impressive feature is the Grote Hout, a double row of ancient beech trees over two centuries old whose canopies form a cathedral-like ceiling. The park contains a petting zoo where children can meet goats, pigs, deer, and llamas. The Theehuis de Haarlemmerhout cafe serves pancakes and drinks. Walking, running, and cycling paths wind throughout. The autumn colours are among the finest in North Holland.

A large outdoor recreation area between Haarlem and Amsterdam with lakes for swimming and watersports, extensive cycling and running paths, sports facilities, camping, and abundant green space. One of the most popular summer destinations for Haarlem families who want a full outdoor day with swimming, barbecues, and cycling. The cycling routes through Spaarnwoude connect naturally to the broader Amsterdam Metropolitan Area cycling network.

A beautiful 19th-century park close to the city centre, named after Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer who defended Haarlem against Spanish troops during the siege of 1573. Compact and elegant, with a central pond featuring a charming wooden bridge connected to a small island, colourful flower beds, and tall mature trees. One of the most pleasant spots in central Haarlem for a quiet lunch break or an afternoon read. Genuinely lovely despite its small size.

A pleasant neighbourhood park in southern Haarlem popular with local families and residents for afternoon walks, picnics, and children’s play. Well-maintained lawns, a small pond, mature trees, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a reliable daily green space for residents of Haarlem Zuid.

A linear park running along the former city walls and bastions of Haarlem, a green belt that circles much of the historic centre. The raised earthworks of the old fortifications create interesting topography with views over the surrounding neighbourhoods. Walking or cycling the full circuit of De Bolwerken gives a unique perspective on the historic extent of the medieval city. The Amsterdamse Poort medieval gate sits at one end of the circuit.

A beautiful historic estate park between Haarlem and the national park dunes, 12 minutes by bike from the city centre. The Elswout estate was established in the 17th century and the formal gardens, meadows, ancient tree collections, and canals create a landscape of exceptional beauty. Large expanses of lawn, a walled kitchen garden, and ponds add variety to one of the finest estate parks in North Holland. Usually quiet even on weekends and genuinely beautiful in spring and autumn.

A forested estate park in adjacent Heemstede, just south of Haarlem, with ancient woodland, a beautiful lake, cycling and walking paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of a historic country estate. The lake is excellent for a quiet walk around its perimeter and for spotting water birds. Combining Groenendaal with a visit to the adjacent Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen dune reserve creates one of the finest half-day outdoor excursions available from Haarlem.

A vast dune landscape south of Haarlem covering 3,500 hectares, managed by Waternet as Amsterdam’s water supply catchment area. The result is one of the most pristine and undisturbed dune landscapes in the Netherlands with extraordinary cycling and walking routes. Fallow deer and red deer are regularly visible. Significantly less visited than the national park to the north, making it the better choice for those who want solitude.

The dunes between Haarlem and Bloemendaal aan Zee, the beach immediately north of Zandvoort. Cycling from Haarlem through the Bloemendaalse Duinen to the beach is one of the finest short cycling experiences in North Holland, with the wild character of the dunes giving way to the beach clubs and North Sea views of Bloemendaal aan Zee.