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Meijendel
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park
Meijendel is a 2,000-hectare dune area north of The Hague, South Holland, part of the Natura 2000 network. It features calcareous dunes, grey dunes, dune lakes, and moist valleys. The vegetation includes marram grass, sea buckthorn, and various orchids such as the early marsh orchid. The area supplies drinking water to The Hague through natural sand filtration. Geologically, the dunes formed over the past 1,000 years from windblown sand deposited by the North Sea. Meijendel is a breeding ground for birds like the little ringed plover and woodlark. The terrain gives hiking trails through diverse habitats, from open sand to dense scrub. Conservation efforts focus on preserving biodiversity and controlling invasive species like the American black cherry.
- Location: South Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Abelentop · Meijendelse Berg · Meijendel - vogelkijkscherm
- Nearby: Scheveningen (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The reserve is typically accessed via cycle paths and designated pedestrian walkways starting near The Hague, leading visitors straight into this expansive coastal dune area.
Best season
Generally a fantastic year-round destination for nature lovers; spring and summer are usually popular for observing local flora, while winter features a stark, quiet beauty.
Terrain & paths
The extensive reserve mostly consists of rolling dunes, sandy tracks, and small woodland sections, offering a variety of generally easy to moderately difficult walking routes.
What to bring
Casual walking shoes are usually sufficient for the primary, well-trodden paths, though visitors might want to bring binoculars for typical wildlife spotting in the dunes.
Parking
Dedicated, spacious parking areas are typically available near the main visitor center on the edge of the reserve, from where most of the primary hiking trails officially begin.
Safety
It is generally very safe and heavily regulated to protect vital drinking water sources; visitors should usually stay strictly on marked paths and watch out for grazing animals.
Time needed
Exploring the various natural trails and peaceful dune paths within the reserve typically takes anywhere from two to four hours, depending entirely on the chosen route length.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 2,000 hectares
- Highest dune: approximately 40 meters above sea level
- Formation: around 1,000 years ago
- Breeding bird species: over 60
- Drinking water production: 100 million cubic meters per year
- Annual visitors: approximately 3 million
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Meijendel (10)
Meijendel - vogelkijkscherm
Bird watching screen in the Meijendel dune area.
Landgoed Heibloem
Nature reserve with heath and dunes in Meijendel.
Fusillade- en herdenkingsterrein Waalsdorpervlakte
Public artwork by an unknown maker in The Hague.
Museum Voorlinden🏛 museum
Museum of modern art in Wassenaar with changing exhibitions.
Landgoed Voorlinden
Park-like nature reserve surrounding Museum Voorlinden.
American Protestant Church Of The Hague
Church building of the American Protestant community in The Hague.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Meijendel located?
Meijendel is an extensive dune area located between The Hague and Wassenaar.
Is cycling allowed there?
Yes, there are excellent cycle paths that are part of the Dutch coastal route.
Are there any dining options?
Visit the Meyendel farm for pancakes and refreshments.
Is Meijendel good for kids?
Yes, there is the 'Monkeybos' water playground where children can climb to their heart's content.
What animals live there?
The area is known for its rich birdlife and the deer that live there.
Meijendel: where is it located?
Meijendel is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Meijendel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Abelentop, Meijendelse Berg, Meijendel - vogelkijkscherm.
Meijendel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Meijendel: why is it worth visiting?
Meijendel is a 2,000-hectare dune area north of The Hague, South Holland, part of the Natura 2000 network.
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