Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Meijendel & Berkheide Dunes are contiguous coastal dune areas located along the western coast of the Netherlands, spanning parts of the province of South Holland near The Hague and Katwijk. This dune system covers diverse habitats, including shifting sand dunes, fixed dune grasslands, forests, and freshwater dune lakes resulting from groundwater seepage. The dunes serve as a vital water catchment area, supplying fresh water to surrounding municipalities. Ecologically, the area supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare orchids, dune-heath plants, and species such as the European dune tiger beetle and diverse bird populations like the Eurasian spoonbill and the black-tailed godwit. Historically, the dunes have played a strategic role as natural coastal defense barriers and have undergone careful management to balance tourism, conservation, and water management. Visitors enjoy well-maintained trails for biking and hiking, observation posts for birdwatching, and several educational facilities that interpret the dunes’ natural and cultural significance. The combined area offers an escape from urban life with tranquil beaches, open sandy expanses, and shaded woodland sections. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining dune dynamics through controlled grazing, removing invasive species, and protecting sensitive breeding grounds. Meijendel & Berkheide remain a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic walks, wildlife encounters, and the chance to immerse in one of the Netherlands’ iconic coastal environments.
