Kootwijkerzand is the largest drifting sand area in Western Europe. The sand has had free rein here for 1,000 years, creating a unique nature reserve of 700 hectares.
Kootwijkerzand is the largest drifting sand area in Western Europe. The area was created in the Middle Ages when the forest was cut down on a large scale to produce charcoal. This exposed the sandy bottom and started drifting. ‘The sand’ has now had free rein in the Kootwijkerzand for almost 1,000 years and has turned into a unique nature reserve of 700 hectares.
The Sahara of the Netherlands
‘It looks like a desert’ is what many visitors say when they visit Kootwijkerzand for the first time. And they are actually quite right. On a hot summer day the temperature can rise to 60 degrees, while at night the mercury drops below freezing. Partly due to these ‘harsh’ conditions, the sand plain has unique flora and fauna. For example, a number of plants grow exclusively on the Kootwijkerzand (and according to some even worldwide) only on the Kootwijkerzand.
At the edge of the nature reserve there is a 14 meter high observation tower called the Hourglass. From the tower you have a view for miles over Kootwijkerzand and the surrounding (heath) landscapes. It is a perfect starting point for your walk or horse riding tour. From the lookout tower, follow the orange signs and walk the Boswachterspad Kootwijk.
- Category:
- Nature reserve
- Outdoor recreation
Address and contact
Kootwijk
