Holiday home Callantsoog: discover the orchid valley of Zwanenwater and roam through the Schoorl dunes!

Callantsoog is a welcoming seaside resort. Unlike many other beach towns in North Holland, you don’t have to search far here for free parking. The dunes are striking, sloping gently towards the beach, which is lined with several beach pavilions. Head to the village square for an ice cream at the award-winning IJssalon IJssie Prima. Looking for more adventure? Set out from your holiday home in Callantsoog and discover the region’s unique nature: from the hyacinth woods of Het Wildrijk to the bird paradise of Mariëndal. Thrill-seekers can go mountain biking through the dunes or visit the KlimVallei climbing park in Den Helder!

Visit Zwanenwater from your holiday home in Callantsoog

Everyone is welcome in Callantsoog, whether you’re walking with a stroller or using a wheelchair. The yellow walking trail to Zwanenwater is barrier-free and at just over 4 kilometers, it’s perfect for young and old. From spring to autumn, you can also join guided excursions through this unique dune area, where guides explain all about the flora and fauna. Thanks to its variety of biotopes within a relatively small area, many plant species grow here, including different types of heather, the white grass of Parnassus, and countless orchids. The best place to park is at Zuidschinkeldijk, where multiple walking routes begin.

Cycle to the Lange Jaap lighthouse in Den Helder

A cycling trip from Callantsoog in the northern tip of North Holland is always a treat! For example, cycle through the dunes to Lange Jaap in Den Helder, a 63-meter-high red lighthouse. From the top, you have stunning views over the polders and dunes of North Holland, and in the distance you can even see the island of Texel.

The Schoorl dunes: top hiking and cycling recreation!

A century ago, trees were planted here to stop the drifting sands of the Schoorl dunes. Today, the dunes have been given free rein again, creating a varied coastal landscape loved by walkers and cyclists. The dunes are extremely wide, and the great biodiversity attracts many bird species. The nature near Schoorl is so diverse that you’ll even find heathland and pools. In autumn, a walk here surprises you with a wide variety of mushrooms. To explore the area, it’s best to park at the Buitencentrum, where you’ll also find plenty of facilities for food and drinks.

When you set out from your holiday home in Callantsoog on a sporty ride through the Schoorl dunes, you’ll feel the climb in your legs – but the rewarding panoramic views make it worth it. Want to reach the beach at Schoorl? You’ll need to hike or cycle, as this beach is not accessible by car.

Follow the Heathland Dune Trail and take the kids to Het Klimduin

Walkers can choose the short yellow trail, but adventurous hikers will also find routes of 10 kilometers or more. The blue route, for example, is a moderate hike along the North Sea and takes you past stretches of heath. For even more heathland, follow the special Heathland Dune Trail, a scenic route through dunes and moor. Tip: visiting with children? Head to Het Klimduin, a high and long dune surrounded by forest. Enjoy a drink at one of the nearby terraces while watching the kids run down the sandy slope.

See exotic animals at Hoenderdaell Zoo

Whether you’re an animal lover or not, Hoenderdaell Zoo is well worth a visit. This park is home to many exotic animals, from crowned cranes to Humboldt penguins, and from meerkats to coatis. You’ll also encounter monkeys and large predators like lions and tigers. Among all the feeding sessions, watching the tigers is definitely the highlight: here they are challenged to use their instincts to hunt for food suspended from a moving cable.

Discover the Mariëndal nature reserve

If you cycle north through the dunes, you’ll reach a surprising landscape where nature reigns supreme. Covering 50 hectares, Mariëndal is one of the largest reclamation projects in the Netherlands, where former polders were transformed into dune grasslands and wetlands. It’s a fantastic place for long walks and spotting the many bird species that have made it their home. Hares and foxes also roam freely here. From the Helderse Vallei visitor center you can enjoy canoeing, an observation tower, and even a petting zoo. But the main attraction is the KlimVallei climbing park, an outdoor adventure course designed for all ages and levels.

Explore Het Wildrijk from your holiday home in Callantsoog

A unique natural area worth visiting in any season is Het Wildrijk. This forest is famous for its sea of bluebells that blanket the ground in spring. The fairytale-like combination of forest, fresh green ferns, and colorful blossoms makes it perfect for a slow-paced photo walk. You’ll also find a variety of other flowers and tree species, while autumn adds vibrant foliage and countless mushrooms. As an extra bonus, in the right season you can also enjoy views of the colorful bulb fields from Het Wildrijk!

Rent a holiday home in Callantsoog

Whether you want to enjoy unique hikes through the Schoorl dunes or are looking for adventurous activities, a holiday home in Callantsoog is the perfect base. Visit Hoenderdaell Zoo for an encounter with exotic animals, let the kids climb and play at the KlimVallei in Den Helder, and experience the charm of every season – from spring blossoms to autumn colors and mushrooms!