Harderwijk is situated on the edge of the Netherlands' most beautiful nature reserve: the Veluwe. From the built-up area, it is only a ten-minute bike ride to the Beekhuizerzand sand drifts. A rare and beautiful area in the North Veluwe, with significant elevation changes. This area is also widely used by runners and mountain bikers, as well as by families who enjoy a pleasant picnic and take in the beautiful views.
The Beekhuizerzand is a drift sand area covering approximately 200 hectares. In 2004, the area was restored from a forested area back into a true drift sand area. To achieve this, many Scots pines were felled and the top layer of soil was removed, exposing the shifting sand once again.
Drifting sands are unique natural landscapes in Western Europe, the vast majority of which are located in the Netherlands. They have their own flora and fauna. Characteristic plants and animals of drifting sands are lichens and sand lizards. But also, for example, the rare dune pipit, nightjar, and the slightly more common skylark and crested lark are animals that you can observe on and around the drifting sands.
You can find this drift sand area by following the Cycle Junction Route around Harderwijk. The Beekhuizerzand is located between junction 50 and 53.
