Escape the city – Fantastic beach hikes close to Amsterdam

It’s easy to forget how close Amsterdam is to the dunes or the beach. For this reason, I've lined up six surprising walks along the coast which are all easily accessible by public transport. As most Amsterdammers don’t have a car, you can travel by train or bus to the starting point of every hike.

The walks in this Collection are between 9.3 to 12.3 miles (15 to 20 km) long. You should have a good fitness level as walking across sand can be hard going. You will also gain a fair amount of elevation as you follow sloping paths through the dunes.

With undulating landscapes, forests, and wide views, the dunes are beautiful. However, there is lots to discover beyond the beaches too. You can visit the Kunstbunker (Art Bunker) in the North Holland Dune Reserve near Castricum. The Rijksmuseum also has many cultural treasures, such as the famous painting Night Watch by Rembrandt, which have been stored in the museum since WWII.

In the same area, you may spot the Kwal. The water is pumped here via a 32-mile (52-km) pipeline all the way from Ijsselmeer Lake. In the dunes, the water is then purified and made into drinking water.

Be sure to pack your swimsuit in sunny weather as you will have plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the sea as many of the walks run along the beach. You can also swim in the various dune lakes, such as 't Wed near Bloemendaal.

The nature reserves along the coast are brimming with diverse flora and fauna. Look out for species of water birds, as well as larger animals such as Konik horses, Scottish Highlanders and Wisents. Don't forget your camera!

You can reach the starting points of the hikes from Amsterdam Central Station in roughly half an hour by train. All you have to do is lace up your walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

All the routes have plenty of opportunities to stop for a snack or drink on the way. You could also bring your own packed lunch and find a quiet spot with a beautiful view, of which there are plenty.