Soesterduinen

On the Utrechtse Heuvelrug , you’ll find what are perhaps the most beautiful shifting sand dunes in the Netherlands. The Soesterduinen near Soest are the largest area of shifting sand in the province of Utrecht and are a feast for the eyes in every season. In this surprisingly beautiful nature reserve, you can enjoy wonderful walks, bike rides or picnics. Children can also have a great time here: flying kites, playing football, playing hide-and-seek and, of course, climbing the fantastic climbing trees.

The Lange and Korte Duinen are among the few areas in the Netherlands where shifting sand dunes still exist. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many pine trees were planted around the sand to limit drifting. These woods now form a green fringe around the open sandy plains. Here, you can see how nature and human activity have shaped the landscape together.

Which villages and nature reserves are nearby?

• Soest, with its shops, restaurants and cafés, Museum Soest and De Windhond windmill;
• Soesterberg, home to Soesterberg Air Base Park and the National Military Museum;
• Soester Engh, an open farmland area on the outskirts of the village;
• Eempolder, with meadows, water and sweeping views;
• Birkhoven, a woodland area bordering the Korte Duinen;
• De Paltz Estate, with woodland, historic avenues, art and culture;
• Soesterberg Air Base Park, where nature and military heritage come together.

Birkhoven is managed by Utrechts Landschap. The woodland surrounds Amersfoort Zoo and borders the Korte Duinen. Here you’ll find old pine trees, avenues of beech trees, a woodland pond and a rhododendron valley.

If you cycle on towards the Soester Engh and the Eempolder, you’ll see the landscape change. Woodland and sand give way to fields, meadows and open views.

Soesterberg Air Base Park

To the south of the Soesterduinen lies Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg. The former airbase is now a nature reserve with a long runway and traces of its military past. The National Military Museum is situated next to the park. Several cycle routes around Soest pass through this area.

The Paltz estate

At De Paltz Estate, you can stroll through the woods and along historic avenues. The Herman van Veen Arts Centre is also located here, featuring a sculpture garden and cultural activities. A visit to the estate can easily be combined with a trip to Soesterberg Air Base Park.

Shopping

There are no shops in the Soesterduinen themselves. For everyday shopping, local specialist shops and other retail outlets, you can head to Soest. The partner database provided lists several shops in Soest, but does not mention any specific shopping area directly associated with the dunes.

For this location page, it is therefore best to direct visitors to the village centre of Soest. Those looking for local produce can combine their visit with a trip to the countryside around Birkstraat.

Food & drink

Restaurant De Korte Duinen is situated at the Korte Duinen. This venue is located at the start of the nature trail on Soesterbergsestraat and is ideal for a break before or after your walk.

There are more places in Soest to enjoy coffee, lunch and dinner. The partner list provided includes, amongst others:

• Eetvilla van den Brink;
• Grand Café De Lindenhof;
• O Resto-bar;
• Taste;
• Restaurant ’t Hoogt.

If you’re combining a visit to the dunes with the countryside around Soest, you can stop off at De Staelenhoef Cheese Farm on Birkstraat. Here, cheese is made from milk from the farm’s own cows. The farm isn’t actually in the Soesterduinen, but it fits in well with a cycle route through Soest.