There are places where time seems to slow down. Where the essential takes center stage again: nature, calm, and room to breathe. Dutchen Buiten Bergen in Schoorl is one of those places. A thoughtfully designed, minimalist holiday park – surrounded by the raw beauty of the Schoorl Dunes National Park in North Holland.
A Place That Breathes Peace
The park itself is small and intentionally quiet. No noise, no distractions. Just beautifully designed holiday homes nestled in dunes and heathland, with views of nature all around. The moment you arrive, the stress of everyday life begins to fade. In its place: the wind rustling through the trees, birdsong, and the occasional soft whinny of a nearby horse.
And in the mornings, nature greets you gently. A short stroll takes you past a field of Highland cattle – majestic animals with long shaggy coats and calm, watchful eyes. Along the way, you’ll see pigs rolling in the mud, chickens scratching in the grass, cows lounging in the shade, and horses grazing peacefully in nearby paddocks.
Morning Calm – and a Walk to Café Kardeis
Just beyond this rural idyll lies Café Kardeis, a small and charming café perfect for a slow start to the day. Here, homemade cakes, freshly brewed coffee, and garden-fresh ingredients come together in a quiet, relaxed setting.
Back at your holiday home: breakfast in the garden. Maybe with a book. Maybe just watching the trees sway gently. Children are often already busy at the park’s small playground – climbing, digging, running free.
For Little Horse Lovers
A short five-minute walk leads to , a nearby riding stable , Dune Riding School Poelenburgh, offering pony rides for children and beautiful horseback tours through the forest and dunes. A highlight for many families – and a perfect way to explore the landscape from a different perspective.
Cycling Through the Dunes to the Sea
One of the best ways to explore the area is by bike. You can rent bicycles directly at the park – including child seats or trailers. And then it’s just you, the breeze, and the dunes.
There are several beautiful destinations:
– Strand van Camperduin, with its wide beach and sea dike
– Schoorl aan Zee, only accessible by bike or on foot
– Egmond aan Zee, with its iconic lighthouse
– or Bergen aan Zee, with a laid-back atmosphere and beachside cafés
Along the way: rolling landscapes, quiet forest paths, flowering heath, and sometimes even deer crossing your path. There’s always something to see.
The Best Moment: Evenings by the Sea
Evenings are often reserved for one last trip to the beach – that golden hour, when the light softens and the sea becomes calm. The Beach Pavilion Hargen is a favorite: a glass of wine, something small to eat, feet in the sand. Nothing more needed.
Culture, Cafés and a Touch of Art: A Day in Bergen
If you’re in the mood for a change of scene, the village of Bergen is not far – easily reached by foot or bike. The path winds through green, peaceful neighborhoods, past art installations and old villas.
Bergen itself is a charming mix of cafés, boutiques, and galleries. Museum Kranenburgh is a must-see – featuring modern and contemporary art, set in a beautiful garden full of sculptures and old trees.
And for children, there’s the Hertenkamp – a small, lovely petting zoo with deer, goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Quiet, natural, and full of small joys.
Dutchen Buiten Bergen isn’t a place for fast-paced sightseeing or bucket-list ticking. It’s a place for simply being. For slowing down. For reconnecting with nature, with your family, and with yourself.
In the end, this kind of “less” is really everything.
