Schoorl is a popular touristy area but the walks through the dunes there are lovely. To start with, there is a massive parking area (Parkeerterrein Hargen aan Zee) so no need to rush to get there before anyone else as with other popular dune areas. From 1 March to 1 September, dogs must be on leash in the entire park, but the rest of the year, dogs may run free pretty much over the whole park.
Keep a look out for a large conservation area not too far from the entrance from the parking where dogs are off limits all year. This is clearly separated with barbed wire and electric fences, so you will need to be careful when walking close to the fence.
Otherwise, you will find a lovely range of white sand dunes, mixed with forest areas, beautiful views and beach options. Pathways are a mixture of concrete paths, shared cycle paths and trodden winding routes through the trees and dunes. It is such a vast area, so if it was your intention to have a solo stroll out of the way of everyone, then it is very easy to avoid other people or dogs.
Somewhere in the middle of all this is a lovely cafe with an excellent outside area called Bospaviljoen de Berenkuil. It is of course very dog friendly and even has dog snacks on the menu. Very busy lunchtime in summer, but sadly closed in winter. If you manage to get there in a quieter part of the day then it’s a cosy little spot for taking a break.
There are a lot of horse pathways, and in 2025 there was a flurry of new posts marking new horse routes over the dunes, but they do not seem to be exclusive to horses. It is a popular horse riding area, which means you need to be on the lookout for fresh horse “snacks” left on the paths.
Schoorl is also a popular tourist spot for hikers and a weekend play area in the dunes for families with younger children, hence the summer ban on off leash dog walking, but if you do decide to visit in summer with your leash, then expect kids kicking footballs around, or playing very enthusiastically (i.e. sudden screams) in the dunes.
Pros:
- Long, rambling walks with dunes, forest and beach in one area
- Wide range of paths to choose from, make the walk as long or short as you like
- Always able to find a quiet path or avoid
Cons:
- No off leash walks in summer
- Can be busy with horses
- Watch out for electrified barbed wire fencing marking off-limit areas
Location:
Loslopen.net 