The Netherlands has officially gained a new national park, with the Hollandse Duinen awarded national park status on 28 April 2026. The recognition marks a significant milestone for one of the country’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.
Stretching along the South Holland coast from Hoek van Holland to Hillegom, the area connects dunes, beaches, forests, historic estates, and nearby urban environments into one continuous landscape. It is also home to thousands of plant and animal species, making it an important ecological zone within a densely populated region.
Hollandse Duinen is the first national park located entirely within the province of South Holland and becomes the 22nd national park in the Netherlands. The official designation provides a recognised quality label, supporting further collaboration, investment, and long-term development focused on nature, recreation, and sustainability.
The status follows years of cooperation between more than 60 organisations, including municipalities, nature organisations, and local partners. Together, they aim to strengthen biodiversity, improve connections between green and urban spaces, and make the area more accessible for residents and visitors.
For The Hague and surrounding areas, the recognition is expected to bring increased visibility to local nature spaces, alongside ongoing improvements to walking and cycling routes that link the coast more closely with the city.
Sources & more information
- https://www.nationaalparkhollandseduinen.nl/nieuws/officiele-status-nationaal-park-voor-hollandse-duinen/
- https://www.nationaleparken.nl/nl/nieuws/officiele-status-voor-nationaal-park-hollandse-duinen
- https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2026/04/28/nederland-nieuw-nationaal-park-rijker-de-hollandse-duinen
Images: Beeldbank Hollandse Duinen
