Castricum, municipality in the Netherlands
Castricum is a municipality in North Holland home to around 35,000 residents, stretching along the coast between Amsterdam and Alkmaar. The area combines village centers, farmland, and nature reserves including the Natura 2000-protected area of Kennemerland-Zuid National Park.
The name comes from the Roman fort Castellum built here in ancient times. The area later became farmland and maintained this rural character until 20th-century development brought residential growth.
The municipality has good cycling paths and is easily reached by train, especially from Amsterdam. Beaches and nature areas are accessible via multiple entry points and offer various routes for walking or cycling.
The area is a key stopover for migratory birds traveling between Africa and the north. These passing birds make it a hotspot for birdwatchers, especially during spring and autumn.
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