Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, Protected sand drift area in Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park is a protected area with extensive sand dunes, pine forests, and heathland in the province of Noord-Brabant. The area lies between the towns of Loon op Zand, Drunen, and Udenhout, covering roughly 3,500 hectares (8,650 acres) of open and forested landscape.
During the Middle Ages, intensive grazing and peat extraction led to the formation of an open sandy landscape that evolved into the current dune fields over the centuries. In the Second World War, German occupation forces used parts of the area for ammunition storage and several resistance fighters were executed here.
In winter, flocks of fieldfares fly over the dunes, while in summer nightjars let their churring call be heard at dusk. Walkers occasionally encounter sheep grazing on the heath areas, helping to keep the landscape open.
Eight entrance points allow access from different directions, with five leading directly to the open sand areas. Several entrances have parking facilities, bicycle rental options, and small cafes where you can take a break before or after walking.
The temperature in the sand can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on summer days, while it drops to near freezing at night, creating distinct microclimates. These extreme variations shape conditions that only a few plants and animals can survive.
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