The beaches, nature and towns of the Dutch West Coast

Endless Beach

The west coast of The Netherlands has 75km of coastline running from The Hook of Holland south of The Hague up to Ijmuiden, west of Amsterdam. Most of the coastline remains untouched, there is just a handful of seaside towns. Noordwijk, home of The Flying Pig Beach Hostel being one of them. Below, learn about everything you’ll see on a journey from Zandvoort all the way down to Scheveningen!

Home Of Formula 1

Zandvoort, is affectionately known as “The Beach of Amsterdam”, it’s the closest coastal getaway for the capital’s residents. In the town, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. Check out one of the many beach bars like ‘Hippie fish’ for a refreshing drink or something to eat. See cars zooming around the Formula 1 racetrack in town which hosts a race each season. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a seal whilst walking along the beach!

Water Supply

Less than 400m south of Zandvoort is the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, an enormous nature reserve that provides 66% of Amsterdam’s water. Wild but friendly deer walk freely through the reserve, as well as foxes, birds of prey and other animals. Please use the pay machine on entry to contribute towards to upkeep of this wonderful place! Look for the picturesque, fairy tale restaurant Boshut ‘t Panneland, try a classic Dutch pancake after walking through the reserve.

Afternoon Stroll

South of the Waterleidingduinen lies the unique beach area of ‘Vrijstaat Nederzandt’ which translates to ‘Free state of Nederzandt’. These restaurants, bars and shops are some of the only buildings on the coast between Zandvoort and Noordwijk. Along the next stretch of coastline, you come across remains of the Atlantic wall, a series of bunker defenses built during World War 2. Just North of Noordwijk is where we suggest guests that are looking for a walk in nature go. Throughout the dunes are various amazing walking paths. From the hostel, take a 2 hour round trip through woodland and dunes up to beach bar ‘De Zeespiegel’ and back along the beach.

Find out more about the Atlantic wall here – https://www.geschiedenisvanzuidholland.nl/verhalen/verhalen/history-of-the-atlantic-wall/

Heading South

Should you choose to walk to Katwijk, Noordwijk’s neighbour to the south, it would take you just over an hour along the beach or through the dunes. A classic seaside town like Noordwijk, Katwijk is larger in size and population but maintains the small coastal town vibe. Katwijk has great beach bars such as ‘Paal 14’, ‘SandCbar’ and ‘ Restaurant Aan Zee’ as well as the incredible fish restaurant ‘Schuitemaker’. The town also offers watersports activities like most places on the coast, check out ‘Katwijkse Branding Surfclub’.

Nature Reserves

The coastline between Katwijk and Scheveningen is 15km of practically untouched land. Various campsites,nature reserves, wetlands and golf courses are on the stretch. The beach of Wassenaar with a handful of beach bars and restaurants is the only built up part of this coastline. The nature reserves of Meijendel, Ganzenhoek, Klein Berkheide offer various walking and hiking opportunities on your way south, whilst the town of Wassenaar itself is less than 5km inland.

Spoilt For Choice

The Hague is split into eight different districts, the seaside town of Scheveningen being one. The busy area of Scheveningen stretches about 3km along the coastline and has a multitude eateries, bars, attractions and shops. There’s an axe throwing bar, a sealife aquarium, a glow in the dark mini golf center, even a circus theatre, Scheveningen really has something for everyone. The pier in Scheveningen is an iconic landmark in itself. It has a giant Ferris wheel, bungee jump platform and even a comedy club, along with multiple eateries and arcades. ‘Crazy pianos’ is one of the most famous bars in town, with live music, cocktails and food whilst the ‘Foodhall’ offers you the chance to try from 16 different restaurants in 1 location! Scheveningen is definitely a must visit during your West Coast adventure.