History of the Flying Pig Beach Hostel
The Story of the Flying Pig Beach Hostel – Where Freedom Meets the Sea
Located in Noordwijk aan Zee, the Flying Pig Beach Hostel has welcomed travellers with open arms since 1999. It sits only steps away from the golden beach, where the sound of the sea fills the air. From the moment guests walk through its doors, they feel at home among laughter, surfboards, and friendly faces.
From Local Roots to Global Friendships
The hostel’s story began with its founder, a passionate local who grew up by Noordwijk’s beautiful coastline. His parents ran a small bed and breakfast that welcomed returning German families every summer. As a teenager, he worked in beach cafés, hotels, and bars to fund his own travels abroad. Those experiences taught him that true hospitality means sharing connection, kindness, and adventure. For the Flying Pig Beach Hostel he wanted to create a place that celebrated those same values. Read more here
A Queen’s Day Dream Turned Reality
Before opening the hostel, he worked with the Flying Pig hostels in Amsterdam as a freelancer. Then, on Queen’s Day 1999, he strolled through the lively streets of Noordwijk filled with music and celebration. He suddenly noticed an old hotel for rent near the beach and felt a spark of inspiration. Right then, he decided to create something new — a hostel that would change Noordwijk forever. Soon after, he contacted his friends in Amsterdam and suggested expanding their hostel family. As a result, they collaborated to open a beachside sister location. The Flying Pig Beach Hostel proudly opened its doors on June 1, 1999, welcoming its first guests that summer.
Why a Hostel, not a hotel?
From the beginning, the founder wanted more than a business; he wanted a community. He believed travellers sought connection, not isolation behind hotel doors. That belief shaped the Flying Pig’s DNA: openness, equality, and the freedom to be yourself. Inside, colourful walls, wooden furniture, and a playful Caribbean vibe create a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Great music always plays in the background while guests share stories at the bar over a cold beer. The rules stay simple, allowing guests to take responsibility for themselves and enjoy real freedom. Most importantly, the hostel team brings life to the space. Each year, young travellers from around the world join the staff, eager to learn, laugh, and connect.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “The Flying Pig” comes from the English phrase “If pigs could fly,” meaning that anything is possible. The original Flying Pig began in Nelson, New Zealand, long before reaching Amsterdam and finally Noordwijk. The founder’s friends had turned that name into a symbol of freedom and adventure. Bringing it to the beach made perfect sense: a place where dreams and salt air meet. Together, they created a seaside haven where travellers could experience the same creative, free-spirited energy.
Why Noordwijk?
For the founder, choosing Noordwijk was easy — it was home, and it was paradise. This beach village stretches over 13 kilometres of golden sand, perfect for walking, surfing, and sunset watching. Each evening, the sky turns pink and orange as locals and travellers gather to enjoy the view. Beyond the dunes, Noordwijk sits in the heart of the Dutch flower region, surrounded by colour and fragrance. Every spring, cyclists ride past endless fields of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in full bloom. It’s the perfect combination of beach life, natural beauty, and relaxed charm. The Flying Pig Beach Hostel captures that same atmosphere — warm, colourful, and full of life. Learn more about Noordwijk here
A Place Full of Stories
Over the years, the hostel has hosted countless memories that live on in stories told by guests and staff. It has been the site of beach volleyball tournaments, live concerts, and even three-day music festivals. The Battle of the Bands became legendary, featuring local rock groups competing for pride and prizes. Even celebrities have stumbled in, drawn by the energy and openness of the place. Malcolm Ford, son of Harrison Ford, once left his luxury hotel to hang out at the Pig’s bar. However, the real magic happens between travellers who meet here by chance. Many describe their stay as life-changing, a moment of freedom they will never forget. Some found lifelong friends; others fell in love under the Noordwijk sunsets. Today, there are even “Flying Pig babies” — children born from couples who met at the hostel.
Still Flying High
More than two decades later, the Flying Pig Beach Hostel remains a cornerstone of Noordwijk’s spirit. It continues to welcome backpackers, surfers, and dreamers who come seeking connection and adventure. Every season, new guests arrive, and old friends return to relive their favourite memories. The atmosphere remains the same — friendly, free, and full of laughter. Ultimately, the Flying Pig Beach Hostel proves that with a bit of courage and a lot of heart, anything is possible.
Are you looking for a new adventure with the Piggies? book here now
Written by |Victoria S.
