The historical past of the Netherlands is carefully related to the truth that a lot of the nation is surrounded by water. About 30% of the nation lies under sea stage, and far of the nation borders the North Sea. Round 290km of the coast consists of sandy seashores with dunes, that are each an essential a part of the safety of the land from flooding and are a quintessential a part of the everyday ‘Dutch seashore’ panorama. Nearly all of the seashores alongside the North Beach are additionally widespread hangouts for seals; many supply enjoyable seal-spotting excursions year-round.

The water and seashores additionally play an essential position in Dutch tradition. Locals love to move to the seashore in summer season for that final relaxed vibe hanging at a seashore café barefoot and having fun with a slower-paced way of life alongside the Dutch coast. Even in the colder or sunny seasons, you’ll discover loads of folks having fun with a stroll alongside the sand and even leaping within the water in moist fits to surf, kite surf or sail, due to the robust wind, which creates loads of waves for these widespread water sports activities. With a lot shoreline accessible, there are many seashores within the Netherlands to take pleasure in, however these 20 are native favourites.

Netherlands Seashores

20 Seashores In The Netherlands

Waddeneilanden (Wadden Islands)

The 5 Dutch Waddeneilanden (Wadden Islands) are arguably dwelling to essentially the most lovely seashores in The Netherlands. The Wadden Sea has a novel ecosystem and is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

Positioned north of the mainland, 5 islands are inhabited and superb spots to go to each in summer season and the low season. Roads or bridges don’t join the islands, so that you’ll must take a ferry to get there – which is a enjoyable expertise.

Every island is exclusive, providing lovely seashores, beautiful nature preserves and an exquisite laid-back island vibe.

1- Texel

Texel is the biggest Wadden Island but and can also be closest to the mainland, making it a improbable weekend getaway vacation spot from Amsterdam.

The island’s west aspect affords 30km (practically 19 miles) of shoreline and numerous attractive seashores, all with tall dunes as a backdrop.

Try the good view from the highest of the well-known Lighthouse at Kaap Noord, trip a motorcycle by means of the Slufter (Nationwide Park Dunes of Texel) and cease at any of the seashores alongside the way in which (or possibly a couple of) and luxuriate in a chilly drink at one of many many cosy seashore cafes (some favourites are Paal 17, 21, and 28) to actually benefit from the sluggish island vibe.

The TESO ferry to Texel departs from the harbour in Den Helder; the schedule modifications each day, so it’s finest to verify the departure occasions on-line.

You don’t need to take a automotive to Texel, however you possibly can simply take your automotive on the ferry and it makes it a bit simpler to see extra of the island or be a part of a small group day tour like this one. When you’re there, you may additionally need to lease e-scooters.

2- Vlieland

Vlieland is the smallest of the inhabited islands within the Wadden Sea. It’s also ‘automotive free’, and you’ll solely board the Doeksen ferry on the Harlingen Harbour by foot or by bike.

The ferry journey takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, and tickets should be bought for a selected departure time.

Due to its dimension (it solely has one small village) and the absence of vehicles, this island feels off the grid.

The easiest way to discover the seashores is to lease a motorcycle and cruise round to the assorted seashore entry factors.

Certainly one of our favorite spots to chill out on Vlieland seashore is the favored ‘t Badhuys.

Feeling adventurous? Try the enjoyable out of doors land and water actions accessible for adults and youngsters on the Vlieland Out of doors Heart. Purchase a regional journey ticket for one to a few days and discover at your leisure.

3- Vliehorst Vlieland

This distinctive seashore deserves its spot on our listing.

Vlieland Island is also dwelling to the biggest sandbar in Europe. Visiting the world referred to as ‘Vliehors’ is actually an expertise in itself.

This mega-beach is 24m2 (258 sq. toes) and practically appears like a abandoned seashore.

It’s additionally partly reserved to be used by the Dutch navy and in summer season, you possibly can be a part of a particular tour of the world using in a military-like car referred to as the Vliehors Specific (nice for teenagers).

4- Terschelling

Terschelling is the second-largest Wadden Island and is 30 kilometres (19 miles) vast and a most of 4.5 kilometres (3 miles) vast.

Solely about 5000 folks reside completely on the island, and it’s car-free.

Biking across the island, you’ll discover the free, practically wild nature and the abundance of gorgeous sandy seashores alongside the shoreline.

Probably the most particular seashore on Terschelling is the Groene Strand (Inexperienced Seaside), which is a dried-up ‘wad’ (mudflat) and an exquisite place for a stroll alongside the water and a hotspot for kite browsing.

Varied vegetation and different greenery develop abundantly between the sand, making it a novel ‘inexperienced’ seashore and a well-liked hangout for uncommon birds native to the Wadden Islands.

To get to Terschelling, you’ll must take the ferry from Harlingen in Friesland.

The journey takes about two hours, and you have to buy a time-specific ticket.

5- Ameland

It’s arduous to resolve precisely which of the islands is the ‘most lovely’ however Ameland is also referred to as the ‘Wadden Diamond’ and plenty of locals particularly find it irresistible for its pure magnificence and quiet attraction.

The island hosts two particular nature reserves, De Hôn and Het Oerd, and among the Netherlands’ most beautiful seashores.

Strand bij Nes (Nes Seaside) is a favorite for households and affords the everyday Dutch seashore panorama of steep Dunes and vast sandy areas, making you are feeling like you’ve gotten a non-public seashore, even within the busiest seasons.

After all, one of the best seashores aren’t full with out a cosy spot to take pleasure in a chew, and a drink and Nes Seaside affords an ideal spot to chill out on the widespread seashore café, Sjoerd Ameland.

Ameland affords many actions all year long, together with tractor rides throughout the seashore, seal-watching boat excursions, and even sport fishing.

To get to Ameland, you’ll must take the Wagenborg Ameland ferry from Howlerd, which departs each hour.

The ferry will get you to Ameland in 50 minutes or hop on the quick ferry, which takes simply 20 minutes.

6- Schiermonikoog

Schiermonikoog is the smallest of the Wadden Islands and is also referred to as having the wildest nature in The Netherlands.

The island, which is simply 16 kilometres (9.9 miles) lengthy and 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) vast, can also be the location of the nation’s first nationwide park.

With solely round 1000 residents, it’s the least populated municipality in The Netherlands and can also be largely car-free.

The island has many areas with seashore entry, however to many, essentially the most lovely seashore on this particular island is the Oosterstrand.

Positioned on the northern coast, the Oosterstrand can also be the widest seashore in The Netherlands and is solely beautiful, particularly when standing on prime of the dunes.

Discover the trail to this seashore on the pretty beachside café ‘De Marlijn’ and luxuriate in a scrumptious meal on this windy but unforgettable seashore.

To get to Schiermonikoog, take the ferry from Lauwersoog. The journey takes about 45 minutes. It’s finest to buy tickets upfront, particularly in summer season, or you may as well buy them on the harbour.

North and South Holland 

7- Julianadrop

Julianadorp is situated within the uppermost northwest nook of The Netherlands and is commonly rated because the cleanest seashore within the nation. With 4 seashore entry factors and an amusement park for teenagers, this seashore can also be extremely popular with households.

You’ll be able to simply mix it with a visit to the close by tulip fields in case you are visiting within the spring and are eager to go for the complete Dutch expertise.

Searching for someplace further to remain? Julianadorp additionally has a row of tiny seashore homes on the sand – e-book them right here.

8- Callantsoog

Simply south of Julianadorp lies one other sandy gem hidden behind the dunes – Callantsoog seashore.

The three.5-kilometre (2-mile) lengthy seashore is usually quiet and fewer crowded than different areas nearer to the bigger cities.

It additionally has a number of seashore cafes the place you possibly can take pleasure in a chew or drink overlooking the ocean. Seaside Restaurant WOEST is nice with youngsters.

The village centre additionally has many lodges inside strolling distance from the seashore.

As with many Dutch seashores, preserve an eye fixed out for seals as they typically swim by Callantsoog seashore.

9- Bergen Op Zee

Bergen op Zee is on the North Sea Coast and is a well-liked seashore vacation spot all 12 months, providing kilometres of gorgeous sandy seashores.

Not like different seashore cities, the town centre is vigorous all through all 4 seasons and affords loads of lodging choices, nice eating places and different actions to take pleasure in even in autumn and winter.

10- Schoorl

Schoorl is subsequent to Bergen and is known for its monumental ‘klimduin’ (climbing dune).

Youngsters love trying this difficult climb to the highest, whereas dad and mom can take pleasure in a calming day at one of many many eating places on the foot of the dune on the beautiful seashore.

11- Bloemendaal

Searching for a enjoyable seashore to go to close to Amsterdam?

Skip the overcrowded seashore at Zandvoort and head to Bloemendaal – close by Haarlem and subsequently additionally very straightforward to succeed in with public transport.

This seashore is very widespread with youthful crowds and is sometimes called ‘the Dutch Ibiza’.

It affords loads of hip seashore cafes and infrequently hosts particular events and music festivals. You may as well go on a half-day bike tour.

12- Noordwijk aan Zee

Noordwijk is among the extra ‘hip’ seashore locations (and we favor it way more to the extremely popular but very overcrowded seashore in Scheveningen), mirrored each in its higher-end lodging and upscale seashore cafes.

It’s a extremely popular spot for each locals and vacationers and contains a lengthy promenade alongside the seashore the place you possibly can take pleasure in a drink or a pleasant meal.

We particularly love the Branding Seaside Membership, which can also be very cosy in winter.

13- Noordwijkerhout Seaside

In the event you journey a bit extra north of the centre of Noordwijk and head north to Noordwijkerhout, you’ll find biking and strolling paths by means of the forest and dunes, which result in practically empty seashores.

This space additionally affords loads of alternatives to expertise numerous water sports activities like SUP-ing, canoeing and kitesurfing.

It’s an excellent spot to take pleasure in nature and smaller crowds whereas additionally having fun with the facilities in Noordwijk aan Zee.

14- Wassenaarse Slag/Rijksdorp

One other nice different to the crowded seashore at Scheveningen is just a few kilometres north in Wassenaar.

This scenic street from the centre of Wassenaar results in an eight-kilometre anonymous seashore which is usually solely visited by locals and infrequently very crowded.

It’s a peaceable oasis for these in search of a quiet spot to take pleasure in a sluggish day on the seashore amidst nature.

In the event you want a snack or drink whereas visiting this seashore, we love the Brasserie de Badmeester on the street to the seashore entrance.

Zeeland

15- Westenschouwen/Burgh-Hamsteede (Schouwen-Duiveland) 

In Zeeland, the Westenschouwen seashore, additionally dwelling to the Japanese Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier (Oosterscheldekering) is a must-see.

With out this contemporary marvel of the world, Zeeland seemingly wouldn’t exist.

The large construction is 9 kilometres lengthy and constructed out of 65 gigantic concrete pillars.

Constructed following the tragic floods of 1953, the obstacles are closed throughout storms to guard the world in opposition to flooding.

Be sure that additionally to go to Deltapark Neeltje Jans, which has glorious interactive exhibitions concerning the Delta Works and plenty of enjoyable actions for youngsters.

The museum is on a synthetic island that’s a part of the Oosterschelde, the biggest Nationwide Park in The Netherlands.

Behind the dunes of Westenschouwen is Zeeland’s largest forest, the Boswachterij Westerschouwen.

It’s an excellent place to trip a motorcycle, discuss a stroll and even trip horses whereas having fun with the gorgeous nature protect.

The close by cities, Burgh and Hamsteede, every have their very own quaint city centre and one other lovely broad sandy seashore.

16- Renesse (Schouwen-Duiveland)

Additionally in Schouwen-Duiveland, simply north of Burgh-Hamsteede, is Renesse Seaside.

The 17 kilometres (10 ½ mile) lengthy seashore has gained many awards through the years, together with the worldwide ‘Blue Flag’ environmental award, which signifies that it affords high-quality bathing water and a particularly clear seashore.

Renesse is a well-liked vacation spot in the summertime for each Dutch and worldwide vacationers, particularly German guests who take pleasure in this space.

Indicators, menus and different essential data is out there in Dutch, German and English.

The city centre is vigorous within the excessive season however the seashores on this space by no means actually really feel crowded.

There are countless spots to benefit from the clear sandy seashores and superb sunsets.

17- Cadzand 

Since 2014 Cadzand is recognised internationally as a ‘salutary bathing vacation spot’ (Heilzame Badplaats).

The mix of its pure panorama, the standard and pure minerals current within the water, in addition to the assorted holistic and therapeutic remedies accessible on the high-quality native spas, makes it the most effective locations to take excellent care of physique and thoughts.

Cadzand is dwelling to very broad, practically white sand seashores and a novel nature reserve, Het Zwin, the place you possibly can take pleasure in peaceable walks and hikes or go for a extra energetic day and check out wavekarting, blokarting, kitesurfing, crusing or browsing.

18- Domburg

Domburg is the oldest seashore in The Netherlands, receiving metropolis rights in 1223.

It has traditionally been a well-liked vacation spot for the Dutch higher class, together with the royal households who constructed their summer season houses right here, beginning within the seventeenth and 18th centuries.

Domburg affords each vigorous seashores, with a plentiful alternative of seashore cafes close to the Westerstrand, and a quieter seashore on the Oosterstrand, which can also be an excellent surf spot!

This space has plentiful historical past, and like Cadzand, it is usually acknowledged as an official ‘salutary bathing vacation spot’.

It’s an ideal vacation spot to chill out and luxuriate in numerous wellness actions, together with the favored Thalasso remedies, for instance, on the well-known Badhotel Domburg, which has been a go-to wellness vacation spot for greater than 150 years.

19- Zoutelanden

Additionally in Zeeland, Zoutelande is commonly named essentially the most lovely seashore in The Netherlands.

Well-known artists, together with Piet Mondrian, have been impressed by Zoutelande seashore for hundreds of years, and it’s straightforward to see why.

It has the basic Dutch coastal panorama of lengthy, vast, clear sandy seashores and among the highest dunes within the nation.

This spot additionally has essentially the most hours of daylight of any location in The Netherlands, making it an exquisite spot to decelerate and chill out with the wind blowing in your hair and (hopefully) the solar shining in your face.

Right here you may as well take pleasure in numerous water sports activities like browsing, paragliding or kitesurfing and even trip horses alongside the seashore.

Ijsselmeer

20- Muiderberg

Muiderberg Seaside is a enjoyable, family-friendly different to the seashores on the North Sea.

Due to its location on the IJ Meer (under the Ijsselmeer), which was created after the Afsluitdijk was constructed to shut off this physique of water to the North Sea, the water right here is never increased than knee-deep.

It’s an excellent place for households with little ones to take pleasure in that ‘seashore feeling’ with out the large waves and can also be a well-liked spot for numerous water sports activities like SUP-ing, crusing and kite browsing.

The one seashore café, the Zeemeeuw has tasty foods and drinks choices and, as a bonus, a big playground for teenagers.

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