Wijk aan Zee, the best-kept secret of the North Sea coast
Wijk aan Zee is also known as the best-kept secret of the North Sea. This family resort has by far the widest sandy beach in the Netherlands and enjoys a perfect location, right beside the protected dune area of North Holland. The beach is packed with facilities and the food and drink are excellent, while the open dune area with its beautiful woods invites a lovely walk or bike ride. In short, the place to feel the wind in your hair and forget everyday life for a while.
The beach
Anyone coming here comes for the widest beach in the Netherlands, and you notice it the moment you leave the dunes behind.
The widest in the country: the beach at Wijk aan Zee is the widest in the Netherlands, with cosy beach pavilions along the dune edge and a few hotels up on the dunes.
The purest sea water: the sea water here is regarded as the cleanest on the coast, ideal conditions for a day of swimming and playing.
Room for everyone: build sandcastles and fly kites with the children, or make it an active day out with family or friends, there is space in abundance.
Shell hunting: precisely because the beach is so wide, this is where the most and the most unusual shells wash ashore.
Surfing and land yachting
Among water sports enthusiasts, Wijk aan Zee is known as one of the best surf spots on the North Sea.
The Noordpier: by the Noordpier you will find one of the best surf spots in the Netherlands, a favourite with surfers from all over the country.
Surf schools by the sea: alongside the trendy beach bars lie several surf schools, where you can master the basics under guidance.
Land yachting and catamarans: land yachters feel at home here too, and in summer catamaran races are held along the coast.
The wind as an ally: the steady sea breeze makes Wijk aan Zee one of the most versatile water sports destinations on the coast.
The village
Hospitality and conviviality are important values in Wijk aan Zee, and you sense it the moment you walk into the village.
The Julianaplein: in the heart of the village lies the convivial Julianaplein, with various places to eat and drink and always a free terrace.
Calm, nature and conviviality: over the years Wijk aan Zee has grown into a versatile place, where the whole village borders a large dune area.
Between dune and industry: the village sits, remarkably, between the Noordpier, the Tata Steel works and the protected dune area, a contrast you will not see quite like this anywhere else.
Small but complete: despite its modest size, the many restaurants, cafés, hotels and shops provide more than enough to enjoy.
Dunes and views
Wijk aan Zee borders an open dune area with beautiful woods, ideal for walking and cycling.
Dozens of routes: through the dune area run dozens of waymarked walking and cycling routes, straight through woods, dune valleys and past dune lakes.
The Paasduin: this dune of around thirty metres is one of the finest viewpoints, from where you can even watch the ships sailing in and out of the pier.
Rich in plants and wildlife: enthusiasts can enjoy the distinctive flora and fauna that belong to the dune landscape.
Different every season: in spring the dunes flower, in summer they hum with life, and in winter you often have the paths entirely to yourself.
Een Zee van Staal
In the middle of the dunes lies an open-air museum that brings art and landscape together.
Sculptures among the dunes: the sculpture park Een Zee van Staal is a permanent exhibition of monumental artworks, spread across the dune landscape.
Art and nature together: on a walk you come across the sculptures as you go, turning an ordinary dune ramble into a surprising voyage of discovery.
Freely accessible: the park lies in the open air and makes a fine destination for young and old, even on a day when the weather is less kind.
A nod to the surroundings: the name and the steel sculptures refer to the nearby steelworks, linking the art with the history of the region.
Food and drink
For a village of this size, Wijk aan Zee has a surprisingly rich range of food and drink.
Terraces on the square: around the Julianaplein you will find convivial places to eat and drink where an afternoon slips away before you know it.
Beach bars with a sea view: the trendy beach pavilions along the dune edge offer everything from a drink to a full dinner, with the sunset over the sea as a backdrop.
North Sea fish: fresh fish naturally features on the menu here, with a herring or a portion of kibbeling as a true Dutch classic.
For every moment: from a cup of coffee after your walk to an elaborate dinner after the beach, the restaurants and cafés ensure an unforgettable time.
With children in Wijk aan Zee
Wijk aan Zee is very much a family resort, where the wide beach is the biggest playground of all.
Safe to romp: the extra-wide, flat beach gives children all the room they need for sandcastles, kite flying and paddling.
Shells and adventure: nowhere do so many unusual shells wash ashore, and the dunes behind form one big adventure ground.
Out exploring: a treasure hunt among the sculptures of Een Zee van Staal turns a dune walk into a little adventure.
Events
Despite its modest size, Wijk aan Zee has a surprisingly lively events calendar.
Catamaran races: in summer the catamarans compete in colourful races close to the shore, a spectacle to watch from the beach.
Summer by the sea: in high season plenty of events and beach activities are on the programme.
Sport and surf: as one of the best surf spots in the country, Wijk aan Zee is regularly the stage for water sports competitions.
All year round: out of season too the village stays welcoming and convivial, with smaller activities around the Julianaplein.
Explore the surroundings
Wijk aan Zee lies close to Amsterdam and Haarlem, making it one of the most accessible beaches in the region.
Cities round the corner:Amsterdam and historic Haarlem are about half an hour away, so you combine beach and city with ease.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park:this nature reserve, with its dunes, dune lakes and ancient dune woodlands, is among the finest in the Netherlands, criss-crossed by countless cycling and walking paths.
The Beverwijkse Bazaar: nearby lies the Beverwijkse Bazaar, the largest covered market in Europe, with a vibrant mix of cultures, products and flavours.
Neighbours by the sea: to the south lies lively Zandvoort, to the north easy-going Egmond aan Zee.
Staying in Wijk aan Zee
From a hotel up on the dunes to a tent in the green, there is an option here for every budget.
Hotels with a view: a few hotels stand up on the dunes, where you wake to a sweeping view over the sea.
Apartments by the sea: an apartment close to the beach means the surf is within reach.
Holiday homes: anyone coming with the family or a larger group has plenty of room in a holiday home, often within walking distance of dune and beach.
Camping in the green: at the campsites nearby you sleep with the sound of the sea in the background. Have a look at the last minutes too for a sharp deal.
Practical information
A few things are handy to know before you set off for the coast.
Getting there: Wijk aan Zee is easily reached by car via the A9 and the A22, with Amsterdam and Haarlem close by.
By public transport: get off the train at Beverwijk and take the bus, which brings you to the village in a matter of minutes.
Parking: the large field in the middle of the village offers plenty of parking for sun-seekers in summer. On peak days it pays to come early.
Best time to visit: summer is all about beach, surf and catamaran races, while spring and autumn offer calm, beautiful light and empty dunes.
