Katwijk aan Zee in the Netherlands

Katwijk is a town on the North Sea, specifically located on the Dutch west coast. With a population of 65,000, the municipality is surrounded by the major city of The Hague to the south, the university town of Leiden to the west, and the coastal town of Noordwijk. It is particularly popular with families and also ideal for a beach vacation as a couple or with friends. Not only the fine sandy beach but also the variety that the town offers through its own culture and numerous excursion possibilities attracts many visitors every year.

Katwijk aan Zee is a district of the municipality of Katwijk. The seaside resort is the center of the municipality and, with its fine North Sea beach, is not only popular with the Dutch for a getaway. Tourists also travel to the Dutch coast to recharge with the beach and sea. This can be particularly enjoyed on the nearly 5-kilometer-long sandy beach in Katwijk. In the summer, you can spend hours sunbathing, occasionally refreshing yourself in the sea, and enjoying the pleasant breeze. However, even in the other seasons, the North Sea beach is a highlight because no matter what the weather is like in Katwijk, the fine sand invites you to relaxed strolls. You can settle down in the beach chairs and enjoy the moment while admiring the sunset in the shelter of the dunes with a magnificent view.

What makes Katwijk beach a highlight for dog lovers is the 2.5 km long dog beach heading towards Noordwijk, which is among the most popular dog beaches in the Netherlands. Bring your four-legged friends along and experience a wonderful vacation with friends or family while your dogs run up and down the sandy beach. That's pure happiness.

If you want to get to know the municipality of Katwijk a little better, we recommend visiting the Katwijk Museum, which is the local history museum of the municipality. Here you can learn exciting facts about the history of fishing in Katwijk and the development of the culture. The landmark of the city is the white lighthouse, which is considered the oldest lighthouse on the Dutch coast. If you climb the steps up to 30 meters, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding coastal landscape and even into the neighboring towns of Leiden and Scheveningen.

Restaurants in Katwijk aan Zee

The white church of Katwijk, the Andreaskerk, is also a significant landmark. Take a look inside the church named after Apostle Andrew, who was once a fisherman himself. If your legs aren't tired yet, stroll along the Prins Hendrikkanaal and through the picturesque dune landscapes around Katwijk. Here you will be all alone, able to enjoy the tranquility of nature, watch wild animals in between, and recharge your batteries emptied by the stressful daily life.

Vacation Guru Tip: Let an expert tell you more about Katwijk. You can book a guided hike for as little as €5 per person.

The landscape around Katwijk is characterized by endless dunes that invite you to stroll through nature for hours. In springtime, you will find colorful flower meadows everywhere, and the long sandy beach by the rough North Sea offers a feeling of limitless freedom. Of course, you can simply lace up your hiking shoes - but we recommend grabbing a bike and exploring the dune landscapes.

For those who like to be active, you should take advantage of the wonderful cycling routes and ride 17 kilometers along the coast to Scheveningen in The Hague.

The entire beach is lined with beach bars, restaurants, and shops. You can enjoy beach volleyball on the sand or participate in kitesurfing, jet skiing, or sailing on the water.

If you still have energy left for sightseeing afterward, you shouldn't miss the city center of The Hague. Numerous exciting museums, countless shops and markets, and charming alleys await your discovery. If The Hague is too far for you, you can cycle about 8 kilometers along the beautiful Limes bike path to Leiden and spend the day strolling, shopping, and sightseeing in the canal city with Amsterdam flair.

You only have to cycle less than 8 kilometers from Katwijk to the village of Wassenaar, which is surrounded by green landscapes and charming buildings. The coastline belonging to the village received the Golden Quality Coast Award in 2018, which stands for sustainable coastal tourism.

Despite this impressive award and the Blue Flag for water quality, the beach Wassenaarseslag is significantly less crowded than the surrounding beaches. There are cozy beach bars and small shops to browse - perfect for a beach vacation away from the classic coastal towns of Katwijk and Noordwijk. For a bit of variety, the kids will love the Duinrell amusement park, which promises an adventurous day with the Kikkerachtbaan, the little Ferris wheel, carousels, a pirate ship swing, and many other highlights. Meanwhile, a cultural program awaits you at the Museum Voorlinden, which is especially special for art fans.

Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying a hot cup of coffee, and savoring a fresh roll with Dutch cheese while the wind blows around you, and the waves gently roll onto the beach in front of you. This dream can soon come true in a beach house in Katwijk. The small cabins are located directly on the fine sandy beach, so you don't even have to put on your shoes; you can walk straight from your terrace into the refreshing sea. Many other vacation rentals in Katwijk are available, as well as the option to stay at a campsite or in one of the comfortable hotels, some of which even offer sea views.

Are you also in the mood for a vacation in the Netherlands? We surely have the right offer for you. Treat yourself to a break at the Dutch North Sea, enjoy delicious treats from Dutch cuisine, and spend time with friends and family.