Visitor Centres & Highlights
Public Transport Map
Heemskerk
78 Heliomare
Wijk aan Zee
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Watertaxi (not valid in ARTT) 382 385
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IJmuiderslag
Station Beverwijk
VelsenZuid Snow Planet
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Zuid Kennemerland
Zaandam
Spaarnwoude
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Zandvoorts Museum Bike rental (VVV Zandvoort) First Wave Surf School Wind- and water sports centres Watertaxi IJmuiden Forteiland IJmuiden (fortress island) Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate Entrance Kennemerduinen National Park Circuit Zandvoort Seaside Sports
Skiheuvel
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Driehuis
Highlights
Zaanstreek
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(www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl)
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IJmuiden B
IJmuiden aan Zee 382 385
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IJmuiden aan Zee
VelsenNoord
Discover the Amsterdam Area
C Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen
Beverwijkse Bazaar
Strand Noordpier
A VVV Zandvoort aan Zee (www.vvvzandvoort.com) B VVV IJmuiden aan Zee (located in Read Shop) (www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl)
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DFDS Newcastle
Heemskerk
Beverwijk
Central Station or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol www.iamsterdam.com/area
AMSTERDAM BEACH
I amsterdam Visitor Centre
59 Station Zaandam
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National Park
Bloemendaal aan Zee
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Strand
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Overveen
73 81 84 300 346 356 385
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Haarlem Spaarnwoude
www.iamsterdam.com/area
HalfwegZwanenburg
Station Amsterdam Sloterdijk cover booqi amsterdam beach 2018.indd 1
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Amsterdam Beach Line
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Station Zandvoort
382
Haarlem Station Haarlem
Circuit
Bus station 80 81
73 385
Bloemendaal 19
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SantpoortZuid
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Brouwerskolkweg
Zandvoort aan Zee
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Amsterdam Central Station
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Waterleiding/ NW Unicum
Bus station Elandsgracht 80
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Amsterdam Beach Line
Amsterdam City
346 356
Heemstede 300
Haarlemmermeer-
Station Amsterdam Zuid 346
polder
346
Waterleiding300
duinen
300
Amstelveen
Schiphol Airport
Hoofddorp
300 356
AmsterdamZuidoost Bus
Station Bijlmer ArenA Centrum
300 356
Bus stop
300
Railway Bicycle route 0
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TRAVEL WITH THE
AMSTERDAM & REGION TRAVEL TICKET
Discovƒr
Day Trips
by bus, tram, metro & train
30 minutes by train from Amsterdam!
Experience Raw Beauty full day
The raw seaside beauty yourself • Visit the wide beach and lose rts in wind and water spo out to • Cycle or walk literally kilometres s pier two the of sea on one of the • Eat freshly caught fish at one ants restaur d foo sea or s cafe ch bea e • Cycle or walk through the wid nd nemerla dunes of the Zuid- Ken National Park
Want to explore? ijmuidenaanzee.nl, @ Rauw aan Zee
Sloterdijk Bus 382 from Amsterdam r the beach. nea s to IJmuiden aan Zee stop
Looking for some action? Take bus 382 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station to IJmuiden aan Zee, which is known for its raw beauty and outdoor sports. If you arrive by bus, it’s a short walk to the marina where you can rent a powerboat/RIB boat through ProRib Events. For a slower start to the day, try stand up paddling lessons at Seaside Sports or Hightide . Then rent an electric bike at Dutch Pedelec Tours to explore this unique region in a unique way. At the 'Noordpier' beach you can take watersport lessons at OZ lines or Outstanding Events. Wijk aan Zee’s beach is the widest in Holland and is especially popular with blokarters and kite-surfers. It also offers several laid-back beach clubs. To reach Wijk aan Zee take a train to Beverwijk from Amsterdam Central Station and then bus 78 from Beverwijk.
Take bus 382 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to IJmuiden aan Zee, last stop (30 mins). Walk through the bunker-studded dunes, and watch the enormous ships disappearing over the horizon. Or walk literally kilometres into the sea along one of the two piers, which provide stunning views of the harbour and the many passing freight and cruise ships as well as the North Sea. IJmuiden aan Zee is known for its fresh fish, and a visit would not be complete without sampling the catch of the day. Then continue by water taxi across the North Sea canal from IJmuiden to Wijk aan Zee. The water taxi costs just €4 for a return ticket and also stops at Forteiland (Fortress Island, www.forteiland.nl) on the first Sunday of every month. Forteiland is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every piece of this imposing structure carries echoes of the past. If you’re heading back from IJmuiden to Amsterdam, you can also visit the Spaarnwoude recreational area (bus 382, Golfbaan stop), where you'll find tons of activities including indoor skiing, paintballing and climbing. Bus 382 will take you back to Amsterdam.
www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl
www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl
Dutch Dunes 1/2 day or full day
Day at the Beach 1/2 day or full day A relaxing day at the beach is just a 25-minute train trip from Amsterdam Central Station's platform 1. Zandvoort aan Zee combines a sandy coast dotted with restaurants and beach clubs with a charming town centre and picturesque Dutch dunes. Racing enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Circuit Zandvoort , or go on a quieter adventure with a romantic stroll to Bloemendaal aan Zee, the next beach over. (Take the bus back to Zandvoort train station or bunker down for the night in one of the beachside hotels.) www.vvvzandvoort.com
Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station (platform 1) to Zandvoort aan Zee. The most spectacular setting to explore the famous Dutch dunes is the Zuid-Kemmerland National Park . Bring your bike (or rent one from the Zandvoort Tourist Centre or Behind The Beach Bike Rental in the town centre) or explore on foot. Amongst the dunes you'll find 200 different species of birds, rabbits and deer as well as carefully preserved manorial estates, like the Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate (45 mins by bike from Zandvoort). Want to explore the dunes from the beach at IJmuiden? Then join a Bunker Route walking tour, which takes in a number of impressive bunkers dotted around the dunes (book in advance). End your day with a cold drink and a perfect sunset at one of the many trendy beach clubs in Zandvoort aan Zee or enjoy the catch of the day in IJmuiden. www.vvvzandvoort.com www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl
Wind, Water, Beach full day
www.visitzandvoort.nl
13-03-1
Summer at the Sea
Raw Beauty
Nature and Dunes
In summertime, sunseekers flock to the wide expanses of sand at Zandvoort aan Zee and bask in the summer sun on the beautiful golden beaches and visit the hip cafés, restaurants and trendy beach clubs overlooking the sea.
IJmuiden is characterised by its raw beauty, from the rugged beach to the industrial port, with its formidable harbours and enormous lock system. A steady wind from the North Sea makes IJmuiden a haven for wind and watersports fans.
From tranquil hiking routes to dramatic windswept hilltops with amazing coastline views, the Dutch dune landscape is utterly unique.
Events
Get Active
Zandvoort is the centre of the Amsterdam area’s sandy social life. When the sun is shining (or even when it’s not), you’ll find major events happening here year round plus many more small and private events. A dedicated team of event specialists makes sure it all goes off without a hitch!
FIRST WAVE SURF SCHOOL Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons for young and old at this Australian beach bar. www.firstwavesurfschool.nl
www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl
Zandvoort has plenty of sporty options, both in and out of the water.
SPYDER BIKE RENTALS Rent beach bikes, electric scooters, quads and motor scooters. www.spyderrentgroup.com
Zandvoort goes Wild October
Pride at the Beach 30 July-1 August
Cycle or walk kilometres out into the sea on one of the two piers that allow you to marvel at the largest lock complex in Europe or the colossal ships coming in from the North Sea. At the lock complex, you'll find an information centre about the construction of the biggest sealock in the world. Try your hand at fishing or enjoy fresh fish straight off the boats at the harbour’s many excellent restaurants.
When it comes to wind- and watersports, IJmuiden offers something for everybody. SEASIDE SPORTS IJMUIDERSLAG www.seasidesports.nl
HIGHTIDE SURF & FOOD IJMUIDERSLAG
www.zandvoortgoeswild.com
Drinks with a view
Situated just four kilometres from Beverwijk (famous for its enormous flea market), Wijk aan Zee is a charming seaside village known for its strong sense of community, easily accessible by (rental) bike (about 20 minutes). Wijk aan Zee’s beach and Noordpier beach, shared with IJmuiden, both boast great waves, and are especially popular with surfers. The dunes that separate the village from Beverwijk provide plenty of leisure activities too. On the outskirts of Wijk aan Zee, on the site of the Tata Steelworks, 11 imposing statues created by international artists are a reminder of Wijk aan Zee’s status as ‘Cultural Village of Europe, 1999’.
Exciting beaches
Watertaxi IJmuiden 1 April–1 October Travelling four times daily between IJmuiden and VelsenNorth, the water taxi costs just €4 for a return ticket. On the first Sunday of each month it also stops off at Forteiland (Fortress Island). One of the 46 forts that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Defence Line of Amsterdam, Forteiland’s unique use of hydraulic engineering is a great example of Dutch ingenuity.
www.circuitzandvoort.nl
photo: Rob Bossink
If relaxing on the beach or shopping till you drop isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of high-octane excitement at Circuit Zandvoort. Nestled amidst the dunes, each weekend it plays host to diverse (inter)national motorsport events. Don’t miss the DTM (13–15 July), the ADAC GT Masters (17-19 August) or the Historic Grand Prix (31 August–2 September). On 1 September, the participants of the Historic Grand Prix drive through Zandvoort in their nostalgic ‘old-timers’ – an exceptional chance to take a closer look at these famous vintage cars. The whole weekend is dedicated to the Grand Prix and is an absolute must for every car enthusiast.
Holy beach babes: Pride Amsterdam is taking the heat to the beach for the second time this year. Expect a parade of many colours, music that will get your hips swaying and lots of happy, elaborately (or scantily) dressed people in this annual celebration of diversity with a sun-soaked twist. pride.amsterdam/pride-at-the-beach
Sick of the sand? No problem; Zandvoort’s dozens of beach clubs, restaurants and pavilions offer the perfect respite, with wind-screened terraces and some of the best eats and drinks in the country. May we suggest a luxurious sunset cocktail at Tent 6? Choose between views of the rolling dunes and crashing waves.
Behind the beach, the wide, bunker-studded dunes – great for cycling through – frame the sea, on which there is always an enormous ship disappearing over the horizon. The fascinating Bunker Museum is housed in a German bunker from the Second World War. At the mouth of the North Sea Canal is Forteiland IJmuiden, an impressive fortress dating from 1880. This former military defence is bursting with history, adventure and relaxation, and is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. IJmuiden is seaside beauty at its rawest! Open every first Sunday of the month from March to October www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl
photo: Thea MG
www.watertaxi-ijmuiden.nl
Experience history
Nature-based Recreation
From early dykes, polders and windmills to more modern feats of aquatic engineering, the Dutch have devised numerous ingenious ways to hold back the water, but few are quite so beautiful as the Dutch dunes. Created to preserve the North Sea coast, the undulating landscape is in stark contrast to the normally oh-so-flat Dutch polders. Enjoy a casual stroll, a lengthy hike or a challenging bike ride across the sands – there are experiences for all ages and interests within these protected landscapes. And on either side of the dunes, you’ll find luxurious stretches of beach or green forests and peaceful lakes that are perfect for a cool swim.
www.hightidesurfshop.nl
www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl
Every October, the famous sand dunes of Zandvoort fill with the cries of belling deer, noisily hunting a mate. This must-see sight (and unforgettable sound) is also a great excuse to visit the town centre, beach and race track – all hosting their own activities to help Zandvoort go ‘wild’.
Get Active
OZ LINES STRAND NOORDPIER
www.jump-xl.com/zandvoort
Ride a red Routemaster bus, greet Paddington Bear and gobble down British food and drinks to the sound of bagpipes at the British Festival. Get your fill of sports, movies and music from across the North Sea during the one weekend a year Zandvoort goes full Brit. www.british-festival.co.uk
Wijk aan Zee & Noordpier Beach
Walk on Water
JUMP XL A trampoline park! Practice your tricks and enjoy jumping in the huge indoor trampoline.
photo: Antoon van der Graaf
Circuit Zandvoort
British Festival 6-8 July
photo: Zandvoort Marketing
Just half an hour from Amsterdam, take a seaside stroll, shop till you drop or hop from one sunny beachside terrace to the next. And of course, enjoy the exceptionally wide sandy beach and the amazing views from the beautiful promenade that extends for several kilometres north and south of town. Zandvoort is one of Holland’s oldest beach resorts, with the first bathhouse put into use back in 1829. This was the start of the development of a luxury bathing resort frequented by many people of renown – including Austrian Empress Sisi – and it remains one of the region’s most popular beaches. Come on a cloudy day to take in the peaceful stretches of sand or see Zandvoort in full swing during one of the many themed events hosted here year round. www.visitzandvoort.com
IJmuiden aan Zee
IJmuiden has all you need for a day’s entertainment – and more. The rugged beach is perfect for wind- and watersports, while IJmuiden Port is home to a multitude of fishing boats, yachts and vessels. The Harbour Festival IJmond (23-24 June) traditionally invites several local and national bands to take to the stage. Alongside the music, there's a host of nautical activities, including demonstrations by divers, the fire department and rescue teams as well as navigation displays. There's also the chance to explore ships and take boating trips. Each year brings a new theme, reflected in the programming.
photo: Tent 6
Zandvoort Beach for Amsterdam
At Noordpier Beach kite surfing is particularly popular, due to the exceptional wind and wave flow caused by the pier. There’s a surfing centre right on the beach where you can learn the basics, as well as rent wetsuits and gear, and while you probably won’t master kite-surfing in a single day, it’s all the more reason to come back. Beach IJmuiden aan Zee is also great for active water sports, as well as acing kite buggies across the sand. The quieter IJmuiderslag Beach, meanwhile, is a fantastic spot for Nordic walkers, nature lovers and dog walkers. Again, this beach is also perfect for wind and water sports.
www.ozlines.com
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, a glorious expanse of some 3,800 hectares of dunes, attracts two million visitors each year. Living here are over 200 different species of birds, red deer, rabbits and roe deer as well as large grazers such as Highland cattle and a small number of wisent – a European bison that, with a bit of luck, you may get to see from a distance. There are various marked footpaths throughout the dunes, ranging from one to more than 25 kilometres long. The dune areas are often extremely dynamic and conceal all kinds of surprises, such as beautiful valleys, lakes and magnificent viewpoints. So pull on your walking shoes or hire a bike at Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen. They also offer hiking maps, cycling routes and information on the landscape, history and management of the area. www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl
Manors in the Dunes
Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen
OUTSTANDING EVENTS STRAND NOORDPIER www.outstandingevents.nl
DUTCH PEDELEC TOURS www.dutchpedelectours.com
PRO RIB EVENTS www.proribevents.nl
Fun for the Whole Family The Spaarnwoude recreational area is located between Amsterdam and IJmuiden. While enjoying the typical Dutch landscape, young and old can spend an amazing day in this wooded area. There’s plenty of space to play and relax, as well as tons of activities like indoor skiing, paintball, climbing, putting, canoeing, swimming and much more. The recreational area is also host to several large events every summer. Or visit part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. If you would like to spend a whole day or even weekend here, there are lots of nice restaurants with good food and high standard B&Bs and campings.
The Dutch dunes are full of beautifully preserved historical manorial estates, open to the public for fine or brasserie-style dining and overnight stays. Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, dating from 1682, offers 75 luxury hotel rooms within the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park (www.duin-kruidberg.nl). Beeckestijn, meanwhile, is an 18th-century estate created from an older property as a summer residence for a wealthy Amsterdam regent, whose gardens are an outdoor museum. www.buitenplaatsbeeckestijn.nl
www.vvvijmuidenaanzee.nl
To the south of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park lies another extraordinary nature reserve, the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen (water pipe dunes). Along with the water from the Rhine River, this area supplies drinking water to the residents of Amsterdam. Every Wednesday from March to September a special Bunker Tour departs at 19.00.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT)
TIP: Bike rental and walking/cycling routes are available at regional Tourist Information Centres (VVV).
Get out of Amsterdam with the ARTT, which grants you unlimited travel on the city's public transportation and beyond. From flower auctions and windmills to beaches and medieval castles, ARTT is the easiest and most economical way to explore everything the greater Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has to offer! Pick up yours at an I amsterdam Visitor Centre, participating public transport company ticket counter or selected hotel or campsite. (Don't forget to check in and out whenever you get on or off a train or bus!) ARTT tickets are valid on any bus, tram, metro and train services offered by GVB, Connexxion, EBS and NS (including night buses) from 0:00 until 4:00 the following day. Tickets also accepted on Arriva bus 50 from Haarlem. 1-day tickets are €18.50, 2-day tickets €26 and 3-day tickets €33.50. Find more information and a map of all included routes on: www.iamsterdam.com/area
www.visitzandvoort.com
While you’re there… You can’t get from Amsterdam to the beach without passing through Haarlem. The capital of North Holland has been the region’s historical heart for about 800 years. In addition to picturesque architecture and canals and the famous Great Church on the central square, Haarlem is a city of shopping, museums, and more. It’s also a fine dining destination, with cuisine running the gamut from the Jopen ‘Beer Church’ to the two-Michelin-star Bokkedoorns.
Plan your trip Find up-to-date schedules and fares for trams, trains and more at www.9292.nl/en. Note that many schedules will change 22 July 2018 due to the opening of the North-South metro line. Get there the Dutch way – by bike! – with the help of bike routes based on the fietsknooppuntennetwerk (‘bike connection network’). Route maps at en.routeplanner.fietsersbond.nl. BooQi products are produced under license and are subject to design registrations and trademarks. © Booqi Media Solutions BV www.booqi.com call +31 (0)20 7163151 NO28112/31