Amsterdam Beach

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Public Transport Map

AMSTERDAM BEACH

Heemskerk

Wijk aan Zee

Beverwijk

Wind Water Beach

Discover the Amsterdam Area

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Strand Noordpier

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DFDS Newcastle

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IJmuiden aan Zee

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75 82

Zaanstreek

VelsenZuid

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IJmuiderslag

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78 Station Beverwijk

➎ IJmuiden B

IJmuiden aan Zee 75 82

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VelsenNoord

Watertaxi

Skiheuvel

Snow Planet

75 Driehuis

82

Zaandam

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Santpoort-Noord

Kennemer Dutch Dunes

s Include ap & area m s day trip

Duinen

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Spaarnwoude

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Santpoort-Zuid

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Bloemendaal aan Zee Strand

Bubbling Beach

Zandvoort aan Zee

www.iamsterdam.com/area

Bloemendaal

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81 84

Brouwerskolkweg

Circuit

Overveen

Station Haarlem

Haarlem

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Station Zandvoort

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Busstation 80 81

Station Amsterdam Sloterdijk

75 81 84 300 346 356

Waterleiding/ NW Unicum

Amsterdam Central Station

Bus station Elandsgracht 80

80 HeemstedeArdenhout

Heemstede

Amsterdam City

346 356

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I amsterdam Visitor Centre

Haarlemmermeer-

Central Station or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol www.iamsterdam.com/area

Station Amsterdam Zuid 346

polder

Dutch Dunes

Visitor Information Centres

A VVV Zandvoort aan Zee (www.vvvzandvoort.com) B VVV IJmuiden aan Zee (located in Read Shop)

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Waterleiding-

(www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl)

duinen

C Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen

AmsterdamZuidoost

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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

(www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl)

Highlights

Amstelveen

Hoofddorp

300 356

Station Bijlmer ArenA

Bus

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Bus stop

Centrum

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Railway

Noordwijk

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With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel 24 hours by bus, tram and metro in and around Amsterdam.

Dutch Dunes (1/2 day or full day)

Daytrips Cocktail at sunset (1/2 day or full day) Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station (platform 1) to Zandvoort aan Zee (25 minutes). Located almost directly west of Amsterdam and surrounded by the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, Zandvoort aan Zee is the perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach. Chill out at one of the many beach clubs, such as Safari Lodge or De Haven van Zandvoort, and stroll the endless sandy coastline. Not far from the seafront is a fine selection of shops. Choose from antique and jewellery boutiques, trendy clothes stores and, of course, a surf shop➌.

Racing enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Circuit Park Zandvoort, nestled amid the dunes. Check the website for details of upcoming Formula 3, motor and GP events (www.circuit-zandvoort.nl). For something less strenuous, take a short romantic stroll from Zandvoort aan Zee to Bloemendaal aan Zee for fine cocktails and stunning sea views. If you don’t want to walk back to Zandvoort, catch bus 81 from Bloemendaal Strand. And if you’re not quite ready to come back to Amsterdam, extend your visit with an overnight stay (prices from €75 per night) www.vvvzandvoort.com.

Raw Beauty (full day) Take bus 82 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to IJmuiden aan Zee, last stop (30 minutes). Walk through the bunker-studded dunes, where enormous ships are disappearing over the horizon. Or walk literally kilometres into the sea along one of the two piers. These 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. Continue on by water taxi ➎ from IJmuiden to Wijk aan Zee. The water taxi across the North Sea canal costs just 4 for a return ticket and also stops at Forteiland ➏ (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 may like to visit the Spaarnwoude recreational area (bus 82, Golfbaan stop). There are tons of activities including indoor skiing, paintballing and climbing. Bus 82 will take you back to Amsterdam. www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl

Wind, water, beach (full day) Looking for some action? Take bus 82 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 SUP or surf lessons at Seaside Sports or Hightide ➍. Then rent an electric bike at Dutch Pedelec Tours and explore this unique region in a unique manner. At the 'Noordpier' beach you can take water sport 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 74 from Beverwijk. www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl

Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station (platform 1) to Zandvoort aan Zee. The best way to explore the rolling Dutch dunes is on foot or by bike through the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park ➑. Bikes can be rented from the Zandvoort Tourist Information Centre (VVV) A or Behind The Beach Bike Rental (in the town centre). The magnificent dunes area is famed for its more than 200 different species of birds, rabbits, red deer, roe deer and large grazers such as cows, horses and the special bison known as Wisent. Besides the rich flora and fauna, the dunes are also home to numerous carefully preserved manorial estates. One of the most spectacular is Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate ➐ (45 mins by bike from Zandvoort). This estate is also easily accessible on foot from Santpoort Noord train station. 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). In fine weather, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic en route. End your day with a cold drink and a perfect sunset in one of the many trendy beach clubs in Zandvoort aan Zee or neighbouring Bloemendaal aan Zee. www.vvvzandvoort.com www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl

Discover the raw seaside beauty of IJmuiden aan Zee. ‘Wind water beach’ Only 30 minutes from Amsterdam (bus 82)

ide beauty Discover the raw seas of IJmuiden aan Zee

‘Wind Water Beach’ Amsterdam Only 30 minutes from

.nl More info: ijmuidenaanzee

➊ Zandvoorts Museum ➋ Bike rental (VVV Zandvoort) ➌ First Wave Surf School ➍ Wind- and water sports centres ➎ Watertaxi IJmuiden ➏ Forteiland IJmuiden (fortress island) ➐ Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate ➑ Entrance Kennemerduinen National Park

Wind Water Beach

Bubbling Beach

Amsterdam’s ‘Wind Water Beach’ is characterised by its raw beauty, from the rugged beach to the industrial port, with its formidable harbours and enormous lock system. The fresh wind from the North Sea ensures that Wind Water Beach is a haven for wind and water sports fans.

In summertime, sun-seekers flock to the wide expanses of sand at Zandvoort aan Zee and Bloemendaal aan Zee to bask on the beautiful golden beaches and visit the hip cafés, restaurants and trendy beach clubs overlooking the sea.

www.zandvoortsmuseum.nl

EC Sand Sculpture Festival 3 JULY - 1 NOVEMBER European sand sculptors compete in the European Championship Sand Sculpture Festival at several locations in Zandvoort aan Zee. Due to a special coating that weather proofs the sculptures, they can be admired until at least November.

Various locations, Zandvoort aan Zee www.vvvzandvoort.nl

Zandvoort aan Zee 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.

This charming coastal town is also home to the country’s first casino, the Holland Casino Zandvoort. A number of traditional markets are organised during the summer months.

Find the dates on www.vvvzandvoort.com.

From tranquil hiking routes to dramatic windswept hilltops with amazing views out over the coastline, the Dutch dune landscape is utterly unique.

IJmuiden aan Zee

Zandvoort Museum The home of art and history in Zandvoort, permanent exhibitions highlight the evolution of a poor fishing village into one of the North Sea’s most fashionable seaside resorts during the early 1900s. From 24 June, the exhibition Amsterdam Beach will explore the relationship between Amsterdam and Zandvoort. And during the Historic Grand Prix, the museum will dedicate a special exhibition to this event and the Circuit Park Zandvoort (26 August-25 September).

Dutch Dunes

IJmuiden has all you need for a day’s entertainment – and more. The rugged beach is perfect for wind and water sports, while IJmuiden Port is home to a multitude of fishing boats, yachts and vessels.

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. Strand 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.

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park Wijk aan Zee & Noordpier Beach Situated just four kilometres from the bustling town of Beverwijk (famous for its enormous flea market), Wijk aan Zee is a charming seaside village known for its strong sense of community. Wijk aan Zee’s beach and Noordpier beach, shared with IJmuiden, boasts great waves, and is 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’.

Get Active IJmuiden has plenty of sporty options, both in and out of the water.

SEASIDE SPORTS IJMUIDERSLAG www.seasidesports.nl

Nature-centred Recreation

HIGHTIDE SURF & FOOD IJMUIDERSLAG

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

Jutters mu-ZEE-um

Cycle or walk kilometres out to the sea on one of the two piers, check out the largest lock complex in Europe or marvel at the colossal ships coming in from the North Sea. Try your hand at fishing or enjoy fresh fish straight off the boats at the harbour’s many excellent restaurants.

The Jutters mu-ZEE-um (literally ‘mu-SEA-um’) exhibits often-surprising items that have washed up on the beach at Zandvoort, including messages in bottles sent from all around the world. It’s also home to five salt-water aquariums, particularly popular with children, which showcase the local sea life. A particularly attractive museum for young and old, with free entrance.

OZ LINES STRAND NOORDPIER www.ozlines.com

OUTSTANDING EVENTS STRAND NOORDPIER www.outstandingevents.nl

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 abounds in 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!

www.juttersmuseum.nl

The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, a glorious expanse of dunes of some 3,800 hectares, attracts two million visitors each year. Living here are over 200 different species of bird, red deer, rabbits, 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.

DUTCH PEDELEC TOURS www.dutchpedelectours.com

There are various marked footpaths throughout the dunes, ranging from 1 to more than 25 kilometres. 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.

Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen Open 10:00-17:00 Tue-Sun www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl

www.ijmuidenaanzee.nl

Beach Clubs With more than 30 vibrant beach clubs and pavilions, everyone can find the perfect spot to hang out and enjoy the sun with a cold drink. Have a groovy day at De Haven van Zandvoort – open 365 days a year – or relax at Safari Beach Club, which is laid-back and just a little rough around the edges.

Tip: Watertaxi IJmuiden 4 APRIL - 4 OCTOBER

Get Active

Travelling four times daily between IJmuiden and VelsenNorth, the water taxi costs just €4 for a return ticket and 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.

Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen

www.watertaxi-ijmuiden.nl

Circuit Park Zandvoort If relaxing on the beach or shopping till you drop isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of high-octane excitement at Circuit Park Zandvoort. Nestled amidst the dunes, each weekend it plays host to diverse (inter)national motorsport events. Don’t miss the DTM (10-12 July) or the Historic Grand Prix (28-30 August). On 2 September, the participants of the Historic Grand Prix will 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 auto lover. www.circuit-zandvoort.nl

Zandvoort has plenty of sporty options, both in and out of the water.

FIRST WAVE SURF SCHOOL Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons for young and old at this Australian beach bar.

Country Estates

www.firstwavesurfschool.nl

Fun for the whole family

BEHIND THE BEACH BIKE RENTALS Rent tandems, beach cruisers, picnic bikes, touring bikes with three or seven speeds, scooters, Segways and novelty bikes.

ZILT@SEA Bike rental, lockers and shower facilities.

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.

The Dutch dunes are full of beautifully preserved historical manorial estates, open to the public for fine or brasseriestyle 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.ziltatsea.nl

www.vvvijmuidenaanzee.nl

www.buitenplaatsbeeckestijn.nl.

www.behindthebeach.nl

To the south of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park lies another extraordinary nature reserve, the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen (water pipe dunes). Together with the water from the Rhine River, this area supplies drinking water to the residents of Amsterdam. Every Thursday a special Bunker Tour departs at 10:30. An expert will take you off the beaten track and tell you everything there is to know about these concrete giants from the Second World War. www.vvvzandvoort.nl TIP: bike rental and walking/cycling routes are available at regional Tourist Information Centres (VVV).

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