Bergen Aan Zee: Beach, Dunes and Cultural History

Bergen Aan Zee offers several distinct sides: an approximately three-kilometre-long sandy beach, paths through a variety of landscapes, natural sites and buildings with histories of their own. When planning your trip, you could first consider whether the coast and dunes, a specific route, water sports or local history should take centre stage. These interests can be a helpful starting point when looking for a hotel in Bergen Aan Zee.

Beach and dune landscape

The sandy beach of Bergen Aan Zee is approximately three kilometres long, wide and gently sloping. It lies between the Schoorl dunes and the Noord-Hollands Duinreservaat. Bergen Aan Zee is located exactly on the boundary between calcareous and calcium-poor dune soils. Shifting dunes can be seen at several points in the dune area, including along Verspyckweg; the Engelse Veld is part of the Noord-Hollands Duinreservaat.

Natural sites can also be included in your trip plans. The Heemtuin by the Parnassia building showcases native flora and fauna and is open to visitors free of charge. The Parnassiapark is another place to go for a walk: visitors can enjoy a peaceful setting close to the sea. The beach, dune area and garden each offer a different impression of the coastal landscape.

Routes, water sports and aquarium

The Op de Kalkgrens route passes through the village, the forest, the dune area and along the beach. It is 5.7 kilometres long and starts and ends in front of the Zee Aquarium Bergen aan Zee. The Trekvogelpad, also known as Pieterpad-overdwars, is on a different scale: this 414-kilometre trail begins in Bergen Aan Zee, runs through the central Netherlands and ends in the east, in Enschede. The two trails therefore differ considerably in length and route.

On the coast, Surfschool Bergen aan Zee offers surfing lessons. Topics include currents, posture, safety and surfing rules. Stand-up paddleboarding is also available, with exercises in balancing and paddling, as well as trips out to sea. You can choose between a route through several types of landscape and activities on the water.

The Zee Aquarium Bergen aan Zee features themed areas covering the Amazon region, the Atlantic Ocean, tropical waters, the Mediterranean and the North Sea. The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible and has its own car park. These details apply to the aquarium itself. Bergen Aan Zee is easy to reach by bicycle, and there is ample bicycle parking at the beach entrances.

Two Jutter beach wheelchairs are available to borrow at Strandpaviljoen Zuid, by the main beach entrance. Check the latest details about borrowing and reservations before your trip. This lets you include this specific beach service in your plans without assuming the same accessibility at other places.

Buildings and local history

The Zeehuis dates from 1908 and was the first of three colony houses built in the then still young village of Bergen aan Zee. It is part of the Koloniehoek national heritage complex at Verspyckweg 3 to 7. This building is therefore connected with the early development of the village.

The histories of other places are also linked to specific years and people. Parnassiapark was laid out in 1911 in a natural dune valley, commissioned by Marie van Reenen-Völter. Visitors can take a walk there and enjoy a peaceful setting close to the sea. Construction of Landgoed Huize Glory on Russenduin began in 1916; the villa was built as a summer residence on the commission of August Janssen. The estate is situated on one of the highest dunes in Bergen Aan Zee and offers views towards the sea.

The Vredeskerkje in Bergen aan Zee was founded in 1918 on the initiative of M.A.D. van Reenen-Völter. Its stained-glass windows were made to designs by G.F. la Croix at Willem Bogtman's studio. Together with the Zeehuis and Landgoed Huize Glory, these buildings offer different insights into the history and architecture of the place.

Discover more destinations: Egmond Aan Zee, Egmond Aan Den Hoef, Schoorl, Groet, Bergen, Egmond-Binnen

Go to the main travel overview: Bergen.