Beverwijk: Trails, Culture and History

On Beverwijk’s green eastern edge lies Aagtenpark, a publicly accessible natural area for walks and bike rides. If you’re planning a hotel stay, you can first consider whether nature trails, culture or history will shape your travel plans. The places described here offer very different reasons to explore the landscape and regional heritage.

Nature, Dunes and Trails

At Aagtenpark, you can walk and cycle. The park also offers opportunities to organise activities for sports and games, as well as recreation and culture. These include small cultural events, outdoor performances and exhibitions in a natural setting; specific programmes may vary. The park is therefore a place not only for exercise, but also for potential cultural experiences in the green surroundings.

In Wijk aan Zee, De Rellen is the southernmost entrance to the Noord-Hollands Duinreservaat. Three waymarked walking routes start at the dune entrance. One is Rondje Wijk aan Zee: the route leads through the landscape around the village, partly along sandy paths through high dunes, through nature and past historic sites.

For a different perspective on Wijk aan Zee, there is a walk along paved paths through the village centre, accessible to people with limited mobility. The beach is a family beach; activities there include surfing, parasailing and blowkarting. The so-called Blauwe Loper enables people using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or rollator to get close to the sea. Beach conditions may affect access, so it’s a good idea to check the situation before your visit.

Fortress History and Regional Culture

Muziekfort on Sint Aagtendijk is a provincial monument in Beverwijk. It served to defend Sint Aagtendijk and the western quay of Zuidwijkermeerpolder. Its construction history includes two notable dates: the defensive earthwork was completed in 1895, and the bombproof building in 1899.

Another historic site is the section of the Amsterdam Defence Line in Wijkermeerpolder. It comprises four forts and part of the fortified dike between Beverwijk and the village of Krommenie.

Museum Kennemerland presents the history of Kennemerland through archaeological finds and stories from everyday life. The Kinheim carpets are also on display. In the first half of the 20th century, carpet weaving was known for its craftsmanship and innovative designs. Teams of skilled women hand-knotted large carpets; some were sent to places including the Peace Palace, luxury ships and Soestdijk Palace. The museum is housed in a Rijksmonument dating from 1908, whose design draws on Dutch Classicism.

Local Traditions and Experiences

The history of strawberries is also part of Beverwijk’s story: the town became known for its strawberries. At the beginning of the 20th century, millions of kilograms of the fruit were exported to Germany and England. This historic tradition reveals a different side of the destination from its dune trails and monuments.

De Bazaar brings together shops, outlets, market stalls and places to eat, with goods and offerings from around the world. As individual offerings may change, it’s worth keeping your interests in mind when planning. Animal Farm, meanwhile, is located on an island in Willem-Alexanderplantsoen in Beverwijk. Visitors can walk among the animals and plants; admission is free. Check the current admission arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Wijk Aan Zee, Beverwijk, Huizen, Purmerend, Langedijk, Weesp, Den Helder, Bussum.

Go to the main travel overview: North Holland.