Discover Velsen-Zuid

Velsen-Zuid combines a protected historic town centre with the long history of the old village and the 18th-century country estate of Beeckestijn. You can focus your trip planning in several ways: explore local and church history, visit the gardens and parkland at Beeckestijn, or plan a cycling or walking route. The sights and routes each offer a different perspective.

Local history and Engelmunduskerk

The historic town centre of Velsen-Zuid is designated as a protected townscape. The history of the old village dates back at least to the founding of the first church in the 8th century AD. Engelmunduskerk is one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands. These details connect the area’s long history with the church’s historical significance. The village’s transformation is also part of its history: the construction and widening of the Noordzeekanaal divided the village at the time and reduced it to about half its former size.

Beeckestijn: museum house, gardens and parkland

Buitenplaats Beeckestijn is an 18th-century country estate. Visitors can tour the museum house and stroll through the strictly geometric gardens and romantic parkland. The contrast between the orderly garden designs and the romantic parkland offers different outdoor experiences; the museum house adds an indoor visit. If you are planning a visit, check the estate’s website beforehand.

A cultural-historical walking route passes through Buitenplaats Beeckestijn. Information boards explain the rich cultural history of the estate and its residents. The route is a practical choice if you would like to combine a walk with information about the estate’s history.

Walking and cycling routes

The information boards along the Velserpad walking route also cover historical topics. They provide information about the history of the village centres, country estates, landscape and local economy. By comparison, the boards on the Beeckestijn circular route focus on the history of the estate and its residents. The two routes therefore offer different thematic focuses.

The 24 km Fietsroute Beeckestijn starts in Velsen-Zuid and passes Buitenplaats Beeckestijn. The route’s length gives you a concrete point of reference when planning a cycle ride. Check the route details before setting off, as recommended for this route.

Ferry and event dates

On the Velsen-Zuid ferry, pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and other slow-moving traffic have priority and can travel for free. As ferry rules may change, check the latest information before travelling.

Jaarmarkt Velsen-Zuid is traditionally held on the last Saturday in September at Kerkplein, around Engelmunduskerk. The 2026 edition was listed for 26 September. If you are planning to attend a later edition, check the date for that event.

Raadhuis voor de Kunst is an initiative founded by visual artists in the old town hall of Velsen on Torenstraat in Velsen-Zuid. This adds an initiative from the visual arts to the historical connections of the village, church and country estate.

Discover more destinations: Velsen-Noord, Santpoort-Noord, Ijmuiden, Driehuis

Go to the main travel overview: Velsen.