Nestled in the famous bulb cultivation region of the Netherlands, Noordwijk is a charming town that’s popular for its North Sea beaches. It’s divided into two distinct parts - Noordwijk-aan-Zee, which is the beach resort area, and Noordwijk-Binnen, the town’s historic village that lies around two kilometres inland.
Things to do in Noordwijk
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Noordwijk-Binnen to admire its historic houses and churches, such as the Neo-Gothic St Jeroenskerk. For an insight into rural life in the region, visit the Museum Noordwijk, which occupies a 400-year-old farm in Noordwijk-aan-Zee. It features an impressive collection of locally-made pottery and paintings by artists who were inspired by the Bulb Region.
Another museum not to miss is the Atlantikwall Museum, which occupies a bunker complex that was constructed under Nazi occupation during World War II. Hear about life for the soldiers posted here and the 400 metres of tunnels that connect the bunkers, some of which boast outstanding views across the coast.
A highlight of visiting Noordwijk is relaxing on its beautiful beach, which features a family-friendly area and another section with more of a party atmosphere. There are several beach clubs and seafood restaurants backing the sand where you can grab a bite to eat and there’s a protected nature reserve encompassing the fragile dunes at its southern end.
Getting around Noordwijk
Noordwijk is around 35 minutes’ drive from the centre of Amsterdam and just 25 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Trains connect from Amsterdam to the Leiden railway station, from where buses continue the rest of the way to Noordwijk. Bicycles can be rented for exploring the area while both Noordwijk-aan-Zee and Noordwijk-Binnen are compact enough to navigate on foot.