Zandvoort Travel Guide
Explore Zandvoort, Netherlands with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, and more!
- Introduction to Zandvoort
- List of Places to Visit in Zandvoort
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Zandvoort
- Best Things to Do in Zandvoort: Activities and Tours
- Surfing
- Bloemendaal aan Zee
- Week-Long Itinerary for Zandvoort
- Food and Drink Scene of Zandvoort
- Where to Stay in Zandvoort: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Zandvoort: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Cheese
- Wooden Shoes
- Local Culture and Customs of Zandvoort
- Best Time to Visit Zandvoort
- Do’s and Don’ts of Zandvoort
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Zandvoort: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Zandvoort
- Where to Go Next from Zandvoort: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Amsterdam
- Haarlem
- Conclusion
Introduction to Zandvoort
Nestled in the North Holland province of Western Netherlands, Zandvoort is a stunning coastal town renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque dunes, and vibrant nightlife scene. The town is packed with fascinating cultural attractions, outdoor activities, vibrant food scenes, and unique shopping opportunities. The town is popular among tourists looking for a serene escape from hectic daily life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from beautiful natural attractions and culturally significant sites to the best places to stay, local culture, and traditions, the best time to visit, and so much more.
List of Places to Visit in Zandvoort
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Zandvoorts Museum
The Zandvoorts Museum is a treasure trove of history dedicated to showcasing the rich past of the town. The museum boasts an impressive collection of art, photographs, and artefacts that detail the town’s history and its people. Additionally, it features a replica of a local fisherman’s abode, making it an ideal place to explore the town’s rich maritime legacy.
Circuit Park Zandvoort
Famous for hosting the Dutch Grand Prix and other significant motorsports events, Circuit Park Zandvoort is a must-see attraction in Zandvoort. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a Formula 1 high-profile race while in town.
Natural Attractions of Zandvoort: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Zandvoort Beach
Zandvoort beach is, without a doubt, the premier attraction of the town. Its extensive stretch of sandy shores is perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and swimming. Apart from beach activities, you can take part in a range of water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
Kennemer Dunes National Park
If you’re looking for pristine natural scenery and outdoor adventure, head to the Kennemer Dunes National Park. The park covers a massive area of dunes, woodland, and heaths, ideal for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Zandvoort
Zandvoort boasts some of the best hiking and biking routes in the Netherlands. Here are some of our favourites:
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Zandvoort Dunes Trail: A 10-kilometre trail that takes you through the heart of the dunes, offering spectacular views of the sea.
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Bloemendaal to Zandvoort Hike: An easy, 7-kilometre trek that follows the coastline and passes through the dune region.
Best Things to Do in Zandvoort: Activities and Tours
Surfing
Zandvoort’s sandy beaches and favourable weather make it the ideal destination for budding surfers. Join a surfing tour to learn the tip and tricks of riding the waves.
Bloemendaal aan Zee
A name to reckon with in the Netherlands, Bloemendaal aan Zee is one of the best places to explore a rich night-time culture in Zandvoort. From partying to some of the best electronic music to spectacular food, the place has all that you want.
Week-Long Itinerary for Zandvoort
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Zandvoorts Museum and the replica of a fisherman’s abode |
| 2 | Explore Circuit Park Zandvoort |
| 3 | Enjoy water sports at Zandvoort Beach |
| 4 | Go hiking at Kennemer Dunes National Park |
| 5 | Take a surfing lesson |
| 6 | Enjoy the nightlife at Bloemendaal aan Zee |
| 7 | Shop for souvenirs in the local markets |
Food and Drink Scene of Zandvoort
Must-Try Dishes
Haring
Haring, or Dutch herring, is one of the must-try dishes in Zandvoort. Prepared with salt and vinegar, the dish has a sharp, tangy flavour.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen is a popular Dutch snack made from a mixture of beef and flour that is rolled into small balls and fried until crispy on the outside and stuffed with a creamy filling.
Local Beverages
Jenever
Jenever, Dutch gin, is a popular alcoholic beverage in Zandvoort. The gin is made from malted grain, distilled to plant material, flavoured with juniper berries and herbs, and finally aged in oak barrels.
Heineken
One of the most famous Dutch beers worldwide, Heineken, is widely available throughout Zandvoort.
Where to Stay in Zandvoort: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Beachhotel Zandvoort by Center Parcs
Beachhotel Zandvoort by Center Parcs is an excellent choice for oceanfront lodging. The hotel is only two minutes from the beach with unobstructed sea views and comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and fully-furnished balconies.
Hotel Keur
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in Zandvoort, Hotel Keur is a perfect option. The hotel is ideally located in the town center, and it comes with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, private baths, and an on-site restaurant.
What to Buy in Zandvoort: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Cheese
Cheese is one of the culinary pride of the Netherlands, and Zandvoort allows visitors to get their hands on authentic Dutch cheese. Gouda, Edam, and Maasdammer cheese are some of the popular kinds to try in Zandvoort.
Wooden Shoes
Traditional Dutch wooden shoes, or clogs, are an iconic souvenir for travelers to bring home. Polished and refined, the clogs come in different sizes, colours and patterns.
Local Culture and Customs of Zandvoort
Zandvoort has a rich cultural heritage, and its inhabitants take great pride in their traditions. One of the more relaxed customs in Zandvoort is to greet locals with a friendly nod, and everyone is polite and friendly.
Best Time to Visit Zandvoort
The best time to visit Zandvoort is from May to September, during the summer months. This is when the weather is most favourable for outdoor activities, and the town is at its liveliest.
Do’s and Don’ts of Zandvoort
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and occasion.
- Try out a local beer or dish, or both!
Don’t:
- Litter anywhere in the town, the Netherlands has strict laws regarding decent conducts towards the town environment.
- Use your mobile phone while cycling.
- Talk loudly on public transport; it can be considered disruptive and disrespectful.
Safety and Health
Safety in Zandvoort
The town is relatively safe, but it’s advisable to remain vigilant at all times, particularly in crowded tourist markets. It is also advisable to respect the traffic laws and use pedestrian crossings where possible.
Health in Zandvoort
The town has several medical centres with qualified doctors and nurses. However, it’s recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to cover any medical needs that may arise.
Getting to Zandvoort: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Zandvoort
The nearest commercial airport is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, which offers direct flights to multiple international destinations. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Amsterdam Central Station and then board another train to Zandvoort, which roughly takes 30 minutes.
Bus Stations Near Zandvoort
Several buses travel daily to Zandvoort from Haarlem and nearby towns, connecting the town to the rest of the Netherlands.
Other Options:
If you plan to stay in Zandvoort, you can easily rent a bicycle or scooter to get around places in town. It’s an affordable, efficient and environment-friendly option.
How to Get Around in Zandvoort
Zandvoort is a relatively small town, and it makes travelling to various locations in town easy and convenient. Visitors can easily take public transport or rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the town.
Where to Go Next from Zandvoort: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the Netherlands capital, is home to iconic attractions like Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The city is a mere 30-minute train ride away from Zandvoort, making it a perfect day trip.
Haarlem
A beautiful medieval town located close to Zandvoort, Haarlem is famous for its stunning architecture, excellent museums, and vibrant food scene.
Conclusion
That concludes our comprehensive guide to Zandvoort. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a culture vulture, or a party animal, Zandvoort has something for everyone. With its picturesque landscape, warm hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s no surprise why this Dutch coastal town is such a popular tourist destination.
