Wassenaar Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and cultural customs of Wassenaar. This guide will give you an idea on how to plan your next trip to this beautiful city in the Netherlands.


Introduction to Wassenaar

Wassenaar is a charming town located in the Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region, in South Holland, in Western Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic nature reserves, and historical landmarks. The town is easily accessible by train, bus or car. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural adventure or an outdoor exploration, Wassenaar has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Wassenaar

Wassenaar offers a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here is a list of popular places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Royal Castle of Wassenaar is a 13th-century castle that was a residence of the Dutch royal family before they moved to The Hague. The castle is open to the public and exhibits a fine collection of furniture, art, and porcelain.

The Wassenaar Museum showcases the town’s history from the 17th century to the present day. Its collection includes paintings, documents, and historical objects that depict the life and culture of the region.

Natural Attractions of Wassenaar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Meijendel Nature Reserve is a vast dune area that stretches from Scheveningen to Wassenaar. It is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The reserve contains a variety of landscapes, including dunes, forests, and ponds. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, horse riding, and bird watching.

The Wassenaarse Slag Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The beach offers stunning views of the North Sea and is surrounded by dunes and nature reserves.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wassenaar

Wassenaar has many hiking and cycling trails that offer scenic views of the town and its surroundings. One of the popular routes is the Wassenaar Dune Route. This 12-kilometer trail takes you through the Meijendel Nature Reserve and offers spectacular views of the Dutch coastline.

Best Things to Do in Wassenaar: Activities and Tours

Wassenaar offers a range of activities and tours for visitors. Here are some popular ones:

  • Take a bicycle tour of the town and surrounding countryside
  • Visit the weekly Wassenaar market held every Tuesday to buy local produce and try some of the local delicacies.
  • Attend a concert or show at the Wassenaar Theater De Warenar.
  • Take a boat tour of the region’s canals and waterways.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wassenaar

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Wassenaar:

Day 1: Visit the Royal Castle of Wassenaar and the Wassenaar Museum

Day 2: Go hiking or cycling in the Meijendel Nature Reserve

Day 3: Spend a day at the Wassenaarse Slag Beach

Day 4: Explore the town on a guided tour and visit the Duinrell Amusement Park.

Day 5: Take a boat tour of the region’s canals and waterways.

Day 6: Visit The Hague and explore its attractions, including the Binnenhof and the Peace Palace.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the town’s cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Food and Drink Scene of Wassenaar

Wassenaar has a rich culinary history and offers a range of traditional and contemporary cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Herring (Haring)
  • Bitterballen (fried meatballs)
  • Poffertjes (mini pancakes)
  • Stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles)

Local Beverages

  • Dutch beer
  • Jenever (a juniper-flavored liquor)
  • Coffee

Where to Stay in Wassenaar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wassenaar has a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel-Restaurant Duinoord
  • Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Duinoord
  • Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden

What to Buy in Wassenaar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring back from Wassenaar include:

  • Delft Blue pottery
  • Cheese and cheese-related products
  • Stroopwafels
  • Dutch gin

Local Culture and Customs of Wassenaar

Wassenaar, like the rest of the Netherlands, is laid-back and easy-going. Some cultural customs include:

  • Being punctual
  • Shaking hands firmly
  • Saying “sorry” often, even for minor things
  • Removing your shoes before entering someone’s home

Best Time to Visit Wassenaar

The best time to visit Wassenaar is from April to September when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors should be aware that Wassenaar can be crowded during the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wassenaar

Do:

  • Be polite and respectful
  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Try local cuisine and beverages
  • Use public transportation

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places
  • Litter or damage public property
  • Be noisy in residential areas
  • Be late for appointments

Safety and Health

Safety in Wassenaar

Wassenaar is a safe town with low crime rates. Visitors should stay alert, especially in crowded areas and tourist attractions, and keep their belongings secure.

Health in Wassenaar

Wassenaar has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can receive medical treatment in the town’s hospitals and clinics.

Getting to Wassenaar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wassenaar

Rotterdam The Hague airport is the closest airport to Wassenaar. It is a 20-minute drive away, and there are direct flights from major European cities, including London, Paris, and Berlin.

Bus Stations Near Wassenaar

The Hague Central Station is the closest major bus station to Wassenaar. There are regular bus services from the station to Wassenaar.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Wassenaar by train or car from other major European cities.

How to Get Around in Wassenaar

Wassenaar is a small town, and most attractions can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Visitors can also use the town’s efficient public transportation, including buses and trams, to get around the region.

Where to Go Next from Wassenaar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Wassenaar is located in the South Holland region and is in close proximity to many popular Dutch cities, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

Conclusion

Wassenaar is a small but charming town in the Netherlands that offers a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, explore the town’s landmarks and museums, and sample delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Wassenaar is a great destination to consider.