Two historic buildings in Groet point to the same year, but not the same event: for the Witte Kerkje, 1639 is the year it began being used; for the Raadhuisje, it is the year it was built. This distinction is a helpful introduction to the town’s history. Together with exhibitions at the Witte Kerkje and a distinctive feature in the town hall’s cellar, the buildings offer several specific points of interest for a culture-focused stay.

Church, Town Hall and Windmill

The Witte Kerkje began being used in 1639, replacing the original parish church from the early 15th century. It has been recognized and protected as a Rijksmonument since 1972. Exhibitions are also held at the Witte Kerkje. As the program may change, check in advance whether the exhibition you would like to see is currently on. This makes it possible to distinguish the church’s historical significance from its changing exhibition program.

The Raadhuisje Groet is a modest, rectangular building dating from 1639. It is considered the smallest town hall in the Netherlands and measures 6.75 by 4.25 meters. Its rectangular shape and precise dimensions make its compact form easy to appreciate. The cellar housed a prison cell. This connects the small town hall’s former function with another specific chapter in its history.

The Groetermolen is located near the destination. It is now a private residence and is therefore not open to visitors. However, it opens to the public on special open days, when its operation and historical background are explained. If the windmill is important to your stay, take this limited access into account when planning.

Walking, Cycling and Free Movement

From the Hargen-Groet dune entrance in Groet, you can take a circular walk around the Pirolavallei. Both a specific starting point and the destination area of the loop are named here. The red Duintoppentocht route is another clearly defined walk: it is 23 kilometers long, follows the highest dune tops in the Schoorlse Duinen dune area, and offers viewpoints along the way. The route length is a specific planning factor. As markings and conditions may change, check them before setting out.

The “De groeten uit Groet” cycling route passes through the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. Check route conditions and access requirements before setting off. The routes mentioned also differ in what matters for planning: the starting point is specified for the walking loop, the length for the Duintoppentocht, and the route through the reserve for the cycling route.

The Groeterzandgat offers a different kind of activity: in this play area, you can run, climb and scramble freely. Rather than following a clearly described route, the focus here is on moving freely around the area. This lets you choose between a walk, a cycling route and a play area without turning them into a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Schoorl, Egmond Aan Den Hoef, Bergen, Egmond Aan Zee, Egmond-Binnen, Bergen Aan Zee.

Go to the main travel overview: Bergen.