Marked trails through dune landscapes, a historic fort and options for a getaway in the countryside give Beverwijk and Wijk aan Zee their distinct character. When planning a trip, you can choose between hiking, cycling, beach activities and cultural discoveries—and shape your days around your own interests.
Discover hiking trails and nature
Three marked hiking routes start at the De Rellen dune entrance. De Rellen is the southernmost entrance to the Noord-Hollands Duinreservaat. One of the routes described is Rondje Wijk aan Zee: this hiking route runs through the landscape around Wijk aan Zee, partly along sandy paths through high dunes and past historic sites. If you are looking for a walk on paved surfaces, Wijk aan Zee also has a separate route through the village centre. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. This village-centre loop is not described as part of Rondje Wijk aan Zee.
Aagtenpark lies on the green eastern edge of Beverwijk and is a publicly accessible nature and recreation area. You can walk and cycle here. Activities for sports and play, recreation and culture can also be organised there. These include small cultural events, outdoor performances and exhibitions in a natural setting; these are possibilities, not a promise of any particular programme. The park therefore combines exercise and relaxation with the option of cultural activities.
Beach and activities in Wijk aan Zee
Wijk aan Zee beach is a family beach. Possible activities there include surfing, parasailing and land sailing with a blowkart. Local restrictions may change; check the current conditions before your visit. The so-called Blauwe Loper allows wheelchair, mobility scooter and rollator users to get close to the sea. Beach conditions may affect whether and how it can be used.
The different trails and beach activities cater to different preferences: the dune routes pass through the landscape and by historic sites, while activities such as surfing and land sailing with a blowkart are possible at the beach. For a quieter walk, the paved route through the village centre is a good option. This lets you tailor your visit to your preferred focus without combining these activities into a single route.
Fort history and Kennemerland
The Muziekfort on Sint Aagtendijk is a provincial monument in Beverwijk. It served to defend Sint Aagtendijk and the Westkade of the Zuidwijkermeerpolder. The defensive earthwork was completed in 1895, and the bombproof building in 1899. The two dates mark different stages of construction. The Amsterdam Defence Line also illustrates the scale of this historic defensive landscape: the section in the Wijkermeerpolder includes four forts and part of the fortified dike between Beverwijk and the village of Krommenie.
Museum Kennemerland presents the history of Kennemerland through archaeological finds and stories from everyday life. The Kinheim carpets are also on display. In the first half of the 20th century, carpet weaving was known for its craftsmanship and innovative designs. Skilled women wove the large carpets in teams; some made their way to the Peace Palace, luxury ships and Soestdijk Palace, among other places. The museum is housed in a Rijksmonument dating from 1908, whose design draws on Dutch Classicism.
Cycling route, local history and more excursions
The Wijkermeerpolderroute follows the old sea dike towards Assendelft. There are two described options for the return journey: via Communicatieweg or along the North Sea Canal. When choosing the route, you can therefore follow the routes mentioned without assuming a walking or cycling time that has not been provided.
Local agriculture is also part of Beverwijk’s history: the city became known for its strawberries. At the beginning of the 20th century, millions of kilograms were exported to Germany and England. De Bazaar brings together shops, outlets, market stalls and food and drink venues, with goods and offerings from around the world; individual offerings may change. Animal Farm is on an island in Willem-Alexanderplantsoen in Beverwijk. Visitors can walk among the animals and plants there. Admission is free; check the current admission arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Wijk Aan Zee, Beverwijk, Heiloo, Muiden, Loenen, Graft-De Rijp, Langedijk, Harenkarspel.
For the regional travel overview: North Holland.
