Velsen is shaped by its wide beaches, extensive dune areas and rugged harbours, as well as wooded country estates and green recreation areas. The coast, maritime history and cultural attractions give the municipality a variety of facets. When planning your trip, start with a simple question: would you like to focus on beaches and water sports, harbours and bunkers, or historic gardens and nature trails? Your interests can also be a good starting point when looking for a hotel in Velsen.
Coast and Harbour
At IJmuiden aan Zee beach, you can enjoy wind and water sports, including surfing, kitesurfing and land sailing. Five beach pavilions are open year-round; check the latest opening hours before your visit and observe the local beach zoning. Bus 382 runs directly from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station to the beach. As transport details can change, check the current timetable before travelling.
The 24-kilometre IJmuiden Rauw aan Zee cycling route runs along the beach, past the harbours and by the lock complex, which includes the world’s largest sea lock. The route crosses the Noordzeekanaal by ferry. Check the ferry service in advance if you are planning to take this route.
Bunkers, Museums and Harbour History
The BunkerMuseum IJmuiden presents the history of the Second World War, the area’s incorporation into the German Atlantic Wall and the role of the bunkers in coastal defence, in and around authentic bunkers. The museum comprises six fully furnished bunkers. Guided tours with an experienced guide include visits to Kustbatterij Heerenduin and Flakbatterij Olmen, among other sites. Tour options may vary; book before your trip.
The IJmuider Zee- en Havenmuseum covers the construction of the Noordzeekanaal, the locks and moles, as well as the subsequent development of IJmuiden and its maritime activities. Fishing, pilotage, salvage and towing are also among the topics. Old ship engines are run there on the last Saturday afternoon of every month; check the dates before your visit.
The Pieter Vermeulen Museum focuses on the nature of Kennemerland and the tensions between people, nature and the economy. The museum is the centre for nature and environmental education in the municipality of Velsen and also features temporary exhibitions with interactive, discovery-based activities. Check the current exhibition content before your visit.
Routes by Theme and Distance
The historic walking tour of Oud-IJmuiden is 5.5 kilometres long and passes 25 information boards featuring historical photographs. The 2.5-kilometre Bunker Route has a different focus: boards with QR codes provide background information about the defensive structures built by the Germans during the Second World War. At 30 kilometres, the Velserpad is longer and connects various town centres in Velsen; cultural and historical highlights and scenic spots lie along the way.
For a longer cycling tour, the IJmond Bunkers & Forts cycling route covers about 60 kilometres through IJmuiden, Beverwijk, Wijk aan Zee and Heemskerk. It explores history through Roman fortifications and the remains of the Stelling van Amsterdam and the Atlantic Wall. Some forts and bunkers along the route are open to visitors; individual sites may have their own visitor arrangements.
Historic Gardens and Nature Areas
Museumhuis Beeckestijn is an 18th-century country estate. Beside its geometrically designed French Baroque garden is an adjoining English landscape park with a more natural appearance. Buitenplaats Beeckestijn, including its buildings and the entire park forest, is a Rijksmonument, a Dutch national monument. A cultural and historical walking trail passes through formal ornamental gardens and shady park forests, with information about the estate’s history. The gardens are open to the public free of charge at all times; temporary local closures may occur.
The Ruïne van Brederode also tells the story of the region: in 1573, during the Spanish siege of Haarlem, it was finally reduced to ruins. High tea is served in the monumental former steward’s house and can be combined with a visit to the ruin; reservations are required.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a remarkable natural area between IJmuiden and Haarlem. Visitors can go for walks, cycle, ride horses and swim there. Most areas are free to access between sunrise and sunset, provided you stay on the paths. In Spaarnwoude Park, between Haarlem, Amsterdam and Velsen, walking and cycling routes pass through a typically Dutch wet meadow landscape. Rare livestock breeds are raised on a farm in the park.
Discover more destinations: Velsen-Zuid, Santpoort-Noord, Ijmuiden, Velsen-Noord, Driehuis, Hilversum, Waterland, Den Helder.
See the overarching travel guide: North Holland.
