A weekend away in the Netherlands: Egmond

Netherlands

A weekend away in the Netherlands: Egmond

Egmond, on the North Holland coast, is a destination many people know for its location by the sea, but did you know that Egmond consists of three separate villages? Egmond aan Zee, Egmond aan den Hoef and Egmond-Binnen each have their own character and charm. Whether you love wide beaches, historic sights or quiet walks through picturesque streets, Egmond has plenty to offer. In this blog I take you past the unique features of all the villages, so you can make the most of exploring this interesting region.

Beach

Egmond is known for its beautiful beach and vast dune area, but did you know that Egmond has seven beach entrances in total? Six of them are in Egmond aan Zee, while one is in Egmond-Binnen. For the active types among us, a visit to the beach entrance at Egmond-Binnen is highly recommended. You reach it on a lovely bike ride or walk through the dunes, crossing three dune valleys before you get to the beach. The beach at Egmond-Binnen is wonderfully quiet all year round, ideal for anyone looking for a bit more privacy and nature.

Egmond aan Zee has several beach entrances, each with its own charm. Two are in the south of the village, one is in the centre right next to the shopping street, and the other three are along the promenade. At the southernmost beach entrance you can book all kinds of fun activities, such as SUP, surfing and kitesurfing at Backyards, a popular spot for water sports lovers. In the summer months the beach of Egmond aan Zee is a lovely place to spend time, and you can rent sunbeds and windbreaks. It is always pleasantly busy, with people enjoying the sun and the beach, and it is the perfect place to relax or be active.

Walking

Egmond offers plenty of opportunities for a lovely walk or bike ride along the beach and through the dunes. It is not unusual to come across Highland cattle, wild horses, rabbits and foxes on your way through the dunes! There are several walking routes you can follow, marked with colourful posts, that lead you past the most beautiful spots. In the dunes you will also come across the vegetable gardens of local residents, which gives the area a personal touch.

The Egmond dunes are part of the North Holland Dune Reserve, one of the largest and most impressive dune areas in the Netherlands. This 20-kilometre-long nature reserve stretches from Wijk aan Zee to the Schoorl Dunes and offers countless options for walkers and cyclists. There is plenty of dune landscape to fully immerse yourself in nature.

If you prefer walking through the polder, the Monnikenpad (Monks' Path) is a great choice. This walking route of about 9 km takes you through picturesque Egmond and past historic places such as the abbey of Egmond-Binnen, the Adelbertusakker and the old little harbour of Egmond. The path winds along towpaths, old dykes and canals and offers a beautiful view of rural Egmond. Want to explore even further? Then follow the Derper route or the Hoever route, which connect to the Monnikenpad and show you even more of the area. Especially beautiful in April, when the tulip fields are in bloom!

Lighthouse in Egmond aan Zee

In the centre of Egmond aan Zee stands the iconic Van Speijk lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1834 by Jan Valk, together with a second lighthouse in the area. The second lighthouse, however, was demolished in 1915 because it became redundant after the construction of the North Sea Canal at IJmuiden. The Van Speijk lighthouse can only be visited inside in July and August, on Friday evenings. Next to the lighthouse is a small dune area where you can take a short walk and beautiful photos of the lighthouse. There is plenty of parking around the lighthouse, which makes it easy to visit this sight.

St. Adalbert's Abbey in Egmond-Binnen

In picturesque Egmond-Binnen you will find St. Adalbert's Abbey (Sint Adelbertabdij), the oldest abbey in the Netherlands. In 1573 the abbey was set on fire by the troops of Diederik Sonoy to prevent the Spanish from capturing this strategically located spot. After the First World War, a Catholic politician campaigned for the abbey to be re-established, successfully. It is best to visit the abbey from Tuesday to Saturday, because the abbey shop and museum are open then. In the shop you can buy all kinds of local products, such as Sancti Adalberti beer, cheese, candles, jam and honey. The museum gives you a fascinating look at the history of the abbey. The abbey also has a beautiful garden with a butterfly garden and an orchard, where you can enjoy a lovely walk. The abbey is easy to reach by car and there is plenty of parking.

Castle chapel and castle ruins in Egmond aan den Hoef

In the centre of Egmond aan den Hoef you will find the impressive ruins of an old castle. In 1203 Wouter van Egmont had a ring fort built, which served as a refuge castle. His son, Willem I van Egmont, built the castle chapel (Slotkapel) next to the fort in 1227. After the fort was destroyed in 1321, Jan I van Egmont rebuilt the castle. Later, in the fifteenth century, Jan III van Egmont, the first count of Egmond, extended the castle with four round towers and an imposing gatehouse. Both the castle and the abbey were set on fire in 1573 on the orders of William of Orange. In 1832 the castle, also known as Slot op den Hoef, was demolished, but the remains can still be visited. The castle chapel is only accessible during church or cultural gatherings, but you can explore the garden and the cemetery. The ruins are always open to visitors and you can easily park for free or take the bus from Alkmaar.

Alpaca Eco Farm

For a while now, Egmond has had a successful Alpaca Eco Farm, where you can enjoy nature and these charming animals in a unique way. Here you can take the alpacas for a walk, whether around the farm, through the woods or even on the beach. It is a great way to relax and at the same time get to know these friendly animals better in their natural environment.

A particularly fun experience is booking a high tea, where you enjoy delicious treats while the alpacas graze around you. It almost sounds too good to be true! And if you would rather not just watch the animals while you enjoy your high tea, you can also choose a ‘Feed & Greet’ package. This gives you the chance to feed the alpacas yourself and build a special bond with them.

The Alpaca Eco Farm offers a relaxing and unique experience for young and old, whether you come for the walks, the high tea or simply to enjoy nature and the animals in peace. It is a perfect day out for animal lovers or for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while.

Brouwerij Egmond

Fancy a nice craft beer? Then Egmond is definitely a destination to discover! Since 2009, the Sancti Adalberti abbey beer has been brewed here, an authentic beer with a rich flavour that has its origins in the centuries-old tradition of the abbey of Egmond. In 2018, Brouwerij Egmond opened in Egmond aan den Hoef, a local brewery known for its craft beers and its combination of passion for the trade and respect for tradition.

The brewery is open to visitors, and you can join an interesting guided tour. During the tour you learn all about the brewing process, the history of the beer and the ingredients that give the Sancti Adalberti beers their unique taste. After the tour you can of course enjoy a tasting of the different beers the brewery has to offer. It is a perfect opportunity to discover some new flavours and learn more about the craft of brewing.

Close to the brewery is an atmospheric tasting room with a large terrace, where you can sit and enjoy a nice beer outdoors. The terrace offers a beautiful view and is the ideal place to end a lovely day with a locally brewed beer in hand, whether you are a real beer lover or just looking for a fun activity during your stay in Egmond.

Bunker Museum Jansje Schong

At the last beach entrance on the promenade of Egmond aan Zee you will find the entrance to the Bunker Museum Jansje Schong, a unique place that takes you back to the Second World War and the history of the Atlantic Wall. The Atlantic Wall was a line of defence built by German troops along the west coast of Europe, from Norway to France. In the museum you discover remains of these fortifications, including bunkers that are still visible in the landscape of Egmond aan Zee.

The Bunker Museum offers not only a look at military history, but also at the daily life of ordinary people in Egmond during 1940-1945. It tells the moving stories of the inhabitants of Egmond and their experiences during the war years. You learn more about the large-scale evacuation of the residents, the shelling from the sea and the impact of the German occupation on the region. The museum has a rich collection of photos, documents and objects from the war years, which give you a good insight into the struggle and daily life at the time.

Besides the historical context, the museum also offers a place to reflect on the consequences of the war for the region and the world. The museum is open in the summer months, on Sundays. This makes it an excellent activity for those interested in the history of the Second World War who want to understand how it also affected life in Egmond. The museum is a valuable stop for history lovers and for anyone who wants to know more about the impact of the war on this charming coastal village.

Shopping

In Egmond aan Zee you will find the lively Voorstraat, a long shopping street that forms the heart of the village. This street offers a varied range of shops, perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping. Here you can find all kinds of fun knick-knacks for the home, unique souvenirs and clothing shops with a mix of fashion for both locals and tourists. There are also several cosy cafés and bakeries where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious treat. It is the ideal place to stop for a while and enjoy the atmosphere of the village.

Every Thursday morning there is also a pleasant little market on the Emmaplein, where local businesses offer stalls with fresh produce, flowers and handcrafted items. It is a fun way to explore the village and enjoy local products. In the summer months the Voorstraat is extra lively, with a street fair every Wednesday evening where you can browse stalls with all kinds of items, from handmade jewellery to clothing and accessories. It is a great way to spend an evening in Egmond aan Zee, with the smell of freshly baked waffles in the air and live music completing the atmosphere.

Looking for even more shopping? Alkmaar, just 10 kilometres from Egmond aan Zee, offers a bigger range of shops and boutiques. The historic centre of Alkmaar is perfect for a shopping day, with charming streets and big shopping streets where you can find both large chains and unique boutiques. In Alkmaar you can also visit the famous cheese market and enjoy the city's rich history, ideal for a day out.

Restaurants

Egmond has an abundance of cosy restaurants and places to eat, with something for every taste. If you fancy a delicious meal with refreshing cocktails, Comer is an excellent choice. For a good piece of meat or a tasty vegetarian meal, Restaurant Natuurlijk is the place to be. Want to dine with a view of the sea? Then Nautilus is the perfect spot. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view and tasty dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Would you rather dine in the middle of nature? Then be sure to go to Gasterij Het Woud or Nieuw-Westert, where you can enjoy good food in green surroundings. Fish lovers will be in their element at Vis aan Zee, a restaurant that feels perfectly at home in this fishing village. For an Italian meal, Rosaria's is the right address, and you can also get delicious Italian gelato there for a sweet end to your meal.

For a fun beach experience, go to Backyards, the best beach bar in Egmond, where you can enjoy a snack and a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Evi Beach is also recommended if you like beach bars, with a nice ambience and delicious dishes.

If you want a quick snack, there are no fewer than seven snack bars in Egmond, so there is always somewhere nearby to satisfy your hunger. And if you fancy something sweet, stop at the best ice cream parlour in the region, Pravesani IJssalon, where you can enjoy delicious artisanal ice cream in all kinds of flavours. The ice cream is made on the premises!

From the beach to the centre, Egmond has something for everyone and you can always find a tasty meal or a refreshment.

Where to stay?

In Egmond you will find a wide variety of accommodation. There are several hotels in Egmond aan Zee; for the nicest hotels, take a look at hotelinegmond.nl. But did you also know that almost every resident of Egmond aan Zee has a summer house in their back garden that is rented out to tourists? These summer houses come with a complete kitchen, bathroom and several bedrooms. Take a look at this summer house, for example. Besides summer houses, there are also apartments, B&Bs, studios, mobile homes, nature cabins, holiday homes and group accommodation for rent throughout Egmond, or you can camp at Kustpark Landal Egmond aan Zee. For more accommodation in Egmond, check out this website.

Egmond is the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend away or a longer holiday. Let yourself be welcomed by the warmth of the local people and the beauty of the landscape, and experience for yourself why this unique village has so much to offer.

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