Noordwijk, located on the Dutch coast in South Holland, is a charming seaside town with a rich history, beautiful nature and numerous attractions. From historic monuments and museums to natural wonders and family-friendly attractions, Noordwijk and the surrounding region offer something for everyone. In this blog, we will take you through the most interesting sights that should not be missed during your visit to Noordwijk.

1. Historical Sights

Noordwijk has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. This history is still visible in several historic landmarks.

a. Lighthouse of Noordwijk

Noordwijk’s lighthouse is an iconic landmark and a must-see for visitors.

• History: Built in 1921, the lighthouse has a long history of guiding ships along the coast of Noordwijk. It is an important historical monument representing the region’s maritime history.
• Visits: During the summer months, the lighthouse is regularly open to the public. A climb to the top offers stunning panoramic views of the sea and the hinterland.

b. Old Jeroen Church

The Oude Jeroenskerk is a historic church building that has an important place in the history of Noordwijk.

• History: The church, dedicated to St. Jeroen, dates from the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Noordwijk. The present Gothic building was completed in the 15th century.
• Visits: The church is regularly open to visitors and offers a quiet place for reflection and admiration of the historic architecture. The surrounding church cemetery is also worth exploring.

c. Museum Noordwijk

Museum Noordwijk is dedicated to the history and culture of Noordwijk and the surrounding region.

• Exhibitions: The museum offers a diverse collection of historical artifacts, paintings and documents illustrating the history of Noordwijk, from prehistory to modern times.
• Special Events: Museum Noordwijk regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, such as lectures and workshops, that delve deeper into specific aspects of local history and culture.

2. Natural Sights

Noordwijk and its surroundings offer beautiful natural landscapes ideal for exploration and relaxation.

a. The Beach of Noordwijk

Noordwijk beach is one of the region’s biggest attractions, with its vast sandy beaches and beautiful dunes.

• Activities: Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, hiking or beach volleyball. There are also several water sports options, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Beach pavilions: Along the beach you will find several beach pavilions where you can enjoy a drink or a meal overlooking the sea. Popular pavilions include Branding Beach Club and Tulum Tulum.

b. The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes

The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes is a vast nature reserve stretching from Noordwijk to Zandvoort.

• Hiking: The area offers numerous hiking trails that take you through a diverse landscape of dunes, forests and water features. It is an ideal area for a quiet walk in nature.
• Wildlife: Known for its large population of fallow deer, the area is also home to foxes, rabbits and numerous bird species. It is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

c. Keukenhof

The world-famous Keukenhof is a short distance from Noordwijk and is an absolute must-visit, especially in spring.

• Floral splendor: Keukenhof is known for its sprawling gardens filled with millions of blooming flowers, including tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. Open from March to May, the park attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
• Exhibitions: In addition to the beautiful outdoor spaces, Keukenhof also offers several indoor exhibitions and floral art that surprise and inspire visitors.

3. Family-friendly Sights.

Noordwijk has much to offer families with children, with plenty of fun and educational attractions.

a. Space Expo

Space Expo is the visitor center of ESA ESTEC, the technical heart of the European Space Agency.

• Exhibits: Explore the fascinating world of space exploration with interactive exhibits, scale models of spacecraft and real satellites. You can even take a look inside a life-size replica of the International Space Station ISS.
• Guided Tours: Space Expo offers guided tours and special activities for children, such as space workshops and educational programs.

b. Kagerplassen

The Kagerplassen, located near Noordwijk, are a beautiful water sports area ideal for families.

• Activities: Rent a boat or canoe and explore the lakes, enjoy fishing or go swimming. There are also several hiking and biking trails around the lakes.
• Picnicking: The Kagerplassen offer numerous scenic spots where you can picnic and enjoy nature.

c. Duinrell

Amusement and vacation park Duinrell is located a short distance from Noordwijk in Wassenaar and offers a day of fun for the whole family.

• Attractions: Duinrell has a wide range of attractions, from thrilling roller coasters and water slides to quiet merry-go-rounds and play equipment for the little ones.
• Tiki Pool: The Tiki Pool is one of the largest indoor water parks in Europe, with numerous slides and pools for all ages.

4. Culinary Sights

Food and drink are inseparable from a visit to Noordwijk. Discover the culinary side of the region with these attractions.

a. Fishing harbor Katwijk

The nearby fishing port of Katwijk offers an authentic fishing experience and delicious fresh seafood.

• Fish Auction: Visit Katwijk’s fish auction and see how the fresh catch of the day is traded. This is a unique opportunity to see the local fishing community in action.
• Restaurants: Enjoy the catch of the day at one of the many seafood restaurants along the coast. Try local specialties such as herring, kibbeling and fresh mussels.

b. Farm Shop The Animal Farm

Visit farm store De Dierenhoeve in Noordwijkerhout for a taste of the countryside.

• Fresh produce: The farm store offers a wide range of fresh, locally produced produce, including vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat.
• Activities: Besides shopping, you can also visit the farm, where children can watch and feed the animals. It is an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

c. Wine Farm Noordwijk

Wine lovers can visit Wijnboerderij Noordwijk, a unique winery in the region.

• Wine Tastings: Enjoy a tour of the vineyards and winery, followed by a tasting of locally produced wines. Learn more about the winemaking process and taste the different types of wine made here.
• Events: The winery regularly organizes events such as wine tastings, dinners and cultural evenings, offering a unique experience in a beautiful setting.

5. Arts and Culture

Noordwijk and its surroundings also offer numerous opportunities for art and culture lovers.

a. Atelier Vermeer

Atelier Vermeer is an art gallery and workshop where you can enjoy the work of local artists.

• Exhibitions: The gallery hosts regular exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and other works of art by local and regional artists.
• Workshops: Atelier Vermeer also offers workshops and courses for both beginners and advanced students, where you can discover and develop your own creativity.

b. LAM Museum

The LAM (Lisser Art Museum) in Lisse is an innovative art museum that focuses on the interaction between art and everyday experience.

• Exhibitions: The LAM offers a unique collection of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on works related to food and consumption.
• Interactive experiences: The museum is designed to actively engage visitors, with interactive installations and activities that invite reflection and dialogue.

c. Theater The Muse

Theater De Muze in Noordwijk is the cultural heart of the city, with a varied program of performances and events.

• Performances: Enjoy a wide range of performances, from plays and musicals to cabaret and concerts. There is always something interesting to