KittyBergen aan Zee is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in Holland, especially if you’re planning to enjoy a summer vacation at the North Sea. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with the whole family, Bergen aan Zee is a great destination for beach goers and active vacationers. Located on the North Sea, in the province of North Holland, Bergen aan Zee offers beautiful sandy beaches and impressive dunes. No matter what you enjoy, relaxing on the beach, water sports or hiking, there is a lot to discover in and around Bergen aan Zee!
Contents
Beach in Bergen aan Zee
Sun and beach are naturally at the top of the list of activities in Bergen aan Zee. Are you planning a relaxing beach vacation, alone, with friends or family? Then you will love Bergen aan Zee! Even in high season, you will always find enough space on the beach to create your own relaxation zone. You can either rent one of the comfortable beach chairs or lie down with your towel directly on the fine sand. From the center of Bergen aan Zee or from one of the many hotels in Bergen aan Zee you’ll only be a short walk from the wide, sandy beach.
Do you enjoy walks on the beach? Then head north to Hargen aan Zee about 6 km away. Alternatively, to the south is Egmond aan Zee, also a popular and well-known vacation resort.
Activities in Bergen aan Zee
Fancy a small walk after a long day at the beach? Explore the idyllic village center of Bergen aan Zee on foot. There are numerous small shops, bars and restaurants to end the day. When exploring the village, allow about 1 – 1.5 hours. If you’ve some more time for a long walk or sightseeing in the area, these are our top 3 suggestions.
#1 Hiking in the Dunes
Bergen aan Zee is known for its expansive sand dunes. These are located in the northeast direction of the seaside resort, near Bergen Binnen. The best place to park your car is at the parking lot PWN Uilenvangersweg. This is where many walks through the dunes begin.
The longest route is the Heidepadroute (12.17 km, about 2.5 – 3 hours), which takes you through the Bergerbos around the dune landscapes of Bergen. If you want a shorter hike, you can choose the route Rondje Uilenvanger (3 km, about 30 minutes) or the route De Vlakken (6 km, about 1 hour). All three walks start and end at the Uilenvangersweg (marked with the number 79). The routes through the dunes are very well signposted and dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.
#2 Aquarium
If the weather doesn’t play along or you don’t feel like walking a lot, the aquarium is a great indoor option. In 44 different tanks, you can look for the various fish romping in the waters. An educational pleasure for the whole family!
#3 Art and Handicraft Market
Bergen has been an artists’ village since the beginning of the 20th century. The tranquility and vastness of the landscape has inspired many artists. During the summer months, Bergen hosts the famous art and craft markets. Furthermore, every October, more than 250 artists exhibit their work at the Kunst10daagse.
How to Get There
Bergen aan Zee is located directly on the North Sea, about 10 km from Alkmaar and 50 km northwest of Amsterdam. The best way to get to Bergen aan Zee is by car. There are also several bus connections, with bus stops throughout the city as well as near the beach.
Parking
There is ample parking space near the beach and dune entrances. The following applies to parking in Bergen aan Zee: between 1st March and 31st October, paid parking applies between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. (rate: €1.90 / hour, max. daily rate: €10). During the winter months, from 1st November to 29th February, parking is free of charge. At the parking lot PWN Uitlenvangerweg you can park for free all year round.
In the Area
Only 10 km from Bergen aan Zee is the famous cheese town Alkmaar. During the summer months, don’t miss the famous cheese market on Fridays as well as a visit to the cheese museum! Alkmaar is also great for shopping and walks. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront through the narrow streets and enjoy the historic houses. A 45-minute boat trip through the ramified canals is also a wonderful experience.
If you have already visited Alkmaar, you should not miss Haarlem. You’ll find countless canals, windmills and a lively city center.
