Bergen aan Zee

Bergen aan Zee is one of the most renowned seaside resorts in North Holland, offering a handy blend of nature, art, and relaxation. Established in the early 20th century as a coastal extension of the inland village of Bergen, the town is uniquely situated atop high dunes, offering sweeping views of the North Sea. Its miles of sandy beaches are a magnet for sun seekers in summer and excellent for bracing walks in winter. A top attraction for families is the 'Zee Aquarium Bergen aan Zee,' featuring over 300 different fish species, including sharks and rays, along with popular seal presentations. Right behind the resort lie the 'Schoorlse Duinen,' the highest and widest dune area in the Netherlands, providing a paradise for hikers and cyclists with its extensive trail network. Culturally, the resort is closely tied to the neighboring artists' village of Bergen, which attracted many painters of the 'Bergen School' in the early 1900s. Many local villas reflect the distinct architectural styles of that era. Along the beach promenade, high-quality restaurants and cozy beach pavilions offer a relaxed atmosphere for dining with a sunset view. Arrival is easy by car or by bus from Alkmaar railway station. In peak season, parking at the beach is limited, so cycling from the surrounding area is a popular alternative. The best time to visit is from June to August for a classic beach holiday, or May for cycling through the blooming coastal landscape.

Nearby cities

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, world-famous for its historic canal network, world-class museums, and its liberal atmosphere.

Haarlem

Haarlem, the capital of the province of North Holland, is a picturesque city with a lot of historic charm, located just a few kilometers …

Zaanstad

Zaanstad is a municipality north of Amsterdam, known for its industrial heritage and distinctive green wooden houses.

Hoofddorp

Hoofddorp is the main town of the Haarlemmermeer municipality, located in a reclaimed polder.

Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a charming historic city in North Holland, known worldwide for its traditional cheese market, which is held weekly in summer.

Purmerend

Purmerend is a city in North Holland that became known as a historic market town.

Hoorn

A historic harbor city on the Markermeer lake, renowned for its rich Dutch Golden Age past and beautifully preserved 17th-century archite…

Den Helder

Den Helder is located at the northern tip of North Holland and is the main naval base of the Netherlands.

Heemskerk

Heemskerk is located in the province of North Holland.

IJmuiden

IJmuiden, the port of Amsterdam, is famous for its huge sea locks, wide North Sea beach, and raw, industrial atmosphere.

Diemen

A charming town near Amsterdam, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to the vibrant metropolis.

Heiloo

Heiloo is located in the province of North Holland.

Hillegom

Hillegom is a charming town in the heart of the Dutch Flower-bulb region, famous for its colorful flower fields and proximity to the Keuk…

Zandvoort

Often referred to as Amsterdam Beach, Zandvoort offers wide sandy beaches, impressive dunes, and a famous Formula 1 racing circuit.

Mijdrecht

Experience the Green Heart of Holland in Mijdrecht, a vibrant town close to the Vinkeveen lakes, ideal for water sports, cycling, and exp…

History & landmarks

Volendam

A world-famous fishing village on the Markermeer, known for its traditional costumes, picturesque harbor, and smoked eel.

Enkhuizen

A historic port city on the IJsselmeer, famous for its rich maritime heritage and the open-air Zuiderzee Museum.

Monnickendam

A charming small town featuring significant historic buildings and a traditional carillon tower in the heart of North Holland.

Marken

A former island in the Markermeer with characteristic wooden houses on stilts and the iconic 'Paard van Marken' lighthouse.

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a beautiful dune landscape on the North Sea coast near Haarlem.

Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans near Amsterdam is a living open-air museum that has perfectly preserved Dutch life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

More places

Schoorl Dunes

The Schoorl Dunes are the highest and widest dune area in the Netherlands.

Schoorlse Duinen

The widest and highest dunes in the Netherlands.

Kennemer Duinen

This dune area near Haarlem includes shifting dunes, forests, and dune valleys.

Duin- en Kruidberg

Duin- en Kruidberg is a hilly dune area in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.

Port of Zaandam

The Port of Zaandam is located in the Zaan region.

Haarlemmerliede Ridges

The Haarlemmerliede Ridges are slightly elevated landscape structures.

St. Bavo Church Haarlem

The St.