Kijkduin Beach | The Hague

Kijkduin Beach (Strand Kijkduin) is the secondary seaside resort of The Hague, located on the city’s southwest coast. It is characterized by a more tranquil, family-oriented environment compared to the larger Scheveningen resort.

Visual Characteristics

The area features a wide, sandy beach bordered by an expansive dune landscape. The sand is fine-textured and light-colored. The dunes are stabilized by marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) and sea buckthorn, creating a rugged, natural backdrop. To the south lies the Sand Motor, a massive hook-shaped artificial peninsula that continuously reshapes the coastline through natural wind and current action.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Strandslag 12, 2554 GH Den Haag.

Public Transport: From Den Haag Centraal or Laan van NOI, take Bus 24 (direction Kijkduin). From Moerwijk station, take Bus 26.

Parking: Free parking is available along the Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan, Deltaplein, and surrounding areas.

Cycling: A major underground bicycle shed is located at the boulevard with space for 500 bikes (guarded and free).

Historical & Ecological Origin

Developed in the late 19th century, Kijkduin originated as a bathing resort at the narrowest point of the dunes. In 2011, the Sand Motor (Zandmotor) was constructed as a "Building with Nature" experiment. This 128-hectare peninsula made of 21.5 million cubic meters of sand was designed to strengthen the coast naturally over 20 years, creating new habitats for benthic animals and coastal birds such as the Sandwich Tern.

Activities

Watersports: The Sand Motor lagoon is a premier location for kitesurfing due to its shallow, flat water.

Hiking & Cycling: Extensive trails run through the Westduinpark and Solleveld dunes.

Seahiking: A specialized 90-minute outdoor activity involves guided walks through shallow seawater using wetsuits.

Beachcombing: The "Jutterskeet" (Beachcomber’s Shed) of Ome Jan offers insights into items washed ashore.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Food: The renovated boulevard features numerous beach pavilions and year-round heated restaurants.

Sanitary Facilities: Public accessible toilets are located at Strandtent 14.

Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs (e.g., "De Jutter") are available for loan at Biesieklette locations on the boulevard.

Connectivity: Consistent 4G/5G mobile coverage; Wi-Fi is generally provided by individual beach clubs.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August): Peak season for swimming and sunbathing; daylight lasts until 10:00 PM.

Autumn/Winter: Ideal for "uitwaaien" (bracing walks in the sea breeze); pavilions remain open for heated indoor dining.

Tides: Kitesurfers prefer mid-to-high tide at the Sand Motor for optimal lagoon conditions.

Facts & Legends

The Celestial Vault: A massive landscape art installation by James Turrell is hidden in the dunes, designed to allow visitors to lie down and view the sky as a curved dome.

Atlantikwall Bunkers: Beneath the dunes lies a network of six bunkers and tunnels from the WWII "Widerstandsnest 67HL," part of which is open for tours.

Nearby Landmarks

Celestial Vault (0.5km South) – James Turrell’s crater-like artwork.

Westduinpark (1km North) – Large nature reserve between Kijkduin and Scheveningen.

Ockenburgh Estate (2km East) – 17th-century villa and forest park.

De Uithof (4km East) – Indoor sports center with skiing and ice skating.

Madurodam (7km Northeast) – Miniature park (outside 5km radius but a primary city attraction).