Information
Landmark: Scheveningen BeachCity: The Hague
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe
Scheveningen Beach, The Hague, Netherlands, Europe
Overview
Scheveningen Beach, with its wide stretch of golden sand, is a beloved landmark in the Netherlands, set in the seaside district of Scheveningen within The Hague.Scheveningen draws both locals and visitors with its wide stretch of golden sand, a bustling promenade lined with cafés, and an energy that hums well into the night.At the beach, you can stretch out in the warm sand, dive into a game of volleyball, or wander toward the boardwalk’s bright lights-everything you need for a perfect day by the sea.Number one.For centuries, Scheveningen has drawn visitors to its windswept shore, earning its place as one of the best-known seaside resorts in the region.In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it grew into a favored spot for sea bathing, as the Dutch upper class embraced the crisp salt air and the supposed health benefits of a plunge in the waves.In the 1800s, the first beach resorts began to take shape, complete with wooden bathhouses that smelled faintly of salt and tar.Since 1959, the Scheveningen Pier has stood as a landmark, drawing crowds to its sweeping sea views.The pier’s been rebuilt and updated more than once, yet it still stands as the beach’s most recognizable landmark, its weathered boards smelling faintly of salt and sun.The pier holds an observation deck, a row of inviting restaurants, and activities from bungee jumping to the glittering SkyView Ferris wheel, where riders can see the coastline stretch for miles.Over the years, Scheveningen has grown into a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors from abroad, filled with hotels, cafés, and lively entertainment spots.This vibrant spot draws visitors in every season-sunseekers lounging on the warm golden sands of Scheveningen Beach in summer, or crowds gathering for lively festivals and events the rest of the year.The beach is spotless and well-kept, with showers, restrooms, and plenty of lively beach bars-called “strandpaviljoens”-where you can sip a cold drink, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch the waves roll in from the North Sea.Dominating the shoreline, the Scheveningen Pier draws crowds with its SkyView Ferris Wheel, offering sweeping views of the sea, the beach, and The Hague.Thrill-seekers can bungee jump from 60 meters above the water, while others wander past restaurants, cafés, and shops that spill out onto the deck.Just beyond, the long Scheveningen Promenade stretches along the sand, lined with places to eat, browse, and linger by the coast.You can wander the promenade, breathe in the scent of grilled shrimp, hop on a rented bike, or slip into one of the lively beach clubs.In summer, when the beach hums with chatter and the scent of salt hangs in the air, the Scheveningen Lighthouse-also called the Noordelijk Havenhoofd Lighthouse-stands proudly at the harbor’s entrance.Built in 1875, it’s a favorite place to snap photos and a proud reminder of the area’s seafaring past.Just behind the beach, the Zeeheldenkwartier-nicknamed the Heroes’ Quarter-buzzes with quirky cafés, little boutique shops, and stalls spilling over with fresh bread and flowers.If you want to venture beyond the sand, this is a fantastic spot.Scheveningen Beach buzzes with water sports-from the crash of surfboards on the waves to the bright kites soaring over the windsurfers and sails cutting through the sea.Dedicated spots line the beach for these activities, and you’ll find surf schools and rental huts scattered along the shore, boards stacked in the sun.Steady winds and rolling waves make the North Sea ideal for water sports, while the broad stretch of sand is just right for a lively game of beach volleyball under the sun.Scheveningen often comes alive with beach volleyball tournaments, pulling in top athletes from across the globe, their serves echoing over the sand.The wide promenade and breezy coastal paths are perfect for a bike ride or a leisurely walk.Cycling paths link Scheveningen to The Hague and nearby beaches, so you can pedal along the coast with the salty breeze on your face.Visitors love strolling the shore at sunrise or watching the sky turn gold at sunset.Scattered along the sand, a few chic beach clubs invite you in with cold drinks, fresh bites, and soft chairs you can sink into.When the weather turns warm, beach clubs buzz with live music and sunset parties, the sound of laughter carrying over the waves.One highlight is the North Sea Regatta, a major annual sailing event in Scheveningen and one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated competitions.Sailors from across the globe gather for a weekend of fierce North Sea racing, and in August, Scheveningen Beach bursts to life with its annual Fireworks Festival, where top pyrotechnic teams light the night sky in dazzling colors over the sand.Crowds flock to the Scheveningen Summer Festival each year, drawn by concerts, dance shows, and vibrant art displays that fill the warm air with music and color; on New Year’s Day, thousands dash into the icy North Sea for the famous Nieuwjaarsduik, and all year round, seaside restaurants serve fresh seafood pulled straight from local waters.Seafood lovers can savor classic Dutch favorites-like haring, fresh mussels, and sweet shrimp-at beachside restaurants or the lively Visafslag by the harbor.Many beach bars, or strandpaviljoens, make it easy to linger over a cold drink and a salty breeze while the waves roll in.In summer, the pavilions hum with live music, clinking glasses, and laughter that drifts into the warm night air.Along the promenade, you’ll find everything from flip-flops and seashell trinkets to sleek designer boutiques.Visitors can browse for Dutch treasures-maybe a hand-painted Delftware vase or a wedge of creamy Gouda-to remember their trip.Scheveningen Beach buzzes with energy and variety, offering something for everyone.Whether you’re stretched out on the sand with the scent of salt in the air, skimming waves on a board, wandering through old streets, or dancing at lively festivals, Scheveningen makes a perfect getaway.It blends lush scenery, lively outdoor adventures, and sleek modern comforts, creating a spot in the Netherlands you won’t want to miss.
