Two centuries of Zandvoort by the sea

Zandvoort was first mentioned by name in historical documents in 1304. It is a village behind the dunes where a small community lived from fishing until the early nineteenth century. A hard existence, especially when the fish catches were disappointing.

A turning point came in 1826, when work began on building a bathhouse and, above all, a good road connection to Haarlem. Five prominent people from Amsterdam and Haarlem took the initiative. This was the beginning of the seaside town as we know it today.

Official opening on 30 January

On 30 January, we kicked off the anniversary year with the official opening in Council House Square.

The story of the origins of the seaside resort up to the Zandvoort we know today is told in 6 minutes in a light projection on the Raadhuis.

Below you can see an impression of the official opening.

Here you can find the anniversary agenda for 200 years of Zandvoort seaside resort

Click on the button below for the anniversary calendar.

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Special anniversary book

The book Und Zandvoorts heiliger Strand ist von meinem ‘togt das Ziel’ is the result of extensive historical research into the origins of the seaside resort of Zandvoort. On 162 pages, the book describes in detail for the first time how Zandvoort developed from a shabby fishing village into an important seaside resort.

Location: Zandvoort Museum
Date: 30 January – 31 December 2026
Price: €14.95.
For sale: in the museum shop of the Zandvoort Museum

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200 years of Zandvoort seaside resort in the media

The first photos from the spectacular opening of 200 years of Zandvoort seaside resort

Want to celebrate the anniversary year with us? Order an anniversary flag 200 years of Zandvoort seaside resort for your home!

The price will be announced soon. The anniversary flag can be purchased at the Zandvoorts Museum.

(Faces of Zandvoort)

Zandvoort is characterised by the faces of its 17,000 inhabitants and over 5 million visitors a year. To mark the 200th anniversary of Zandvoort Beach Resort, we are putting 200 of these faces in the spotlight. Behind each face is a story from the past, present or future. Together they show who Zandvoort is: a place full of history, entrepreneurship, culture, creativity, sport and hospitality.

What is your Zandvoort story?

View the activities from 200 years of Zandvoort seaside resort in the calendar

View calendar