Zandvoort in winter is a surprise for your senses: quiet beaches, fresh sea air and warm moments in cosy beach pavilions. The lively coastal town on the North Sea shows its surprisingly quiet, atmospheric side during the colder months. Far away from the summer hustle and bustle, Zandvoort invites you to enjoy long walks, unique experiences and heart-warming breaks by the crackling fireplace. Discover what you can experience during a winter weekend by the sea!
©Beachhouse Hotel
Beach in the silence
Get off the train in Zandvoort and you immediately feel the rhythm of the sea. While the crowds are asleep in summer, the wide, almost nine-kilometre-long beaches are your playground. In winter, the beach is a place for long, refreshing walks. The salty sea air, the sound of the rolling waves and the wide horizon turn every walk into a moment of pause.
Dog lovers take note: From 1 October to 15 April, dogs are allowed to run free on the beach all day long. The fresh breeze in your hair is like a reset for body and soul.
And do you fancy a real winter challenge? Some even grab their surfboard or take a winter dive, but you can also simply warm up with a thermos flask in your hand and watch the sea.
Warm breaks on the beach
Not all beach pavilions disappear in winter. Five pavilions remain open all year round, with cosy fireplaces, delicious food and hot drinks. Remember:
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Tijn Akersloot, a household name since 1965
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Thalassa, a little more luxurious and fish-orientated
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De Haven van Zandvoort, right on the promenade
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Nius Beach House, as warm as a living room
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Piatti Beach, for Italian flair and delicious dishes
Here you can relax after a walk on the beach, enjoy a glass of wine or a steaming cup of chocolate milk with a view of the rough North Sea. And on a clear day, the view of the sunsets is spectacular.
© Fotostudio Zandvoort
Unique wellness by the sea
After a hike, nothing is more welcome than warmth. You’ll find Billie’s Beach Sauna right on the beach: a beach sauna with a view of the endless water. Here you book a spot, switch on the sauna yourself and then cool off by jumping into the sea or taking a cold shower. It’s a unique wellness experience where the sea and the heat embrace each other. Pure Zandvoort!
Billies sauna on Zandvoort beach
Atmospheric winter activities
There’s a lot going on in Zandvoort all year round, even if you might not realise it at first glance. In the village itself, you can shop in cosy boutiques in winter, enjoy hot drinks in cafés or take part in local events such as a winter market or an ice rink on the Raadhuisplein, where you can skate and enjoy traditional delicacies.
For those interested in culture and history, the Zandvoorts Museum is a great place to visit. Here you can learn more about the rich history of Zandvoort and see lively exhibitions with photos and films.
Dunes and nature
Want to really experience nature inland? The dune area around Zandvoort is also enchanting in winter. Put on your walking boots and discover the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes: a tranquil nature reserve with forests, dunes, open fields and grazing fallow deer. The area is ideal for a brisk walk and a nice counterpart to the beach.
You can also follow the Wisentenpad, a hiking trail through nature reserves where, with a bit of luck, you will encounter special birds and animals.
City and culture close by
Does the weather not allow you to spend much time outside? The charming centre of Zandvoort aan Zee offers small cafés, souvenir shops and the feeling of a cosy winter village. And if you want even more city, Haarlem is only ten minutes away by train, perfect for an afternoon stroll through historic streets and beautiful museums.
©amsterdam&partners
Hotels and accommodation
A weekend in Zandvoort is even better if you sleep by the sea. You can stay at the Beachhouse Hotel, from where you can look out over the waves and wake up to the sound of the sea in the morning.
Or choose one of the other atmospheric accommodations in the village or on the promenade – many hotels offer quiet, comfortable rooms for an eventful and relaxing winter holiday.
Plan your winter getaway!
Zandvoort in winter is surprisingly versatile. From fresh walks on the beach to warm moments by the fireside, from active nature walks to atmospheric villages. Grab your winter coat, put on your walking boots and come and experience for yourself how the sea stimulates your senses. Plan your visit and book your stay for an unforgettable weekend on the Dutch coast!
To the blog of Sabine Olschner. Read the full blog here (in German).
