Inextricably linked to Zandvoort is Circuit Zandvoort. Whoever says Zandvoort immediately says beach and racing. A seaside resort with its own circuit. From the beach, cross the boulevard and you are on the asphalt. Suntan oil and motor oil: a perfect combination.
Outside race events, you can often just visit the circuit. Take a look above the pit lane or walk the route around the circuit.
A legendary and internationally acclaimed circuit with a history dating back over 70 years. It still hosts dozens of events every year that thrill tens of thousands of fans. Besides various spectacular national motorsport events, the calendar also features international highlights such as Formula 1, which has been held at Circuit Zandvoort again since 2021.
Several racing schools operate at Circuit Zandvoort that can help train you to become a racing driver. Prefer driving your own car around the circuit? Then visit one of the many Free Driving Days at Circuit Zandvoort. Who doesn’t dream of that? Driving around the track in your own car!
I can recommend it to everyone, what a great day I had, you can and are allowed to try everything in their cars, and in a non-stressful situation you naturally learn this like the best! Instructors really see exactly what you are doing with the car, correct and compliment you on this, kudos, that does show how professional they are.
– Marjolein –
BMW Driving Experience offers driving training for more control on the road.
At Bleekemolens Race Planet you can drive on the circuit yourself in spectacular dream cars.
Sim racing with a view of Circuit Zandvoort
Race yourself on Circuit Zandvoort in the most fantastic cars.
CM.com Circuit Zandvoort is a circuit for mainly car racing located in the dunes north of Zandvoort, close to the sea.
What began in 1939 as a temporary race track across Van Lennepweg, Van Alphenstraat and through what is now Center Parcs Parc, has grown over the years into today’s Circuit Zandvoort. This unique 4.3-kilometre track winds through the dunes of Zandvoort and has since been modified six times, including the latest changes for the Dutch Grand Prix.
In the 1930s, Zandvoort is a fashionable seaside resort. Mayor Van Alphen sees car racing as the perfect complement to its luxurious image. In 1939, a street circuit is built in the north of Zandvoort. With wooden grandstands and a temporary track, the Netherlands’ first official car races take place here.
During the German occupation, Van Alphen manages to pull off a masterstroke. He convinces the Germans to build a ‘parade street’, supposedly for military parades. In reality, he thereby lays the foundation for the straight of a future race track. Debris from demolished hotels creates the backbone of Circuit Zandvoort.
After the liberation in 1945, a large part of the future circuit is already in place. In 1948, the asphalt was laid, and the first official Grand Prix took place that same year. From 1950, Zandvoort is on the Formula 1 calendar. An iconic dune circuit was born, unique in the world.
Between 1948 and 1985, 34 Grands Prix were held at Zandvoort. Big names like Jackie Stewart, Alain Prost and Niki Lauda achieve legendary victories here. Lauda is the last winner in 1985 before a long break. Yet the circuit remains alive and kicking with Formula 3 and DTM, among others.
With the Historic Grand Prix, the past returns every year. Classic bolides from decades of Formula 1 history race around the dunes circuit. The parade of classic cars drives to the village on Saturday evening, where visitors can admire them up close. A tribute to Zandvoort’s rich racing history.
Dutch Grand Prix
In 2021, Formula 1 returns to Zandvoort after 36 years. Max Verstappen, the most popular Dutch driver ever, wins the Dutch Grand Prix on home soil for the first time. This marks a new golden period for the circuit, where the public relives history in a modern guise and Max is hailed as a national hero.
What many people don’t know is that you can often visit the circuit to have a look around the grounds. When there are no events at the circuit, you can watch the track from the main grandstand. And regularly, you can also visit the inner grounds. For example, for a cup of coffee at Bernies Bar & Kitchen overlooking the track or to virtually race yourself at Racesquare.
Circuit Zandvoort is open almost daily from 08.30 to 17.30. This includes our catering outlets and the simrace centre Racesquare Circuit Zandvoort.
If there are no public events, it is often possible to park for free in Parking A. This applies to the days when no event takes place at Circuit Zandvoort. If there are events, there is paid parking.
If you are visiting a race at Circuit Zandvoort, then of course you want the spot along the track. Good spots are at the chicane, where you can admire the race cars in all their glory. But of course also the main grandstand at the exit of the bowl bend and along the straight, where the cars shoot past at full speed and you are right on top of the start-finish line.
Whereas many circuits are far from the nearest town, you will find Circuit Zandvoort within walking distance of the village centre. Within a 10-minute walk you are in the heart of Zandvoort among the shops and terraces. And the distance to the beach is even shorter.
