Things To Do
in Katwijk
Katwijk aan Zee is a historic seaside town on the Dutch coast just north of Leiden. It blends long sandy beaches, dunes, and a family-friendly vibe with easy access to major cities. The promenade is lined with fishing huts, beach pavilions, and restaurants offering fresh seafood.
Its proximity to Leiden and The Hague makes it a convenient base for exploring South Holland.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along Katwijk's stunning beachfront. The soft sound of the waves and the salty sea breeze create the perfect backdrop for your morning stroll. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and enjoy the picturesque view as the sun rises over the horizon.
Spend your afternoon sunbathing on the beach or partaking in various water sports, such as paddleboarding or windsurfing. Families can take advantage of the playgrounds and amenities along the promenade, while couples can enjoy a romantic beachside lunch at one of the seafood restaurants. Explore the local shops for unique souvenirs to remember your seaside adventure.
As the sun sets, stroll to the beach once more to witness the dramatic colors of the sky. Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can savor fresh fish and other local specialties. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the shore, listening to the waves while reflecting on your delightful day.
Kickstart your day with a visit to the iconic Katwijk Lighthouse, situated right by the beach. As you climb to the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the North Sea and the surrounding coastline. Take your time to marvel at the picturesque scenery and capture some stunning photographs.
After your ascent, head to the nearby museum that showcases the history of Katwijk, including its fishing heritage and shipbuilding. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Dutch pancakes at a nearby eatery. In the afternoon, take a leisurely bike ride along the coastal paths, soaking in the beauty of the area.
As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at a local bistro with a cozy ambience and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, take a dotted stroll through the charming streets of Katwijk, discovering quaint shops and cafes. Finish your day with a nightcap at a beachfront bar, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $2-3 |
| 🚆One-way local transport ticket | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-170 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastline with dunes and beaches
- Compact town with easy access to Leiden and The Hague
- Can be crowded in peak summer
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Waar is..." - Where is...
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don't understand
- "Mag ik de rekening alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Katwijk
Visit one of these nice places.
A classic lighthouse perched at the edge of the harbor with expansive sea views and long exposure sunset shots.
Stretching dunes, wide sands, and colorful beach pavilions provide vibrant beach photography year-round.
Rustic boats, nets, and morning light offer authentic maritime photography opportunities.
Winding dunes along the coast provide dramatic silhouettes against the sea during golden hour.
Food in Katwijk
Katwijk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Battered fried fish bites served with a dipping sauce; a classic beach snack.
Must-Try!
Raw herring served with onions and pickles, a local seafood staple.
Mussels cooked in white wine or broth served with fries; a seaside favourite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Mums' market in the town center with fresh produce, cheeses, and baked goods (seasonal days apply).
Seasonal stalls along the beach offering kibbeling, fried fish, and chips.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and give way to cyclists when in groups; keep to the right on bike lanes.
A polite handshake is common; use formal 'u' for strangers and elders; switch to 'jij' in casual settings.
Be considerate in residential areas late at night; keep noise reasonable in shared spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Katwijk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory; round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
Most places accept debit/credit cards and contactless payments; cash is accepted but less common in some modern venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder days, blooming dunes, and fewer crowds; great for coastal walks and market visits.
Warmest months with long beach days, lively promenades, and outdoor cafés; expect crowds on weekends.
Cooling temperatures, migrating birds along the dunes, and calmer beaches; sunset photography is excellent.
Chillier and windier; rain is common, but the coast can be dramatic in storms; indoor venues are cozy.
Katwijk at Night
Hiking in Katwijk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic dune route between Katwijk and Noordwijk with pine forests and sea views.
Gentle riverside and lakes route around the Kagerplassen with birdwatching opportunities.
Easy coastal hike along the dune ridge offering dramatic ocean scenery.
Airports
How to reach Katwijk by plane.
Major international airport about 25-40 minutes by train or car from Katwijk; frequent connections to Dutch and international destinations.
Smaller regional airport with domestic and European flights; convenient to Katwijk by train or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many locals come with children, especially on weekends and holidays.
Quiet neighborhoods with longer-term residents and seaside retirees.
People traveling to Leiden or The Hague for work or study.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport in local clubs and schools.
Widely used as transport and for recreation along coast and countryside.
Active scenes on the Rijn and coastal waters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Katwijk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer veggie sandwiches, salads, and sides; ask for vegetarian soups and cheese options; many strandtenten have vegetarian versions of pierogies or fries with toppings.