Wijk aan Zee is a charming seaside resort on the North Sea coast, nestled between the dunes and a beautiful beach. Here you'll find the most beautiful and widest beach in the Netherlands.
Until the mid-nineteenth century, Wijk aan Zee was a typical fishing village.
However, the village lacked a harbor, meaning that over the course of the nineteenth century, Wijk aan Zee lost its competitive edge to other fishing villages in the region.
At that time, some merchants saw a spire rising above the dunes. They walked along a sandy path and, upon entering, saw a quiet village surrounded by high dunes overgrown with rose bushes. In the center of the village was a beautiful green meadow where cows grazed. Surrounding this meadow were unique houses, including the old village church. Among these merchants was Mr. Tappenbeck. This gentleman was responsible, among other things, for digging the beach access on Zwaanstraat.
A new seaside resort was born, and now, several years later, Wijk aan Zee still lies on the edge of the vast North Holland dunes and a stone's throw from the beach and sea. Over the years, Wijk aan Zee has become a versatile place. Here you'll still find peace and quiet, abundant nature, and, of course, plenty of dining and overnight accommodations. In 2021, Wijk aan Zee celebrated its 140th anniversary as an exceptional seaside resort.
