Zandvoort is a coastal town located in north Holland, 40 kilometres from the Dutch capital Amsterdam. It is one of Holland’s most popular seaside resorts due to its long beaches and coastal dunes. Many visitors journey to the area to relax on the beautiful stretch of golden sand, or to view the remains of the Atlantic Wall from the Second World War.
Zandvoort is the perfect place for a day out away from the city or for a beach vacation. For those interested in history, during the Second World War the German military constructed the Atlantic Wall. It stretched 2,690 kilometres from Norway to northern Spain and passed through Zandvoort. The beach was seen as a strategic location in which to build bunkers as they could be easily hidden in the sand dunes, some of which can still be seen today along the seafront. For those who enjoy motor racing, Circuit Park Zandvoort is a former Formula one race track which is fun for all the family. There are race festivals, classic car grand prix, and visitors to the track can even drive it themselves. If Holland conjures up images of tulips and windmills, the famous tulip gardens at Keukenhofis just 30 minutes away. For visitors arriving in Springtime, bring a camera and experience a kaleidoscope of colourful blooms at every turn. The Dutch city of Haarlem is also close to Zandvoort, and has an interesting trading and shipping history which dates back to medieval times. Notable places to visit include Amsterdamse Poort which is the former city gateway from Amsterdam, the Windmill De Adriaan, and the Grote Markt central square. To continue a Dutch exploration, the canals, markets and world-class museums of Amsterdam are a short train or bus ride away.
Zandvoort is easy to reach from both Amsterdam and Haarlem. During the summer, a dedicated train service runs from the capital to the beach resort which takes around 25 minutes. There is also a bus service from Amsterdam which takes 50 minutes. It’s easy to walk from the town to the beach of Zandvoort or to explore the outlying areas, bicycle hire is readily available.
The town of “Sandevoerde”, as it was then called has existed since the 1100s. It was a village which depended on its fishing trade, which later became a prominent Dutch seaside resort in the 19th century. When the tram and railway connection to Haarlem opened, more city dwellers began to visit and the resort thrived. The town remains a popular tourist destination for locals and international visitors every year.