The beach of Noordwijk is long, clean and vibrant – a popular coastal destination along the Dutch seaside, offering a unique mix of nature, culture and leisure.
Charming promenade: The beach borders directly on the Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard and Koningin Astrid Boulevard, where you'll find numerous restaurants, terraces and boutiques overlooking the sea.
Space for everyone: With over 12 kilometres of sandy beach, there's plenty of room for sunbathers, families, peace seekers and dog owners. Outside the high season, there are sections where dogs may run freely.
Beach pavilions: Spread across the beach are more than 10 inviting beach bars, open from early spring until autumn. From trendy beach clubs to cosy family restaurants.
Watersports & action:Noordwijk is a top location for kitesurfing, stand-up paddling and surf kayaking. Several surf schools are available, including a kitesurfing school, and beach sports events are held regularly.
Family-friendly beach: In summer, there are play structures on the beach and lifeguards on duty. Activities such as sandcastle competitions and treasure hunts are also frequently organised.
Nature & tranquillity: Looking for peace and quiet? The southern end towards Katwijk and the northern end towards Langevelderslag offer long, quiet stretches of beach surrounded by nature.
Sunsets & views:Noordwijk is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. On clear days, you can even see ships crossing the North Sea towards England.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Noordwijk have long been known for their quality and maintenance, and have received several prestigious awards over the years.
Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Noordwijk was awarded the 38thBlue Flag – an international quality mark for clean swimming water, safe conditions, and excellent beach facilities.
Quality Coast Award: Awarded in 2017 for sustainable, people- and nature-friendly coastal tourism.
With these awards, Noordwijk proves it is one of the top coastal destinations in the Netherlands – a place where comfort, safety and nature go hand in hand for an unforgettable beach holiday.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Noordwijk are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Noordwijk offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Nearby parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Beach Supervision in Noordwijk
At the main beaches of Noordwijk, lifeguards ensure a safe day by the sea. This way, you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand without worry.
When: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in July and August, and also on weekends between 15 May and 15 September if the weather is good.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication tools and rescue gear.
Lifeguard stations: Spread along the beach, clearly marked with flags and lookout points. These manned stations provide constant supervision.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
Because the beach of Noordwijk stretches over 13 kilometres, the lifeguards operate from three fixed locations:
Wilhelmina Boulevard: Manned on weekends from mid-May to early September. Daily presence in July and August.
Duindamseslag: Manned on weekends during July and August and in good weather, provided there is sufficient staffing.
Langevelderslag: Same as Duindamseslag: manned on weekends in July and August and in good weather if possible.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Noordwijk, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! Very dangerous sea Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.