Katwijk aan Zee Beach

Katwijk aan Zee lies on the North Sea coast of South Holland, between Noordwijk and Scheveningen, at the point where the Oude Rijn, the old Rhine, reaches the sea. For centuries this was the river's mouth. The Romans knew the place, and a fort called Brittenburg once stood on the shore here as part of the frontier along the Rhine, though its remains lie under the sea after the coast shifted. The name Katwijk is often linked to the Chatti, a Germanic tribe, but the origin is uncertain. Today the beach is the town's main attraction, a broad stretch of fine sand with a long promenade behind it.

The river mouth gives the place a particular character. The Oude Rijn is controlled by large sluices, which let the water out to sea and keep the sea out of the land, so a visitor looking from the beach can see how fresh water and salt water meet, with channels, dunes and mudbanks around the outflow. Birds are drawn to this meeting zone, and watching waders, gulls and terns along the shore is a pleasant pastime. The river channel and its sluices form part of the coastal defences and the water management of the whole region.

The beach itself is wide and well kept. It is public and free, and the promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants and beach pavilions that serve everything from coffee and ice cream to full meals, with terraces facing the sea. In summer it fills with families, sunbathers and swimmers, and in winter it is a place for long, windy walks. The North Sea has currents, so swimming is safest where lifeguards are present in the season, and flags mark conditions. Kite flying, sandcastles, shell hunting and beach games are all popular.

At the edge of the beach, the Vuurbaak, a historic lighthouse, is a landmark of the town, and the Katwijkse Duinen nature reserve offers dunes with paths for walking and cycling. Old Katwijk, the original fishing village, has traces of the heritage in its streets, and the museum explains how the community moved from fishing to tourism. The Katwijkse Duinen are good for birdwatching.

The beach suits families, walkers and anyone who likes a relaxed seaside resort. Katwijk is reached by bus from Leiden in about half an hour, and parking can be crowded on hot days. Bring layers, since the wind off the sea can be cool even in summer.