Noordwijk Centrum

Noordwijk is a seaside town in South Holland, between Katwijk and Zandvoort, at the northern edge of the Bollenstreek, the bulb-growing region famous for its tulip and hyacinth fields. It has two parts that run into each other, the old inland village, Noordwijk-Binnen, and the coastal resort, Noordwijk aan Zee. The centre, the area around the churchyard and the shopping streets, lies behind the dunes, and from there it is a short walk or ride to the beach. The mix of village, resort and countryside gives the town a pleasantly relaxed character.

The core of the centre is a network of walkable streets with boutiques, cafes, restaurants and small shops, and a village atmosphere that is quite different from larger cities. The church square, the Kerkplein, is the traditional focus, and its surroundings include historic buildings and places to sit outside. Tourist information offices in the centre provide maps, cycling routes and advice on local events, and parking facilities are available near the beach for those arriving by car. The streets are generally accessible for people with limited mobility.

Noordwijk is known for its dunes and woods, and the centre is a starting point for walking and cycling routes. The dunes behind the town form a nature reserve with paths among sand hills, sea buckthorn and pine woods, and in spring the surrounding fields of the Bollenstreek burst into colour as the bulbs flower, usually in April. The Bollenstreek route links the villages and fields, and cycling through them is among the great pleasures of the area. The sea is nearby, with a broad beach and pavilions, and the sunsets over the water are often spectacular.

There is also a scientific side. Noordwijk is home to the technical centre of the European Space Agency, which makes it an unlikely meeting place of seaside leisure and space research, and the presence of engineers and scientists adds an international flavour. The town has several museums, including one in a former black tower, a museum covering the coastal defences of the Second World War, and a museum devoted to the period of the war and its effects. These give historical context to the coast.

The centre suits families, couples, cyclists and walkers. It is a convenient base for the beach, the dunes and the flower fields, and cafes and restaurants make an easy day. The town is reached by bus from Leiden. A visit to the centre takes an hour or two, with the beach and dunes adding more. Check the season for the bulb fields.