Bergen aan Zee, artists' village between the beach and the highest dunes
Bergen aan Zee is a small resort on the North Holland coast, where beach, dunes and art come together.
Why Bergen aan Zee: over a hundred years as a resort and a true artists' village, read more under why visit Bergen aan Zee.
Beach: pavilions, surfing and beach walks in every season, see the beach.
Village: wide green avenues and a cosy centre, read more under the village.
Art: the Bergen School, Museum Kranenburgh and the Sea Aquarium under art and sights.
Nature: the North Holland Dune Reserve and the Schoorl Dunes, see dunes and surroundings.
Why visit Bergen aan Zee?
There are plenty of reasons to discover this welcoming coastal village.
Over a century as a resort: in 2006 Bergen aan Zee celebrated its 100th anniversary; despite thousands of visitors a year, the atmosphere of a small coastal village has remained.
An artists' village: from the early 19th century many artists lived here, giving rise to an artistic movement of its own: the Bergen School.
The Netherlands' highest dunes: the nearby Schoorl Dunes are the highest and widest in the country.
Relaxation all year round: ‘unwind’ is the magic word in Bergen aan Zee, in every season.
Beach
On the beautiful, wide beach of Bergen aan Zee you can soak up the sun and swim in the North Sea.
Everything for hire: sunbeds, deckchairs and windbreaks can be hired on the spot; the rental companies and beach huts also have toilets and showers.
A paradise for surfers: Bergen aan Zee is popular with windsurfers, board surfers and kitesurfers; at boating club KZBV you can head out onto the water and take lessons.
Beach pavilions: several restaurants and pavilions sit right on the beach, from a cup of coffee or an ice cream to a full meal at sunset.
Out of season too: you can enjoy wonderful beach walks here all year round; in strong winds especially, the waves are a fascinating sight.
Naturist beach: just north of Bergen aan Zee lies a naturist beach.
Village
Small Bergen aan Zee places great value on hospitality, in a picturesque setting that makes you forget the time.
Characterful places to stay: you'll find small and medium-sized hotels, guesthouses and apartments.
A calming layout: broad, leafy avenues and large houses with gardens on the edge of the dunes define the picture; villas, hotels and apartments were built in dune valleys or on top of the dunes.
A cosy centre: in the heart of the village, terraces, cafés, restaurants and boutiques sit side by side.
The liveliest streets: around the Van der Wijckplein and along the Zeeweg you can sit on a terrace or at the table just a stone's throw from the beach.
Art and attractions
Bergen aan Zee owes its nickname as an artists' village to the painters, writers and architects who left their mark here.
The Bergen School: from the 19th century onwards, artists drew inspiration from the calm and space of the wide avenues and abundant greenery, which grew into this artistic movement of its own.
Museum Kranenburgh: home to plenty of work by artists with roots in Bergen.
Kunst10daagse: this major art event takes place every year in October.
Art markets and exhibitions: in summer the centre is the setting for artistic markets, festivals, exhibitions and guided tours.
An endless network of paths: you can cycle, walk or go horse riding along a vast network of beautiful trails, with the distinctive dune flora and fauna along the way.
Whether you come in summer for the sun and the beach, or in autumn and winter for the quiet and long beach walks through the dunes, Bergen aan Zee is a resort for all seasons. The combination of sea, art and the highest dunes in the Netherlands makes it the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life.
It's time to plan your next trip. This welcoming coastal village is waiting for you!
