De Pier

De Pier's architectural design features a 300-meter-long promenade that splits into distinct islands at its terminus. The structure is supported by concrete pillars driven deep into the seabed, engineered to withstand the severe storms characteristic of the North Sea. The lower deck functions as a weather-proof boulevard, lined with industrial-chic food stalls, pop-up stores, and bars, providing a comfortable environment regardless of the external climate. The upper deck serves as an open-air walkway, offering unobstructed sightlines of the Scheveningen coastline, the Kurhaus hotel, and the expansive ocean.

Beyond its structural elements, De Pier operates as a dynamic event space. The venue frequently hosts live music performances, seasonal markets, and corporate events within its dedicated pavilion spaces. The integration of luxury hotel suites—specifically the Pier Suites, which offer private jacuzzis and panoramic ocean views directly above the water—adds a premium accommodation option to the complex. This combination of extreme sports, casual dining, and high-end lodging solidifies De Pier's status as a multi-faceted destination within The Hague's tourism sector.

Reasons to Visit

• SkyView de Pier: Ride Europe's first over-sea Ferris wheel, featuring 36 enclosed gondolas that lift passengers 50 meters above the North Sea for unparalleled coastal views.
• Bungy Jump Holland: Experience a 60-meter freefall from the dedicated jump tower located at the very end of the pier, offering an intense adrenaline rush over the water.
• Food Boulevard: Sample diverse culinary offerings from over a dozen independent vendors, ranging from traditional Dutch seafood to international street food, all within a climate-controlled environment.
• Zip-line Adventure: Glide along a 350-meter zip-line that runs parallel to the pier, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h while suspended above the ocean waves.
• Sunset Photography: Utilize the upper deck's western-facing orientation to capture striking images of the sun setting directly into the North Sea.

Things to Avoid

• Peak Summer Weekends: Avoid visiting between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August if you prefer to avoid dense crowds and long queues for food.
• Feeding the Seagulls: Refrain from offering food to the local seagull population; they are aggressive and will snatch food directly from your hands.
• Ignoring Wind Warnings: Do not plan for outdoor activities like the zip-line or bungee jump without checking the forecast, as operations cease during high wind conditions.
• Driving to the Beach: Avoid driving directly to Scheveningen during peak season; parking garages fill up quickly and traffic congestion is severe. Use public transit instead.

Local Transportation Tips

Accessing De Pier is highly efficient via The Hague's public transportation network. HTM Tram lines 1 and 9 run directly from Den Haag Centraal (The Hague Central Station) and Den Haag Hollands Spoor to the 'Kurhaus' stop, which is situated approximately 300 meters from the pier's entrance. The journey takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, bus lines 21, 22, and 23 service the Scheveningen area. For those cycling, extensive dedicated bike paths lead to the coast, and secure bicycle parking facilities (Biesieklettes) are available near the boulevard.

Travel Etiquette

• Keep to the Right: When walking along the promenades, especially the narrower upper deck, maintain a position on the right side to allow smooth pedestrian flow.
• Dispose of Trash: Use the provided waste bins to prevent litter from blowing into the North Sea; environmental conservation is highly valued in the Netherlands.
• Respect Queue Lines: Dutch culture emphasizes orderly queuing; do not cut in line at food stalls or attraction ticket booths.
• Smoking Restrictions: Adhere to designated smoking areas; smoking is strictly prohibited inside the enclosed lower deck and within the Ferris wheel gondolas.

Recommended Age Group

De Pier offers a versatile environment that caters to a wide demographic, though specific attractions are tailored to different age brackets.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The lower deck is fully stroller accessible and protected from the weather, but the environment can become loud and crowded during peak weekend hours.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. The Ferris wheel provides a gentle, exciting experience, and the indoor areas feature family-friendly food options and occasional arcade games.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The 60-meter bungee jump and the 350-meter zip-line offer high-adrenaline activities specifically appealing to older youths.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. The diverse range of craft beer bars, seafood restaurants, and ocean-view terraces cater exceptionally well to adult visitors seeking relaxation or nightlife.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Elevators provide easy access between decks, and the enclosed lower promenade offers comfortable, weather-protected walking paths with ample seating.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Elevator Access: Multiple elevators connect the street level to both the lower indoor promenade and the upper open-air deck, ensuring full mobility access.
• Flat Surfaces: The main walkways on both levels are paved, flat, and free of steps, accommodating wheelchairs and mobility scooters seamlessly.
• Accessible Restrooms: Specially designed, spacious wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on the lower deck of the complex.
• Attraction Limitations: While the promenades and restaurants are fully accessible, extreme attractions like the bungee jump and zip-line have strict physical requirements and are not wheelchair accessible.
• Ferris Wheel Access: The SkyView de Pier features specific gondolas designed to accommodate standard-sized wheelchairs; staff assistance is available for boarding.

Did You Know?

The original pier, known as the Wandelhoofd Koningin Wilhelmina, was opened in 1901 but met a tragic end during World War II. In 1943, occupying German forces destroyed the structure to prevent it from being used by Allied forces for an amphibious landing. The current De Pier was completely redesigned and opened in 1959 by Prince Bernhard, featuring a radically different, modernist concrete aesthetic compared to its wooden predecessor.

Cool Statistics

• Length: The pier extends exactly 300 meters (984 feet) into the North Sea.
• Observation Tower Height: The central tower stands 45 meters (147 feet) above sea level.
• Ferris Wheel Capacity: The SkyView wheel features 36 gondolas, each capable of holding up to 6 adults.
• Bungee Drop: The jump tower provides a 60-meter (196-foot) vertical drop toward the ocean surface.
• Annual Visitors: The complex attracts an estimated 2 million visitors each year.