Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen Beach encompasses a 4.5-kilometer stretch of fine sand along the North Sea, functioning as the primary coastal resort for The Hague and the wider Netherlands. The area is divided into distinct zones: the bustling Noorderstrand (North Beach) featuring the main boulevard and pier, and the quieter Zuiderstrand (South Beach) favored by locals. The Scheveningen Pier, originally built in 1901 and reconstructed in 2015, extends 380 meters over the water. It houses a 50-meter Ferris wheel, a bungee jumping tower, and multiple dining venues. The adjacent Kurhaus, a grand hotel constructed in 1885, serves as the historical centerpiece of the promenade.

Tourism infrastructure at Scheveningen is highly developed, accommodating up to 18 million visitors annually. Between March and October, over 70 temporary beach pavilions are constructed directly on the sand, offering dining, sunbed rentals, and nightlife. The northern end of the beach, near the harbor, is a designated hotspot for water sports, particularly surfing and kiteboarding, due to favorable wind conditions and artificial reefs. Public transportation seamlessly integrates the beach with The Hague's city center, with HTM tram lines 1 and 9 delivering passengers directly to the Kurhaus square in under 20 minutes.

Reasons to Visit

• Scheveningen Pier: A 380-meter structure featuring a 50-meter Ferris wheel, zip-lining, and panoramic views of the North Sea.
• Water Sports: Consistent waves and wind make the northern beach area a premier destination for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding in the Netherlands.
• Beach Clubs: Over 70 seasonal pavilions offer diverse dining, cocktails, and sunset views directly on the sand from spring to autumn.
• The Kurhaus: A magnificent 19th-century hotel that provides a glimpse into the area's history as a high-society bathing resort.
• Fresh Seafood: The adjacent Scheveningen Harbor supplies local kiosks with daily catches, making it the best place to try traditional Dutch herring and Kibbeling.

Things to Avoid

• Feeding the Seagulls: The local seagulls are highly aggressive and will snatch food directly from your hands; keep snacks covered.
• Ignoring Beach Flags: The North Sea has strong, unpredictable rip currents. Never swim when red flags are displayed by the lifeguards.
• Driving to the Beach: Parking near the boulevard is extremely expensive (often exceeding €30 per day) and traffic congestion is severe during summer weekends.
• Walking in the Bike Lanes: The red-paved paths along the boulevard are strictly for cyclists and mopeds; pedestrians should stay on the designated walkways.

Local Transportation Tips

Public transportation is the most efficient method for reaching Scheveningen Beach. The HTM tram network operates lines 1 and 9, which run directly from Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag Hollands Spoor train stations to the 'Kurhaus' stop in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Bus lines 21, 22, and 23 also service the coastal area. Tickets can be purchased via the HTM app, by tapping a contactless bank card directly on the tram readers (OVpay), or at station kiosks. For local mobility, shared bicycles (such as HTM Fiets or Donkey Republic) and electric scooters are widely available and utilize the extensive network of dedicated cycle paths along the coast.

Travel Etiquette

• Tipping: Service charge is included in the bill by law. However, it is customary to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip for good service at beach clubs and restaurants.
• Cycling Rules: Always yield to cyclists when crossing the red bike paths. Do not walk in the bike lanes.
• Beach Cleanliness: Dispose of all trash in the numerous bins provided along the boulevard and beach exits. Leaving litter on the sand is heavily frowned upon and fineable.
• Nudity: Public nudity is strictly prohibited on the main Scheveningen Beach. There is a designated nudist beach (Naaktstrand) located further north towards Wassenaar.

Recommended Age Group

Scheveningen Beach offers a versatile environment with infrastructure and activities suited for nearly all demographics.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The paved boulevard is highly stroller-friendly, but navigating the deep sand with a pram is difficult, and the North Sea water is generally too cold and rough for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. The wide sandy beaches provide excellent space for play, and attractions like the SEA LIFE Scheveningen aquarium and the Ferris wheel are highly engaging for children.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The area features active pursuits such as surfing lessons, zip-lining from the pier, and a vibrant boardwalk atmosphere.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can enjoy the extensive array of beach clubs, seafood restaurants, water sports, and the nearby Holland Casino.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The flat, 2.5-kilometer paved boulevard offers accessible walking with numerous benches, while the historic Kurhaus and museum provide cultural engagement.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The main boulevard (Strandweg) is completely flat, paved, and highly accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• Special beach wheelchairs (Jutters) with large balloon tires can be rented for free at several locations, including the Biesieklette parking facilities.
• Ramps provide step-free access from the boulevard down to the sand and to the entrances of most seasonal beach clubs.
• The Scheveningen Pier is wheelchair accessible via an elevator located at the main entrance.
• Accessible public restrooms are available along the boulevard and inside major establishments like the Kurhaus and the Pier.

Did You Know?

The tradition of the New Year's Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) originated in Scheveningen in 1960. Today, it is the largest event of its kind in the world, with exactly 10,000 people plunging into the freezing North Sea waters every January 1st, typically wearing bright orange Unox beanies.

Cool Statistics

• Beach Length: 4.5 kilometers of continuous sandy shoreline.
• Annual Visitors: Approximately 18 million people visit the Scheveningen coastal area each year.
• Pier Length: The Scheveningen Pier extends 380 meters into the North Sea.
• Ferris Wheel Height: SkyView de Pier stands 50 meters tall and features 36 enclosed gondolas.
• Kurhaus Construction: The iconic Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus was built in 1885.
• Beach Clubs: Over 70 temporary beach pavilions are erected on the sand every summer season.