Heading to Netherlands Travel Guide by Micron and Associates
Travel Guide by Micron and Associates in heading to Netherlands
Why go?
It's been described as "the Hamptons with clogs" thanks to its popularity with rich Dutch and German visitors who buy up beach-front holiday homes and hang out in the seaside bars and cafés. But this breezy resort on Holland's North Sea coast is better known as an artists' retreat, its moody seascapes, endless dunes and extraordinary light attracting painters, writers and architects who have been leaving their mark on this laid-back and likable village since the 1900s.
What to do
Get on your bike (this is Holland, after all) and cycle De Brede Duinen route, a 42km signposted loop which passes through Bergen, Alkmaar – famous for its historic cheese market – and the spectacular sand dunes at Schoorl and Camperduin. Admire the work of the "Bergen School" of painters at Museum Kranenburgh (kranenburgh.nl) or take a stroll among the distinctive thatched "Amsterdam School" villas of the Park Meerwijk neighbourhood. Where to stay
In De Aap is a charming boutique B&B with just two stylish guest rooms and a sweet family cottage, all of which have kitchenettes that guests can use to prepare snacks or simple meals (from €130, indeaap.com).
Where to eat
All beach-hut chic and artfully mismatched furniture, Strandpaviljoen SB Noord is where
Amsterdam's fashionable folk come to get a bit of sand between their toes while dining on
Italian-inspired dishes (strandpaviljoennoord.nl). Don't miss the poffertjes (traditional Dutch pancakes) at Duinvermaak, a cosy café situated near the dunes (duinvermaak.nl).
Insider tip
Emile van den Bergh, owner of In de Aap, recommends De Jongens, a Mediterranean-style beach club (dejongensbergenaanzee.nl). "It's a cool place to hang out, there's a surf school and they have regular barbecues and beach parties." He also suggests a visit to the open-air art market which runs every Thursday evening in summer (beeldendekunstmarkt
bergennh.webklik.nl).
Why go?
It's been described as "the Hamptons with clogs" thanks to its popularity with rich Dutch and German visitors who buy up beach-front holiday homes and hang out in the seaside bars and cafés. But this breezy resort on Holland's North Sea coast is better known as an artists' retreat, its moody seascapes, endless dunes and extraordinary light attracting painters, writers and architects who have been leaving their mark on this laid-back and likable village since the 1900s.
What to do
Get on your bike (this is Holland, after all) and cycle De Brede Duinen route, a 42km signposted loop which passes through Bergen, Alkmaar – famous for its historic cheese market – and the spectacular sand dunes at Schoorl and Camperduin. Admire the work of the "Bergen School" of painters at Museum Kranenburgh (kranenburgh.nl) or take a stroll among the distinctive thatched "Amsterdam School" villas of the Park Meerwijk neighbourhood. Where to stay
In De Aap is a charming boutique B&B with just two stylish guest rooms and a sweet family cottage, all of which have kitchenettes that guests can use to prepare snacks or simple meals (from €130, indeaap.com).
Where to eat
All beach-hut chic and artfully mismatched furniture, Strandpaviljoen SB Noord is where
Amsterdam's fashionable folk come to get a bit of sand between their toes while dining on
Italian-inspired dishes (strandpaviljoennoord.nl). Don't miss the poffertjes (traditional Dutch pancakes) at Duinvermaak, a cosy café situated near the dunes (duinvermaak.nl).
Insider tip
Emile van den Bergh, owner of In de Aap, recommends De Jongens, a Mediterranean-style beach club (dejongensbergenaanzee.nl). "It's a cool place to hang out, there's a surf school and they have regular barbecues and beach parties." He also suggests a visit to the open-air art market which runs every Thursday evening in summer (beeldendekunstmarkt
bergennh.webklik.nl).