Practical information Scheveningen and Kijkduin
For a day of sunbathing and swimming, having a drink or strolling along the boulevard. But also to run outside with the dog, to surf or to ride a horse. The Hague's beaches offer something for everyone.
Safety on the beach
Treacherous currents, a lost child, clothes on the beach that have disappeared after swimming. A pleasant day at the beach can easily turn into an unpleasant situation. To prevent this kind of situation, the municipality, emergency services and the rescue brigade work together to guarantee your safety.
The sea can be very treacherous due to strong currents. The Hague Rescue Brigade (HVRB) rescues dozens of drowning people every year. That is why the fire brigade, rescue brigade and the municipality have taken a number of safety measures.
Safety on the beaches is very important. That is why it is often cleaned. A rescue brigade is present from June to September. There is also a daycare on the beach for children who have lost their parents.
Where do you call when you need the police? No rush? Then call 0900 - 8844 (from abroad +31-34 357 8844), in case of emergency: 112
Swim safely in the sea
Swimming in the sea is wonderful, but always involves risks. The wind and flow of the water are often unpredictable. Read all about the tidal current and other dangers of the sea in the Tips for safe swimming in the sea
Lost a child?
Children can easily get lost on crowded beaches. Give your child a name band with your (mobile) telephone number or place on the beach. You pick up a free wristband at 1 of the beach posts. Agree on a fixed spot on the beach, for example the 'Miffy poles' or beach pavilions. Is your child missing for fifteen minutes or more? Report this to the rescue brigade or the police. Lost children are often taken here.
Swimming ban at the Sand Motor
Between March and October 2011, Rijkswaterstaat and the province of South Holland constructed the De Zandmotor peninsula. With this project they want to strengthen the coast and create a nature and recreational area. A nice project, but with consequences for the sea. The Sand Motor influences the wave action and the current at the coast. There are measures to monitor swimming safety. Rijkswaterstaat, the province of South Holland and the Midden-Holland Environment Agency are working together with the rescue brigades and the security region.
For more information about swimming safety and swimming prohibitions, see www.dezandmotor.nl
Beach and swimming safety
In consultation with the Haaglanden Security Region, the Hague Volunteer Rescue Brigade (HVRB) and the coastal detachment of the The Hague police unit, measures have also been taken this year to improve swimming safety along the beaches of The Hague.
- During the weekends in June, July and August, the HVRB provides beach surveillance from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with an extension to 7 p.m., depending on weather and crowds). During the summer holidays of primary schools (in the Central Netherlands), the HVRB supervises every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Surf Rescue Team (SRT) of the fire service is continuously on standby for deployment in case of incidents at sea or to support emergency services on the beach.
- The HVRB works with an internationally recognized flag system.
- There is camera surveillance with 8 fixed cameras along the coastal strip, the Strandweg (including at the Beelden aan Zee museum) and the Boulevard.
- There is an alcohol ban for the Strandweg, the Boulevard and for the Zeekant and Rederserf. The ban is in effect from April 1 to October 1.
- Current beach and swimming information you can find on the website zwemwater.nl.
Nude beaches in Scheveningen and Kijkduin
Both seaside resorts have space for nude recreation, here you can go:
- Zwarte Pad (pole 96.5 - 98), Noorderstrand Scheveningen, between beach strokes Zwarte Pad and Meijendelseslag
- Westduinpark (between posts 104 and 105)
- Zuiderstrand Scheveningen, entrance to Laan van Poot beach
- Kijkduin (from pole 108 towards Monster) entrance to the beach of Kijkerduin
Beach pavilions and sanitary facilities are available on some beaches. You are not allowed to sit naked on the terrace at all pavilions.
Public toilets
You will find public toilets in Scheveningen:
- In the Palace Promenade above and below next to the escalator
- On the boulevard near Sealife
- At the guarded bicycle shed in the harbour
- Beachclub Zeezicht (male/female /miva/baby changing room)
- Pizza Club Scheveningen (male/female)
- Beach club 14, Kijkduin there is a public, accessible toilet unit on the beach.
Dogs on the beach
Do you want to get a breath of fresh air with your dog on the beach? That is of course possible, but only in the period from 1 October to 15 May that is allowed everywhere. The obligation to clean up dog poop applies at all times and everywhere. As a dog owner, you are obliged to have a clean-up tool with you when walking the dog. But there are rules for that. Read more information here.
Horses on the beach
From October 1 to May 15, you can ride horses all day long. Outside this period (the summer months) there are many people on the beach. For the safety of the bathers, it is then only allowed to ride a horse between 7 pm and 7 am. Riding with a horse and carriage (so-called driving) is never allowed.
These rules apply to both the Scheveningen beach (Noorderstrand) and the Zuiderstrand.
Wheelchairs on the beach
You can rent a beach wheelchair at the Biesieklettes in Kijkduin (Deltaplein) and Scheveningen (at Carlton Beach Hotel). For more information, visit the Biesieklette website or call Biesieklette on (070) 394 22 11.
Kijkduin At Strandtent 14 In addition to disabled toilets, there is also a shower and charging points for aids. The 'De Jutter' beach wheelchair is also available for loan to visitors.
Barbecuing on the beach
What could be better than enjoying a barbecue on the beach at the end of the day? You can barbecue anywhere, but make sure you don't cause any nuisance or danger. Barbecues are also allowed on the Northern beach. However, there are a number of places where it is not allowed to barbecue, this will be indicated on the spot. If you want to know more about where you can barbecue in the city, we have listed all the barbecue information for you.
Camping
Camping or sleeping on the beach at night is not allowed. Read more on the page spending the night with a tent or camper? It is only possible at the campsite.
Wild camping is prohibited throughout The Hague between sunset and sunrise. You are not allowed to camp or sleep in public places. For example in parking lots, along the road, on the beach or in parks and nature reserves. Enforcers and forest rangers from the municipality check this.
Are you staying in a public place? Then you can get a fine of €150. Extra rules apply on the beach and in protected nature areas.
No sleeping on the beach
The municipality cleans the beach every evening and night. Large machines ('beach cleaners') filter the sand on waste residue and glass. Cleaners empty hundreds of bins. To be able to clean the beach properly and safely, you are not allowed to sleep on the beach. The ban is in effect between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m.
Ban on laughing gas
In the entire city it is forbidden to have and use nitrous oxide in public spaces. Many people suffer from the use of laughing gas. It poses health and traffic risks and it creates rubbish on the street. The municipality and the police are therefore taking action.
There is a ban on:
- Using nitrous oxide in public space. For example in playgrounds, on the street, the beach or in parks.
- Having laughing gas with you. For example in tanks, ampoules or balloons.
- Selling nitrous oxide on the street.
You can be fined for this.
Alcohol prohibition
The General Local Ordinance (APV) gives the municipal executive the opportunity to introduce an alcohol ban in areas with structural alcohol-related nuisance. In the area below it is prohibited to consume alcohol and to carry opened bottles, cans and the like with alcohol. The introduction of the ban will go hand in hand with other measures to tackle the nuisance.
Renovation boulevard Scheveningen
For over 200 years, Scheveningen has been the seaside resort of the Netherlands. In a new boulevard design, there will be more connection between boulevard and beach. The Kurhaus as an icon will also receive more attention in a central square of natural stone. Work on the new layout will continue until summer 2025. A colourful construction site has therefore been set up between Museum Beelden aan Zee and De Pier. The boulevard will remain open; you can simply walk from the Noordboulevard to the Moralesboulevard. The beach tents will also remain easily accessible. However, they will be a little closer to the sea. Special footbridges and a ramp will keep the beach accessible for everyone. Tip! On top of De Pier you have a wonderful view of the renovation. All year round, you will experience extra activities around the promenade.
