Beaches
'Uitwaaien' in The Hague
The Hague, thé 'uitwaaicity' of the Netherlands!
In the Netherlands they have been doing this for decades; 'uitwaaien' (out-vwy-ehn) translated: get some fresh air. Besides that it feels so good, it also turns out to be very healthy. In the flat Netherlands the wind has free rein. And that is just so good for you, for both your mental and physical system. The Dutch 'uitwaaien' has blown over to America and is now a true trend there.
With 11 kilometres of coastline, wide beaches and extensive dune areas, The Hague has plenty of space to get some fresh air. Walk along the sea at Scheveningen or Kijkduin, enjoy the peace and quiet of the Zuiderstrand or head into the dunes of Westduinpark. Strong winds? Even better. Put on your coat, face the wind and warm up afterwards with a coffee or hot chocolate. After reading this article, you’ll know the best places to get some fresh air in The Hague.
Top 5 places to get some fresh air in The Hague
Kijkduin: cosy and family-friendly
The cozy seaside resort of Kijkduin has a lot of charm. This cozy beach is also known as the family beach. There are restaurants and a great food court where you can find all kinds of goodies for during or after your walk. And if you're lucky, you might see artist Theo Jansen busy with his beach animals.
Scheveningen: lively and spacious
Scheveningen is pleasant all year round and there is plenty to experience. There is therefore a lot of food and drinkplaces open all year round. From a few beach bars, food trucks on the Pier, restaurants on the boulevard to a trendy food hall. Great to warm up after a breath of fresh air with a hot chocolate, a snack or meal. Do you prefer a quiet place in Scheveningen? Then go to the Noorderstrand or the Havenhoofd where you can also spot the surfers. Or enjoy a fresh fish in the harbor.
Zuiderstrand; the quiet beach
Between the harbor of Scheveningen and the beach of Kijkduin you will find the Zuiderstrand. This beach is one of the most beautiful parts of The Hague. And above all one of the quietest. Among the locals, it is also known as the quiet beach. And rightfully so. You will therefore see many residents of The Hague enjoying the peace and nature that the Zuiderstrand offers. Only in the beach season (March-October) you will find beach bars here to have a drink or eat.
Golden hour at the harbour pier never gets old.
Westduinpark: walking among dunes and Scottish Highland cattle
This park between Scheveningen and Kijkduin is one of the largest nature reserves in The Hague. The protected dune park located near the Zuiderstrand has a very varied landscape with dense forest and open plains. You will find damp dune valleys, high dune tops and bunker remains from the Second World War. Due to the many walking and cycling paths, Westduinpark is an ideal nature reserve to get a breath of fresh air by the sea. Who knows, you might meet a Scottish Highlander!
Zandmotor: rugged and expansive
The Zandmotor between Kijkduin and Monster is a special place. An innovative way of coastal maintenance with space for recreation and nature. It is a peninsula off the coast where you can really get a breath of fresh air. It is not for nothing that you see so many kite surfers here. From there you can continue to Kijkduin for fresh fish or a glass of wine.
Kite surfers at the Zandmotor and a Scottish Highlander in the Westduinpark.
More tips for getting some fresh air along The Hague coast
Dogs on the beach
For dogs it is wonderful to run around on the beach. From October 1 to May 15, dogs are welcome on the entire beach of The Hague. In the summer months, you can take your dog to a limited number of beaches during the day (pay attention to the signs). At the Zuiderstrand you are welcome again with your dog after 9 PM. Don't forget to bring a dog poop bag, this is mandatory.
Spotting wildlife by the sea
Sometimes you can spot unusual animals off The Hague coast, such as seals, dolphins, flamingos or even a humpback whale. And don’t be surprised if you see ‘polar bears’ – otherwise known as winter swimmers – taking an early-morning dip in the sea.
Fun with kids
The beach is always a fun place for children. At Kijkduin there is a beachcomber's shack belonging to 'Uncle Jan'. There children can admire Jan's beachcombing finds, but also borrow a shovel net or metal detector to get started themselves. In the summer they can participate in TrashUre Hunt at Scheveningen and help clean up the beach at Scheveningen. Fun and learning at the same time!
Want more fresh air?
Got a taste of 'uitwaaien' and fancy another day with the wind in your face? Book a hotel and combine a trip to the coast with a visit to the city centre for some culture or shopping. Both are pretty good for you too! The Hague has a wide and varied selection of hotels.
Dogs love getting some fresh air on the beach too.
