Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen is the Netherlands' most visited beach resort, a district of The Hague situated on the North Sea coast where approximately 10 million visitors arrive each year. The wide sandy beach stretches for several kilometres and is backed by a promenade boulevard (Strandweg) lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and the grand 1885 Kurhaus hotel, whose distinctive dome punctuates the seafront skyline. The Scheveningen Pier extends 400 metres into the North Sea, terminating in a platform that holds a Ferris wheel, bungee jumping, and a panoramic restaurant. In summer, the beach fills with beach clubs operating wooden terraces directly on the sand where visitors can hire sun loungers, order food and drinks, and watch the surfers and kitesurfers who use the northern sections of the beach. The harbour area to the north of the main beach retains a working fishing port atmosphere with fish stalls selling fresh herring, smoked mackerel, and the Dutch delicacy of raw herring with onion. The adjacent Dr. Lelykade and Vissershaven area has seafood restaurants that draw local visitors from The Hague year-round. In winter, the beach takes on a dramatically different character: North Sea storms drive waves against the pier and send spray across the boulevard, and the beach clubs pack away their summer furniture. The nearby Sea Life aquarium and the Beachclub area toward Kijkduin extend the coastline options.