Art and culture at Amsterdam Beach

Juttersmu-ZEE-um

Beachcombing was once part of everyday life for the people of Zandvoort as they sought to earn additional income. While beachcombing is now more a hobby than a sideline, it can reveal some fascinating finds. The Juttersmu-ZEE-um displays some surprising artefacts and curiosities collected from the local beach, including a series of messages sent in bottles from all over the world! For anyone looking to get involved, join in a beach clean-up with Stichting Juttersgeluk - a fantastic volunteering initiative with regular meet-ups!

Zandvoorts Museum & Street Art Zandvoort

From chickens on a staircase to a shipwreck in the sky, the coastal town of Zandvoort is teeming with impressive street art. Seven artists created special works during the outdoor exhibition Street Art Zandvoort, a collaboration between Moco Museum and the village of Zandvoort. Explore the latest creations of Street Art Frankey, the paintings of TelmoMiel, the graffiti art of Hugo Kaagman, and many more. Download this app, where you can start an audio tour departing from Zandvoorts Museum. Afterwards, head back to the museum to find even more street art-related artworks, including by the 'father of stencil graffiti' Xavier Prou, also known as 'Blek le Rat', and billboards with a twist by Rob Scholte and much more.

Forteiland IJmuiden

Forteiland IJmuiden is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortress was constructed in the 1880s to help defend the surrounding area and restrict shipping traffic heading for Amsterdam. During World War II, Fortress Island was used by the German soldiers as part of the Atlantic Wall, which is when its additional military bunkers were constructed. This iconic post is half underground and is the defensive line’s most prominent building. Its most exciting features include an impressive dining hall, a dungeon and an armoury. Keep an eye out for the island's public open days throughout the summer. 

Bunker Museum

Until the end of October, IJmuiden’s fascinating Bunker Museum tucked away in the dunes, is open for visitors every first and third Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. This WWII fortress was used to defend the IJmuiden harbour mouth and access to the port of Amsterdam. The museum consists of six underground bunkers filled with enormous military collections, ranging from a German canteen to a two-person submarine. Don’t miss tickets for the Outdoor Tour, where an expert guide will lead you through the dunes towards the anti-aircraft battery. 

Hoogovens Museum

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Dutch industry depended on importing iron and steel from other countries. Entrepreneur H.J.E Wenckebach decided to change that and set up his own steel ovens company. The factory is still in use and is a monument of Dutch industrial heritage. The Hoogovens Museum is in the factory’s old tube foundry, just outside Tata Steel. Learn about the raw history of the iron and steel industry in IJmuiden, musing over the objects, historical documents, photos and film material. 

Country Estate Beeckestijn

Culture lovers heading to Amsterdam Beach will be pleasantly surprised by Beeckestijn, an 18th-century summer residence in Velsen-Zuid. The estate is rich in history and features a massive, unique landscaped garden perfect for a midday stroll. An extended period of restoration in several stages, which started in 1969, will see the gardens restored to their former 18th-century glory. The combination of the geometric gardens in the baroque style and the more playful landscaped garden is unique in the Netherlands. Here, you can find a rose garden with pergola, a herb garden with a serpentine wall, symmetrically shaped formal flower beds and a cherry garden. In addition, the gardens have been laid out with ponds, garden sculptures and original features, such as the ice house and the gardener’s cottage.

Duin & Kruidberg

Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate is a beautiful estate with a rich history. It is located in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. The estate was bought by the later King Willem III in 1682 and was soon nicknamed 't Princenbosch, the prince’s forest. The prince used the country house as a hunting lodge and a smaller version of Het Loo Palace. The mansion, which resembles a small castle, now houses a four-star hotel and several restaurants. It's perfect to visit after a walk or cycle tour in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.

Brederode Ruins

An enjoyable cycle ride will bring you to the impressive Ruïne van Brederode in Santpoort-Zuid, a ruined medieval castle with a moat, dungeon and far-reaching views from its highest turret. Kids can dress up as knights or damsels to explore the ruin’s many rooms and towers and play traditional wooden games at the ye very old outdoor café. If you’re lucky enough to visit in June, you’ll have the chance to watch the Knight's Tournament whilst other events and concerts are held at the ruin throughout the year.

Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen

Once a fort, now a contemporary centre for art, Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen is another example of Amsterdam’s Defence Line, the 135-km ring of defensive structures that protected the city, which now has UNESCO heritage status. Home to curated exhibitions, a restaurant and gardens that produce artisanal honey, this water-ringed museum makes for a gorgeous afternoon out.

Chateau Marquette & Slot Assumburg

The Heemskerk area was once the home turf of various noble families in Noord Holland, with there no less than nine castles dotted around the region. Nowadays, two castles preserving this antiquity remain open to the public. Surrounded by its very own moat, the enchanting Chateau Marquette offers fine dining and a memorable overnight stay. Meanwhile, Slot Assumburg (now a one-of-a-kind hostel) is an impressive castle that boasts an array of fantastical turrets and towers, rich medieval-style interiors, and extensive rose gardens to explore. There are also history-themed guided tours and treasure hunts for the little ones.