The surrounding area
Walking and Cycling Adventures
The area around our holiday apartments is perfect for nature lovers. Take long walks along the beach or explore the vast dune landscapes. Within minutes, you’ll be in the Hollandse Duinen National Park, a protected coastal reserve. Cycle to nearby destinations like Wassenaar or Scheveningen, or follow one of the many marked hiking trails. Keep an eye out for Highland cattle grazing in the wild!
The local tourist office offers a selection of cycling and walking routes. One highlight is the Dune & Sea Route, a 33-km scenic trail through stunning nature and past historic sites around Leiden, Katwijk, and Wassenaar. Find more routes on fietsnetwerk.nl and komoot.com.
Tulip Fields & Flower Season
Katwijk is located in the famous Dutch Flower Region (Bollenstreek). The world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens is less than 20 km away From late March to early May, the countryside transforms into a sea of color with blooming tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths. The fields stretch between the dunes and the picturesque flower villages of Lisse, Hillegom, Noordwijkerhout, and Voorhout. For current bloom locations, visit the official Bollenstreek website.
A Rich Artistic & Maritime History
Katwijk began as a traditional fishing village. Without a harbor, fishermen used flat-bottomed boats launched from the beach. This unique seascape attracted more than 1,200 artists over the years. Some even built homes along the boulevard. F
Famous names like Jan Toorop, Willy Sluiter, and B.J. Blommers, as well as international artists such as Hans von Bartels, Max Liebermann, and Keith Castle, painted here.
Learn more at the Katwijks Museum, home to a beautiful collection of art and local history. It’s just a 10-minute walk from our apartments.
Visit the Historic Cities of Holland
Katwijk is also the perfect base for culture lovers and city explorers. Within 40 minutes, you can reach well-known cities like Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Haarlem, and even Amsterdam. Discover historic city centers, canals, museums, and traditional Dutch markets—then return in the evening to the peace and comfort of your own seaside apartment.
Leiden is a lively student city with canals and courtyards, reachable in 30 minutes by bike. Delft & Haarlem are both known as “little Amsterdams” with canals, culture, and charm. You’ll reach both in 45 minutes by car. Our royal city The Hague is full of palaces, museums, and shopping streets. The Hague is just 20 km away. Amsterdam & Rotterdam are both world-class cities with just 1 hour away by car or public transport. Use OV9292.nl to plan your city trip with ease.
Our royal city The Hague is full of palaces, museums, and shopping streets. The Hague is just 20 km away.
Amsterdam & Rotterdam are both world-class cities with just 1 hour away by car or public transport. Use OV9292.nl to plan your city trip with ease.
Boat Tours to Leiden & the Kagerplassen
From June to September, a water taxi takes you to Leiden on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Cruise along the ancient Limes, the Roman Empire’s northern border, passing villages like Oegstgeest, Valkenburg, and Rijnsburg. The journey takes about 75 minutes one way.
Local company Rederij van der Hulst also offers two boat tours from Katwijk; Leiden Tour and Windmill & Lake Tour. These relaxing boat trips let you see the Dutch landscape from a different perspective.
Markets in and around Katwijk
| Day | City | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Noordwijkerhout | Year around |
| Tuesday | Katwijk | Tourist market, in Juli and August only |
| Hillegom | Year around | |
| Wednesday | Leiden | Year around |
| Noordwijk | Summer market, in Juli and August only | |
| Thursday | Sassenheim | Year around |
| Friday | Katwijk | Year around |
| Saturday | Leiden | Year around |
| Warmond | Year around |
Annual events
| Date | Event | Information |
|---|---|---|
| 12. April | A parade of colourful floats and richly decorated vehicles | More infromation. |
| 27. April | Kingsday | On April 27th we celebrate the Birthday of our King. This year his birthday is on a Sunday, therefore all festivities will take place on Saterday April 26th. |
| 14. June | Kippenloop | A large walking event with over fivethousand participants. Various routes throught the dunes and along the beach. And a lot of festivities in the centre of Katwijk. More information. |
| 5. July | Search and Rescue event (SAR) | SAR Katwijk i |
| 31. Juli – 9. August | Northsea-Festival | One week filled with music and entertainment at the beach. More information. |
| 9. August | Flower Parade Rijnsburg | More information. |