Katwijk: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

At Castellumplein in Katwijk, a hill tells the story of the Roman past: it was formed because seven forts were built there one after another. Their outlines are now marked with round bronze plaques in the road surface. The Torenmuseum also provides an introduction to this period. On two floors, it presents a permanent exhibition on the Roman history of Valkenburg.

Roman traces and museums

The Vuurbaak, also known as Vierboet, is the oldest surviving lighthouse building in the Netherlands after the Brandaris and is 14 metres high.

The Limes ends where the Rhine flows into the sea at Katwijk and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 275-kilometre Romeinse Limespad long-distance hiking trail begins at the Buitensluis in Katwijk. The section from Katwijk to Leiden runs for 13 kilometres from the Buitensluis to the Leidsche Hout. At the starting point of the route, a Limescoop, a virtual-reality viewer, shows the former Roman fort of Brittenburg, which stood off the coast 1,800 years ago.

Inside the Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden, the historical significance of steam locomotives in the Netherlands and the way steam engines work are explained. At Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden, visitors can take a seat in the driver's cab or take part in a scavenger hunt.

The Katwijks Museum displays paintings by, among others, Bernardus Johannes Blommers, Willy Sluiter, Jan van Goyen, Hans von Bartels, Morgenstjern Munthe, German Grobe and Jan Toorop. It also houses an extensive collection relating to the fishing heritage. The museum is housed in a former shipowner's house dating from the early 20th century; it is located around 200 metres from the sea. From Leiden Central Station, the Katwijks Museum can be reached by buses 431 or 90.

History is also made visible at a specific location in Rijnsburg. The Het Spinozahuis Museum is located in the house where Benedictus de Spinoza lived. It contains a reconstruction of Spinoza's library based on the inventory of his estate from 1677. The Oud-Rijnsburg Museum displays finds dating from around 600 to the present day, as well as a model of the former abbey complex.

The Bezoekerscentrum vliegveld Valkenburg is dedicated, with a permanent exhibition, to the history of the airfield from the 1930s until its closure in 2006. The DUNAatelier presents changing exhibitions throughout the year. During the summer months, the programme also includes art workshops and lectures.

Dunes, forest and water

Katwijk and its dune area are part of Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen. South of Katwijk lies Berkheide, a Natura 2000 dune area that is also part of Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen. Vlaggeduin rises 37 metres above the dune landscape; it is the highest natural point in the province of Zuid-Holland.

Panbos, also known as Pan van Persijn, is a forest for walking and playing for all age groups. It includes duck ponds, play equipment, a deer enclosure and lawns for relaxation. Natuurcentrum Katwijk provides education and information about nature, the environment and the living environment of Katwijk aan Zee. Valkenburgse Meer has a sandy beach and opportunities for water sports.

Market and regional offerings

A tourist market takes place every summer in the centre of Katwijk Aan Zee. The market offers regional products, performances and workshops. Alongside the museums, historical traces and landscapes, this also adds a seasonal event format to the character of the town.

Other places in the destination area: Katwijk Aan Zee, Katwijk, Rijnsburg, Valkenburg.

For the overarching travel overview: South Holland.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Korendijk, Oostflakkee, Reeuwijk, Hellevoetsluis.