Bergen aan Zee is a quaint seaside village and resort located on the North Sea coast in the province of North Holland, Netherlands. It forms part of the municipality of Bergen and lies about 9 kilometers west of the city of Alkmaar, with coordinates approximately 52.667°N 4.633°E. Covering an area of just 1.45 square kilometers at an elevation of around 8 meters, it has a small permanent population of 335 as of 2021, giving it a low density of 231 people per square kilometer. Unlike the historic inland village of Bergen, which is known for its artistic heritage and green, wooded avenues blending art, nature, architecture, and history in a relaxed atmosphere, Bergen aan Zee is a relatively modern coastal settlement primarily developed as a beach destination. It attracts visitors year-round, especially from the Netherlands and Germany, for its serene sandy shores, dunes, and outdoor activities, making it a peaceful alternative to busier Dutch resorts like Scheveningen.
The village is quite young; the village was created in
1906 through a vision of large land owner and Lord of Bergen, mayor
Jacob van Reenen. There were already a number of houses and farms in
the dunes, but it was not on a very large scale. Part of the
residence was called Bergen Binnen, on the inside of the dunes at
Bergen and another part was already called Bergen aan Zee, which was
a starting point for Bergen. More to the coast, the fewer houses and
the less agriculture. He foresaw that more agriculture could take
place in the dunes.
Mayor's wife Maria van Reenen-Völter also
devoted herself to the development of the seaside resort. She
published a book in 1904 in which she described the attractiveness
of Bergen, especially for artists. In 1905 a cart track through the
Berger Bos and the dunes was replaced by a paved access road to the
sea; the Zeeweg. The mayor made sure that in 1909 the tram line was
extended from Bergen to Bergen aan Zee. A member of the Zeiler
family from Baarn saw opportunities for the development of the
catering industry in the seaside resort. Thus, by private initiative
in 1906, an entirely new village was created, which was given the
old name, which already appears in 1848, for the starting point.
Exactly on July 28, 1906, the first stone was laid for Café Prins
Maurits, which a few years later was operated as Hotel Restaurant
Café Prins Maurits; the first hotel in Bergen aan Zee was a fact and
more than 100 years later the hotel still exists. In 2006, the 100th
anniversary of the village was extensively celebrated.
Geographically, Bergen aan Zee is defined by its stunning North Sea
beachfront and expansive dune systems. The village is bordered by the
Noordhollands Duinreservaat, one of the largest dune reserves in the
Netherlands, which spans vast sandy landscapes ideal for hiking and
cycling. This reserve features rolling dunes, grasslands, and pockets of
forest, providing a natural barrier against the sea and habitat for
wildlife like deer, foxes, and various bird species. The beach itself is
wide and sandy, stretching for kilometers, with gentle waves suitable
for water sports.
The climate is typical of the Dutch coast: mild and
maritime, influenced by the North Sea. Summers are cool with average
highs around 20-22°C (68-72°F) in July and August, often accompanied by
breezy conditions perfect for kite surfing or sailing. Winters are mild,
with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, averaging 2-6°C
(36-43°F) from December to February, though strong winds and occasional
storms can occur. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year,
totaling about 800-900 mm annually, with foggy mornings common in spring
and autumn. This temperate weather makes it appealing in all
seasons—sunny summers for beachgoers, crisp autumns for walks, and even
winter for invigorating coastal hikes.
The economy of Bergen aan Zee revolves almost entirely around
tourism. As an upper-income suburb and resort, it caters to visitors
seeking relaxation, with accommodations ranging from cozy beach hotels
to vacation homes. The beach is the star attraction, popular for
surfing, sailing, kiteboarding, and sunbathing. The Noordhollands
Duinreservaat offers extensive trails for walking, biking, and
birdwatching, with entry requiring a small fee for conservation.
Key landmarks include the Zee Aquarium Bergen, a small but engaging
marine exhibit showcasing North Sea life, including fish, sharks, and
interactive displays—ideal for families. The village center features
beach pavilions, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and shops. For
culture, it's linked to the artistic vibe of nearby Bergen, home to
galleries and the Kranenburgh Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore
the dunes for rare plants or join guided nature tours. Events like beach
festivals or markets occur seasonally, though it's generally low-key
compared to larger resorts.
Proximity to Amsterdam (about 50 km away)
allows day trips to icons like the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum,
but Bergen aan Zee itself emphasizes nature over urban bustle.
Sustainability is a focus, with efforts to preserve the dunes against
erosion.
Bergen aan Zee's small size fosters a intimate, community feel—it's walkable end-to-end in under 30 minutes. Public transport includes buses from Alkmaar, and cycling is popular via dedicated paths. Parking is available but limited in peak summer. It's family-friendly, with safe beaches, but note that nudity is permitted in designated dune areas, reflecting Dutch liberal norms. The village sees fewer crowds than Zandvoort, offering a more tranquil escape. Recent social media highlights its photogenic landscapes, with users sharing drone shots of the coast. Overall, it's a gem for those craving coastal serenity with a touch of Dutch charm.