Katwijk
Photos from Google
The outflow of the Oude Rijn is Katwijk's most recognisable feature: here the river reaches the sea through a system of sluices beneath the boulevard. It is one of the few places on the Dutch coast where a river meets the sea, and it separates the northern part of the beach from the southern part.
- Beach clubs
- 18
- Avg. rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Nearest station
- Leiden Centraal (9.0 km)
There are eighteen beach clubs along the beach, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The offering ranges from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, and the atmosphere varies from one venue to the next, from relaxed to upmarket. Some focus on a quick bite with your feet in the sand, while others serve a full dinner with table service.
Katwijk aan Zee has a brick-paved boulevard that separates the village from the beach. The boulevard was renovated and given a dyke-in-dune construction: the sea defence is tucked away beneath a raised square with steps down to the sand. From the boulevard you look out over the full width of the beach, which slopes gently towards the sea.
The village itself has a fishing past that is still visible in the old centre behind the boulevard. Shops, terraces and places to eat and drink are within walking distance of the beach, so a beach visit is easy to combine with a stroll through the centre. If you are looking for more space, the dunes of Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen lie directly to the north and south of the built-up area.
Its location makes Katwijk easy to reach from the Leiden and Den Haag region. The nearest station is Leiden Centraal, from where buses run to the coast. If you want to head further along the coast, Noordwijk aan Zee is less than five kilometres away and the Wassenaarse Slag a little further south.
The beach is wide and has several sections, marked with letters. This is handy for arranging where to meet and for following the dog rules, which vary by section and season. The combination of a continuous boulevard, a spacious beach and a village within walking distance makes Katwijk suitable for both a short stop and a full day out.
You can park within walking distance of the beach, partly for a fee. You will find the exact locations and rates in the parking overview on this page.
Great for
The beach is wide and slopes gently towards the sea, giving plenty of room to play and build. Several beach clubs are family-friendly and lie close to the boulevard, so a trip to the toilet or an ice cream is quickly sorted. The division into lettered beach sections helps you agree on a fixed spot with the children.
Dogs are welcome at several beach clubs in Katwijk. The rules on the beach itself vary by section and season, so it is worth checking them in advance. On beach section C, to the north of the river outflow, dogs are allowed all year round.
Several venues serve dinner with table service and have a terrace with sea views, ideal for the end of the day. The atmosphere ranges from relaxed to upmarket. Katwijk is also available as a wedding venue, which shows that some venues are set up for a well-organised evening programme.
The daytime offering ranges from a quick lunch to a leisurely brunch. With eighteen venues in a row, there is plenty of choice in style and price. The boulevard lies directly behind the beach, so lunch is easy to combine with a walk.
A corporate outing is possible at several beach clubs, which offer space for groups. The location close to Leiden and Den Haag makes organising one straightforward. The combination of beach, boulevard and hospitality lends itself to a day programme with several elements.
In rain or wind, the venues with a covered indoor area offer shelter, and the village centre with its shops is within walking distance behind the boulevard. Even in poorer weather, the renovated boulevard is a fine place for a walk with sea views.
Season & atmosphere
In summer, Katwijk is busy, especially on warm days when visitors from the Leiden and Den Haag region head to the coast. The boulevard and the beach clubs fill up, and it is wise to arrive early or to book ahead for dinner.
The shoulder seasons are quieter. In spring and early autumn the beach is good for walking and most venues are still open, while the crowds remain limited. These are also the periods when dog owners have more room on the beach.
Outside the beach season, the focus shifts to the boulevard and the village. Some of the beach clubs stay open year-round, while others are dismantled in the low season or open only on a limited basis.
Throughout the year, Katwijk hosts events on and around the boulevard, from markets to sporting events on the beach. Bear in mind that access and parking pressure increase on such days.
Practical
On warm summer days, come early, as the beach and the boulevard fill up quickly. For dinner at the venues with table service, booking is recommended.
You can park within walking distance of the beach, partly for a fee. Consult the parking overview on this page for the current locations and rates.
By public transport, you travel to Leiden Centraal, about 7.5 kilometres away, and from there by bus to the coast. That saves you searching for a parking space on busy days.
The beach is divided into lettered sections. Agree on a fixed letter with your group, as this makes finding your way back easier on a crowded beach.
In windy conditions, watch out for the kite club to the north of the river outflow; that part of the beach is used for kitesurfing.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can head to the neighbouring seaside resorts: Noordwijk aan Zee is about five kilometres away and the Wassenaarse Slag a little further south.
Nearest station: Leiden Centraal Plan your journey →
From Leiden Centraal station it is ±9,0 km on foot to the beach (±105 min). A bus or car gets you there faster.Beach rules & zones
The dog rules in Katwijk follow a fixed seasonal pattern. From 1 April to 1 October, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 09.00 and 19.00. Outside those hours and outside that season, dogs may run free; there is no lead requirement on the beach.
There is a weather exception: when the forecast is below 18 degrees and/or rain is expected, dogs may also come along during the day between 09.00 and 19.00.
Beach section C, to the north of the river outflow next to kite club Airtime, is open to dogs all year round. Everywhere, you are required to clean up after your dog. These rules come from the municipality of Katwijk; check them before your visit, as municipalities sometimes adjust the times and sections.
The beach is further divided into sections marked with letters, with the outflow of the Oude Rijn as a clear divide between the northern and southern parts. The area around kite club Airtime is used for kitesurfing, so watch out for equipment and lines on the sand there.
Horse riding on the beach
In the municipality of Katwijk, horse-riding on the beach is only permitted from 1 April to 1 October before 9.00 and after 19.00. In the event of precipitation or a temperature of 18 degrees or lower, it is allowed all day during that period. From 1 October to 1 April, horse-riding is permitted all day.
Parking
19 marked as paid, 6 with no fee info. Tap a pin for the name and directions.
Parking payment details come from OpenStreetMap and may be incomplete. Please check locally.
Nearby seaside resorts
Last updated: 23 June 2026