Wassenaarse Slag
Photos from Google
A road through the dunes leads from Rijksdorp to the North Sea beach at Wassenaarse Slag. This is the northern access point to the more than eight kilometres of coastline in the municipality of Wassenaar. On the southern side lies the Meijendelse Slag, which opens onto the same beach.
- Beach clubs
- 4
- Avg. rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Nearest station
- Leiden Centraal (12.1 km)
Blue Flag beach 2026
What is the Blue Flag?
The beach borders the Meijendel dune and water-catchment area. As a result, buildings stay at a distance and the area keeps a natural character. Anyone walking to the beach first passes through the dunes.
Six beach clubs stand at the access point. Together they have an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. What's on offer ranges from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, so you can come early in the day as well as in the evening.
The atmosphere is described as relaxed, refined and lively. In practice that means you can settle quietly on a sun lounger, but also sit down for a fuller dinner with table service. Several venues cater to guests who stay longer than a quick bite.
Wassenaarse Slag lies between Katwijk and Scheveningen. You can reach Katwijk along the beach heading north; the beach access between marker posts 91 and 92 leads to that stretch. Scheveningen and Noordwijk aan Zee are a little further away and can be reached by car.
The nearest train station is Leiden Centraal, just over nine kilometres away. From the station you'll need a connecting bus or a taxi to reach the coast. By car you drive through Wassenaar to the dune car parks by the access point.
Several beach clubs are suitable for a corporate outing, and a wedding venue is available for those who want to marry by the sea. The combination of table service, space and views over the North Sea makes the beach usable for groups and parties, not just for individual beach-goers.
Dogs are welcome at several venues, and outside the summer season generous rules apply to the beach itself. The exact times and zones are described further down. Children are well catered for on a wide beach with facilities near the venues.
Great for
The beach is wide and slopes gently down to the waterline, with room to play away from the busy terraces. Several beach clubs are geared towards children and serve breakfast and brunch alongside lunch and dinner, handy for a full day by the sea.
Dogs are welcome at several beach clubs. Outside the period from 15 May to 15 September inclusive, they are allowed anywhere on the beach and may run off the lead, which makes Wassenaarse Slag a good spot for a walk with the dog outside the high season.
Several venues serve dinner with table service and look out over the North Sea. The more refined atmosphere and the view across the water make the beach a good choice for an evening for two, especially at sunset.
All six venues offer lunch, in addition to breakfast and brunch. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 shows that visitors are generally happy with them. You can choose between a terrace or a spot on the beach itself.
A corporate outing is possible at Wassenaarse Slag. With the combination of space on the beach, table service and a full menu from breakfast to dinner, several venues are suitable for groups and business gatherings.
When it rains or the wind picks up, the beach clubs offer a covered spot with a sea view. If you want to do more, you can head to Scheveningen or Katwijk, both a short distance away with more indoor facilities.
Season & atmosphere
The beach is busiest in the summer months. The six venues are then in full swing and the terraces fill up on warm days. Because of its location by Meijendel, it also draws walkers and cyclists who combine the dune area with a visit to the beach.
Between 15 May and 15 September, restrictions apply to dogs on part of the beach. Outside that period it is quieter and the beach is well suited to longer beach walks, including with the dog off the lead.
In the early and late season, some of the venues stay open, though what's on offer may be more limited than in summer. With a strong westerly wind, the open beach can feel chilly; the venues then provide shelter.
The months outside the summer holidays are ideal if you want to avoid the crowds. The beach is then more accessible for dogs and there is less pressure on parking than on warm summer days.
Practical
By car you drive through Wassenaar to the dune car parks by the beach access point. There is parking within walking distance, some of it paid. You'll find the exact rates and locations in the parking overview on this page.
By public transport, Leiden Centraal is the nearest station, just over nine kilometres away. Allow for a connecting bus or taxi to reach the coast; no train runs directly to the beach.
From the car park you walk through the dunes to the beach. Bear in mind that this walk takes a few minutes and that you'll have to carry your beach gear. Sturdy shoes or flip-flops are handy on the sandy path.
If you want to dine or come with a larger group, book ahead at the beach club of your choice. On warm days and at weekends the terraces fill up quickly.
For a day by the sea, bring plenty of water, sun protection and perhaps a windbreak, as the beach is open to the North Sea. Before you set off, check whether your chosen venue is open in the early or late season.
Nearest station: Leiden Centraal Plan your journey →
From Leiden Centraal station it is ±12,1 km on foot to the beach (±142 min). A bus or car gets you there faster.Beach rules & zones
Outside the period from 15 May to 15 September inclusive, dogs are allowed anywhere on the beach at Wassenaarse Slag and may run off the lead. During those months the beach is therefore widely accessible for anyone coming to walk the dog.
During the summer period, from 15 May to 15 September inclusive, dogs are not allowed on the beach between marker posts HP 91.50 and HP 92.75 between 09:00 and 19:00. Outside those hours they are permitted.
Via the beach access between posts 91 and 92 you reach the stretch towards Katwijk. There dogs may run off the lead during the summer season. Walking beyond the beach clubs is not permitted. These rules are based on the dog policy of the municipality of Wassenaar; check the current situation with the municipality.
The beach itself is wide and borders the Meijendel dune area. The six beach clubs are concentrated at the access point; beyond that the beach stays more open and natural. Special zones such as a naturist beach are not mentioned in the data.
Horse riding on the beach
In the municipality of Wassenaar, horse-riding on the beach is permitted all year, except in a summer zone between strandpalen HP 91.50 and HP 92.75. There, a ban applies during the daytime from 15 May to 15 September; the ban does not apply at a temperature of 18 degrees or lower or in the event of precipitation. (Official sources differ on the starting time: 7.00 or 9.00 - check the current notice.)
Naturism
This resort has a designated or marked nudist beach. The designated zone is located near beach post 78.
Parking
2 marked as paid, 1 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.
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Last updated: 23 June 2026