Nothing rivals a stay at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk. As soon as you step outside, the vast stretch of soft, golden sand welcomes you, while the steady rhythm of the waves and the invigorating scent of the sea air awaken your senses. The horizon unfolds before you, offering boundless space to breathe deeply and unwind. Here, serenity, openness, and pure relaxation come together to form the perfect seaside sanctuary.
Yet Noordwijk is far more than sun, sea, and sand. This enchanting seaside town unfolds into a tapestry of culture and history, where every winding path invites discovery. Before you know it, you’re wandering for miles across whispering dunes, through shadowed forests, and past time-worn landmarks, scarcely aware of the distance you’ve traveled.
What could be more rewarding than a trail that immerses you in breathtaking scenery and reveals captivating insights at every turn? These walking routes marry exploration with education, offering the perfect way to unwind after a busy workweek and escape the daily hustle and bustle. As you traverse sun-warmed dunes, drift through whispering forests, and pass time-honoured landmarks, you’ll uncover Noordwijk’s rich tapestry of nature and heritage. With the “Noordwijk: A Breath of Fresh Air” walking routes beneath your feet, boredom simply doesn’t stand a chance.
Heilzaam Noordwijk Route
Your journey begins at the Veldzicht Regional Museum, a charming heritage site just outside the town center. As you step into its fragrant herb garden, the gentle aromas of mint, sage, and thyme greet you; an inviting prelude to a walk that will stay with you long after it ends. Since 2020, Noordwijk has proudly held the title of Healing Seaside Resort, and this route brings that distinction vividly to life.
Once the heart of the Netherlands’ medicinal‐herb trade, Noordwijk’s dunes and surrounds were filled for centuries with plants prized for their restorative powers. Along the way, you’ll traverse this unique landscape while the free izi.TRAVEL app shares captivating tales of the region’s history and flora. Every step, every sea breeze, and every sweeping vista contributes to the deep sense of well‐being you’ve come to seek.
The trail then leads you into the dramatic expanse of the Hollandse Duinen National Park, a breathtaking reserve where rolling dunes, ancient forests, and panoramic views blend seamlessly. It’s an experience not to be missed, a tranquil journey where nature’s silence, fresh air, and timeless beauty are perfectly balanced, all within easy walking distance of Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. Heilzaam Noordwijk route | Noordwijk
Max Liebermann Route
Step into the early 1900s and feel the sea breeze whispering tales of the past. Picture sunlight gently gilding the dunes, the waves lapping softly at your feet, and the crisp, salty air filling your lungs. This is the very shoreline where Max Liebermann, one of Germany’s foremost Impressionists, once wandered with brush in hand, deftly capturing Noordwijk’s beauty on canvas.
A devoted student of Dutch masters such as Frans Hals and Rembrandt, Liebermann first ventured to the Netherlands in the 1870s. From 1876 onward, he spent several months each year in Noordwijk, gradually transforming his style from realism to Impressionism. Enraptured by the shifting light, the rolling dunes, and everyday seaside life, he ultimately produced no fewer than 129 paintings inspired by this landscape.
Despite his immense influence on the art world, Liebermann’s legacy dimmed in the aftermath of the world wars. Yet today, his spirit endures in this commemorative route, designed to honor the bond between artist and place. As you follow the same paths he once tread, past children at play on the beach, across undulating dunes, and alongside the ever-present sea, you’ll sense the past come vividly to life, painting Noordwijk anew in your imagination. Max Liebermann Route | Noordwijk
Flood Walk – A Historical Walk Through Noordwijk aan Zee
Soft sand cushions each step as the wind softly murmurs tales of centuries past, and the steady rhythm of the sea provides a gentle soundtrack. On the Flood Walk, you trace the transformation of Noordwijk from a humble fishing village to an elegant seaside resort, stepping into the world of Flood, Susan Smit’s evocative novel. Here, tradition yields to progress and simplicity blossoms into refinement.
At the heart of the story is Adriana van Konijnenburg, raised amid luxury and literature yet drawn toward an unexpected destiny. A secret love affair, a fateful decision, and the pain of exile shape her journey. Years later, Adriana returns, determined to reclaim her place, only to discover that the path home is fraught with challenges.
As you wander, the landscape feels plucked from Smit’s pages: stately historic villas, winding dune trails, and the very stretch of beach where bathing carts once stood. With each vista, the past comes alive, even without opening a book, its echoes lingering in the sea breeze and the contours of this enduring coastal haven. Vloed Wandeling | Noordwijk
Relax and Unwind at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin
After a rejuvenating stroll along the shoreline, make your way to the Van Diepeningen Lounge, where gracious service and refined elegance await. Sink into a cozy armchair with a steaming cup of coffee, a fragrant tea, or any warm beverage of your choice, and let the plush surroundings soothe your senses. Van Diepeningen Lounge ***** in Noordwijk aan Zee
If you’re eager to extend that seaside feeling, head down to Breakers Beach House—an effortlessly chic spot right on the sand. Here, fresh, locally sourced ingredients star on a varied menu, whether you’re in the mood for a light snack, a hearty meal, or another comforting drink. At Breakers, there’s always the perfect treat to match your mood. Holland’s Finest Beach House ***** in Noordwijk aan Zee
After days spent wandering Noordwijk’s beautiful beaches and dunes, these havens at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin offer the ultimate retreat—a place to recharge, indulge, and savor every moment. Stay a little longer in Noordwijk? Book your room now at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin and unwind by the sea, culture, and dunes.
Published: 1 August 2025