Scheveningen was once a small fishing village. Today, it’s a district of The Hague—complete with a harbor, grand hotels, a casino, and the historic Kurhaus. A seaside resort with a rich past that has long since transformed into an international holiday destination. Here, maritime charm meets tourist hustle, fish stands sit alongside fine dining, and sandy beaches contrast with towering high-rises.

The town’s most iconic landmark is its 400-meter-long pier, a broad concrete platform on stilts stretching out into the sea. At its far end, a tower rises with an observation deck, a bungee jump, and a zipline. If you’re feeling brave, you can take a 60-meter plunge toward the waves. For those who prefer a calmer experience, there’s a Ferris wheel that hovers above the water, offering panoramic views of the North Sea coast.

I arrived early in the morning. The beach was empty, save for a few joggers and dog walkers. Gulls screeched in the cool breeze. The pier was tidy but still asleep, its shops shuttered, the bungee tower abandoned. Otherwise, of course, I would have jumped.