Colorful mannequins sitting atop decorated shipping containers near the beach in Scheveningen, with a Ferris wheel in the background. A scenic view of Scheveningen pier featuring a ferris wheel, sandy beach, and vibrant boardwalk under clear skies.
Netherlands

Scheveningen: The Largest Beach Resort in the Netherlands

The Pier’s Quiet Side Before the Crowds Arrive.
Scheveningen, Netherlands, July 2022

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.

Map of Scheveningen
A beach view in Scheveningen featuring a colorful ferris wheel and a bungee jump tower at the pier, with sandy shores in the foreground.
A colorful pier in Scheveningen with vibrant pillars, overlooking sandy beach and calm water under a clear sky.
A scenic view of Scheveningen pier featuring a ferris wheel, sandy beach, and vibrant boardwalk under clear skies.
A quiet morning on Scheveningen Pier, where the Ferris wheel stands still against the endless horizon. The tower, a daring bungee spot, now watches over the North Sea as the first footprints appear in the sand below.
A colorful cocktail bar on the Scheveningen pier, featuring vibrant decorations and a view of the sea.
A view of Scheveningen beach showcasing colorful beach umbrellas and a vibrant beachfront promenade against a cloudy sky.
Morning light over Scheveningen Beach, where rows of sunbeds and umbrellas wait for the first visitors of the day. The historic Kurhaus stands proudly in the background, a timeless symbol of seaside luxury.
A stunning view of Kurhaus in Scheveningen, showcasing its ornate architecture and grand entrance steps.
Grand and glamorous, the Kurhaus in Scheveningen has been the beating heart of the Dutch seaside resort since 1885, hosting royals, rock stars, and sun-seekers alike.
Colorfully painted mannequins display artistic designs on a wall in Scheveningen, with a beachside amusement park backdrop.
Colorful mannequins sitting atop decorated shipping containers near the beach in Scheveningen, with a Ferris wheel in the background.
Neon mannequins lounge atop colorful beach containers, street art splashes across the walls, and a Ferris wheel spins in the background—Scheveningen’s beach scene isn’t just about sand and sea—creativity thrives in every corner.
A beachside restaurant in Scheveningen featuring cozy seating, decorative lanterns, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
Beach loungers with cushions and umbrellas on the sandy shores of Scheveningen, with calm sea in the background.
Recycling display in Scheveningen featuring large plastic bottles filled with various collected waste items.
A beachside attraction in Scheveningen featuring glass jars for saving animals, a game board, and a ferris wheel in the background.
A chalkboard displaying the rules and rankings for the TrashUreHunt adventure game in Scheveningen, with jars for collecting items.
A round ice cream kiosk in Scheveningen, featuring colorful signage for drinks and snacks, next to a beachside promenade.