When we have a day off we like to drive out of the city to other nearby towns and villages. One of the places we are fond of visiting is Noordwijk aan Zee that is roughly a forty-five minute drive from Amsterdam.
Located at the west of Holland Noordwijk falls into what is called the “dune and bulb” region. Enroute to the beach town you can spot the famous tulip fields (not Keukenhof, which is the tulip garden, these are the actual fields for agriculture), and when you reach there are the dunes that separate the concrete walkway from the white sand beach.
The beach at Noordwijk is generous and sprawling with plenty of activities and beautifully clean sand for long barefoot walks. Sand between the toes, for me, is therapeutic, an instant lift-me-up. There is also a quaint shopping street just off the beach and plenty of eating options from fresh seafood to pizza. You must try Vivaldi ice cream, they are iconic and live up to their tremendous reputation.
Even when the weather is not delightfully summery Noordwijk has plenty to offer. It has always inspired artists, writers and painters, I remember being there for a living statues exhibit, and also for the floral float parade, you can: click here, to check for events before planning your visit. Do keep in mind it is always windy at Noordwijk so do carry a windproof jacket or coat.
One of my favorite symbols / art / haunting memories associated with Noordijk is an evocative painting by German artist Max Liebermann titled “Dune in Noordwijk with child.” This painting captures the essence of the beach, the far out gently rolling waves, the colors between water and sky merging, the disparate greenery on the dunes that pulls the heart to wander, that solitary part of the soul that the sea whisper to – I know you, I hear you….
Till we meet next time on the blog I leave you with some pictures of our recent visit.
Diligent Candy 