In short. The best place for a bracing walk in Zandvoort is the south beach. Walk south from beach access 5: that’s where the promenade ends and there’s nothing but beach and dunes. Walk into the wind first, so you have it at your back on the way home. Afterwards you can warm up at NIUS Beach House, which is open every day.
Where to walk
The quietest stretch of beach is at the southern end of Zandvoort. Start at beach access 5, on Boulevard Paulus Loot, and walk south. That’s where the promenade ends and there’s nothing but beach, dunes and sea. In winter it’s empty; by then most of the beach bars have been taken down.
Wind and tides
- Start off into the wind. Then you’ll have it at your back on the way home.
- Keep an eye on the tide. At high tide the beach is narrower. The NIUS Windcheck shows the times of high and low tide at IJmuiden, and how hard the wind is blowing right now.
- When it’s blowing hard you’ll often see kitesurfers on the south beach. The kite spot at Watersportvereniging Zandvoort, the local water sports club, is about 500 metres from NIUS.
Set off in good time, for the light
In winter the sun sets early: in December at around half past four, on 15 December at 16:28. Because the beach faces west, it sinks into the sea. Set off well before sunset, so you walk back in the most beautiful light. The times for the whole year are in What time does the sun set in Zandvoort?
Warming up afterwards
NIUS Beach House is open every day all year round from 9:00 to 22:00. In winter the open fire burns in NIUS Noord and Zuid, and through the glass you look out at the beach you were walking on a moment ago. Come in for soup, coffee or a glass of red, or stay for dinner from 17:00.
Would you rather warm up first and then take a dip in the sea? From 16 September to 30 April, Billies Sauna is on the beach at NIUS.
Getting here
If you’re driving, park at Parkeerterrein De Zuid, less than three minutes’ walk from beach access 5. If you’re coming by train, get off at Zandvoort aan Zee station; from there it’s just over a kilometre, about a twenty-minute walk.
Also frequently asked
Where do you start a beach walk in Zandvoort?
On the south beach, at beach access 5 on Boulevard Paulus Loot. If you’re driving, park at Parkeerterrein De Zuid, less than three minutes’ walk away. If you’re coming by train, it’s about a twenty-minute walk from the station.
Which way should you walk?
Start off into the wind. Then you’ll have it at your back on the way home, when you’re tired.
Does the tide matter for a beach walk?
Yes. At high tide the beach is narrower and you walk closer to the dunes. The NIUS Windcheck shows the times of high and low tide at IJmuiden.
What time does it get dark in Zandvoort in winter?
In December the sun sets at around half past four. So set off in good time, and you’ll walk back in the most beautiful light.
Where can you warm up after a bracing walk?
At NIUS Beach House on the south beach, by the open fire in NIUS Noord or Zuid. Open every day from 9:00 to 22:00.
Checked on 26 October 2026 by the NIUS Beach House team.