In short. In bad weather in Zandvoort you can watch the sea from behind glass, for example by the open fire at NIUS Beach House on the south beach, open every day from 9:00 to 22:00. In the colder half of the year there’s a sauna on the beach, and in the village there’s the Zandvoorts Museum. If there’s a dry spell, head out for a bracing walk.
The sea from behind glass
Bad weather by the sea is not the same as bad weather in town. In a storm the waves run high and sand races across the beach, and from indoors it’s a magnificent sight. At NIUS Beach House on the south beach you’re surrounded by glass. In winter the open fire burns in NIUS Noord and Zuid. NIUS is open every day all year round from 9:00 to 22:00, even when it rains.
Warming up in the sauna
From 16 September to 30 April, Billies Sauna stands on the beach by NIUS. A session lasts 90 minutes: warm up with a view of the sea and, if you dare, take a dip in the North Sea in between. You book with Billies; find out more on the Billies Sauna page.
The Zandvoorts Museum
In the village is the Zandvoorts Museum, at Swaluëstraat 1. It tells the story of Zandvoort itself. Check the museum’s website for opening times and admission prices; it isn’t open every day.
A bracing walk between the showers
If there’s a dry spell, head out onto the beach. Walk south from the south beach, into the wind first. When it’s blowing hard you’ll often see kitesurfers there. In a storm, though, keep away from the water’s edge. The NIUS Windcheck shows how hard it’s blowing and when it’s high tide. More tips in Where can you go for a bracing walk in Zandvoort in winter?
Afterwards, sit down to eat
After a wet walk, nothing tastes better than soup. NIUS serves lunch until 16:00, drinks all day and dinner from 17:00. You can book online; you’re always welcome to drop in.
Also frequently asked
Is NIUS Beach House open in bad weather?
Yes. NIUS is open every day all year round from 9:00 to 22:00, in rain and storms too. Inside you’re surrounded by glass.
Is there a museum you can visit in Zandvoort when it rains?
Yes: the Zandvoorts Museum at Swaluëstraat 1, which is all about Zandvoort. Check the museum’s website for opening times.
Is the beach sauna open in bad weather?
Billies Sauna is on the beach by NIUS from 16 September to 30 April. You book with Billies, at billiessauna.com.
Can you go on the beach in a storm?
You can go for a bracing walk, but keep away from the water’s edge when it’s blowing hard. The NIUS Windcheck shows how hard it’s blowing.
Checked on 26 October 2026 by the NIUS Beach House team.