Then..

Until halfway through the nineteenth century, Wijk aan Zee was a typical fishing village. The painter Rijckert Aertsz, born around 1482 in Wijk aan Zee, therefore was the son of a fisherman. However, the village did not dispose of a harbour, and this meant that in the course of the nineteenth century it lost the competitive struggle with other fishing villages in the region. Fishery died by inches in Wijk aan Zee. The population started to dedicate itself to the reception of bathers...

2008..

The village is located directly on the North Sea and on the edge of a vast dune area. In such an environment you can obviously find many possibilities for recreation and relaxation. The wide North Sea beach of Wijk aan Zee, stretching out up to the North Pier of IJmuiden and up to the neighbouring Heemskerk, really offers you all you can expect on the coast. In the course of the year the active village community, both citizenry and entrepreneurs, organizes numerous events. Wijk aan Zee belongs to Beverwijk. Here you can go shopping to your heart’s content and you will find the famous Bazaar/Oriental market of Beverwijk.

The hotels of Wijk aan Zee vary from neoclassical architecture to very modern and are all accommodated with facilities you would desire with a contemporary guest room. They are situated on or at a small walking distance from beach, dunes, sea and village centre. The North Pier is a paradise for anglers and he nearby beach is known as one of the best surfing spots of our country. Here you can find "The Hotzone, the school of boarding", with a surprisingly all-round training offer.

In the near surroundings you can also find diverse possibilities for a day out. At the north side of Wijk aan Zee you will find a wonderful PWN dune reserve with marvellous vast bicycle and hiking possibilities.