Braakman, J. (Primaire vervaardiger)
Katwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand
Katwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand is a magnificent 2.5-kilometre dedicated dog beach stretching from north of the Het Wantveld beach pavilion all the way to the start of Koningin Astrid Boulevard in Noordwijk. This is one of the longest dedicated dog beaches in the Netherlands, and dogs are welcome here off-leash all day, every day of the year — no seasonal restrictions apply. The dog beach starts at the last building in Beach Section 23, near the Kitesurfvereniging Airtime, and runs northward along a beautiful, relatively quiet stretch of coast. Dogs are also allowed off-leash in the adjacent dunes west of the bike and walking path to Noordwijk, giving even more space to explore. The Coepelduynen nature area borders the beach, offering additional walking opportunities through the dunes. For the rest of Katwijk's beaches, seasonal restrictions apply: from April through September, dogs are not permitted between 09:00 and 19:00, unless the daytime temperature stays below 18 degrees Celsius — an unusual and practical rule unique to Katwijk. After October 1, all Katwijk beaches open up for off-leash access all day. The best parking for the dog beach is at the Noordduinseweg lot (Noordduinen parking), which provides the closest access to the northern dog beach section. Dog waste cleanup is mandatory on the beach and in the dunes.
Quick Info
Hours
Year-round off-leash all day on the dedicated dog beach north of Het Wantveld pavilion (2.5 km stretch from Kitesurfvereniging Airtime/beach section 23 to Koningin Astrid Boulevard in Noordwijk). Other Katwijk beaches: Apr 1 - Oct 1: dogs not allowed between 09:00-19:00 (exception: if daytime temperature stays below 18°C). Oct 1 - Apr 1: dogs off-leash all day everywhere.
Leash
Off-leash OK
Parking
Available
Water
Bring your own
Beach Rules 📋
- ●Year-round off-leash all day on the dedicated dog beach north of Het Wantveld pavilion
- ●Dogs also off-leash in dunes west of the bike/walking path between Katwijk and Noordwijk
- ●Other Katwijk beaches: Apr 1 - Oct 1: dogs not allowed 09:00-19:00
- ●Temperature exception: dogs allowed in summer if daytime temperature stays below 18°C
- ●Oct 1 - Apr 1: dogs off-leash all day everywhere on Katwijk beaches
- ●Dog waste must always be cleaned up — mandatory on beach and in dunes
Local Tips from Dog Owners 💡
- 🐾Park at the Noordduinseweg parking lot (Noordduinen) for the closest access to the dog beach
- 🐾The dog beach runs 2.5 km from Katwijk to Noordwijk — one of the longest in the Netherlands
- 🐾Dogs can also run off-leash in the dunes west of the bike path between Katwijk and Noordwijk
- 🐾Unique Katwijk rule: even in summer, dogs are allowed if temperature stays below 18°C
- 🐾Beachclub Wantveld (Strandvak 22, near Noordduinseweg 6) is a good landmark for finding the dog beach
- 🐾Bring your own waste bags — cleanup is mandatory on beach and in dunes
Nearby Attractions 🗺️
Location
Amenities
Heading to Katwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand?
Make sure you're prepared with all the beach day essentials for your pup!
🦺 Dog life jacket
💧 Fresh water + bowl
🧴 Dog sunscreen
🎾 Floating fetch toy
🧹 Poop bags
More Dog Beaches in Netherlands 🐾
Ameland Noordzeestrand
Off-LeashAmeland, Netherlands
Ameland's North Sea beach is a continuous 27-kilometre strip of fine white sand running the entire length of the island's northern coast. Dogs are welcome off-leash year-round on the vast majority of this beach, making Ameland one of the most generous islands for four-legged visitors. The main beach access points are at Hollum (west, near the lighthouse), Ballum, Nes (the busiest section with most facilities), and Buren (east). The only restrictions are at the monitored beach crossings and the green beach near Ballum, where leashes are required. Away from these spots, your dog has kilometres of open sand and surf to enjoy. Ameland also has three designated off-leash zones inland: near Koudenburg in Hollum, Roosdunen in Ballum, and Kwekerijbos in Nes. In forests, dunes, grazing areas, and villages, dogs must stay on a leash. Ameland is reached by Wagenborg ferry from Holwerd, with a 45-minute crossing running approximately seven times daily. Dogs need a paid ticket for the ferry (approximately the child fare rate). The island has four villages — Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren — each with their own character, shops, and restaurants. Nes is the main village and ferry port, making it the easiest starting point for beach adventures with your dog.
Bergen aan Zee Strand
Off-LeashBergen aan Zee, Netherlands
Bergen aan Zee offers a beautiful stretch of North Sea coastline that is part of the municipality of Bergen in North Holland. The beach is divided into distinct zones: activity beaches (marked with orange poles), sunbathing beaches (yellow poles), and a naturist beach (pink poles). During winter from October through April, dogs can roam freely across all beach sections, making it ideal for long walks with your four-legged friend. In summer, the rules vary by zone — leashed dogs are welcome on activity beaches throughout the day, while all other areas are accessible before 10:00 and after 19:00. The village of Bergen aan Zee is a charming seaside resort with the popular Zee Aquarium featuring over 300 species of marine life. Behind the beach lies the magnificent North Holland Dune Reserve, home to Scottish Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies, with excellent walking trails. Paid parking is available at several locations including Parkweg (225m to beach) and Van Der Wijckplein (150m to beach), costing around EUR 1.90 per hour or EUR 10 per day. Several beach pavilions offer food and drinks, and the village has a relaxed, artistic atmosphere that complements a day at the beach with your dog.
Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand
Off-LeashBloemendaal, Netherlands
Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand is one of the most beloved year-round dog beaches in the Netherlands, located between the Parnassia beach exit and the naturist beach in the heart of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Unlike most Dutch beaches that restrict dogs in summer, this designated dog section allows off-leash play 365 days a year, making it a true paradise for dog owners from across the Randstad. The beach stretches along a beautiful, wide section of North Sea coastline backed by pristine dunes. During the off-season from September 15 to May 15, dogs are welcome everywhere along Bloemendaal aan Zee on a leash, with the dog beach section remaining off-leash. In the high season from May 15 to September 15, dogs are restricted to the designated dog beach area and may visit pavilion terraces on a leash. The nearby Parnassia aan Zee beach pavilion is dog-friendly and even offers a special dog menu. Parking is available at the large Parnassia car park on the Zeeweg, with the first half hour free, then EUR 3.00 per hour or EUR 19.00 for a day pass. Bike parking is also available. The beach is easily accessible from Haarlem and Amsterdam, nestled within the stunning dune landscape where you might spot Highland cattle and Konik horses on your walk in.