Wassenaar Hondenstrand
Wassenaar Hondenstrand is a beautiful, wide sandy beach on the South Holland coast between Scheveningen and Katwijk. The dedicated dog beach is accessed via the beach exit between beach poles 91 and 92, from where dogs can run freely northward all the way to the Katwijk border year-round. This section of beach is backed by the pristine Berkheide dune area, one of the most important nature reserves in the region. Outside the summer season (September 15 through May 15), the entire Wassenaar beach opens up for off-leash dog walking, providing an enormous expanse of sand to explore. The beach is reached via the Wassenaarse Slag, a broad access road through the dunes ending at two large parking areas: De Kuil (approximately 700 spaces) and Zeelust (approximately 180 spaces). De Kuil is the best choice for the dog beach — follow the marked dog route from the parking lot (at the end of the Wassenaarse Slag, turn right) to reach the off-leash section. The beach has a wild, natural character with wide views along the coast. Wassenaar enforces a maximum of four off-leash dogs per handler and requires dog waste cleanup at all times, including in the off-leash areas. The municipality takes these rules seriously and dog owners are expected to carry cleanup tools at all times.
Quick Info
Hours
Year-round off-leash between beach poles 91 and 92 via the dedicated dog beach exit, extending north to the Katwijk border. May 15 - Sep 15: restricted hours on other beach sections (dogs not allowed during daytime). Sep 15 - May 15: dogs allowed off-leash all day on the entire beach.
Leash
Off-leash OK
Parking
Available
Water
Bring your own
Beach Rules 📋
- ●Year-round off-leash between beach poles 91-92 northward to Katwijk border
- ●May 15 - Sep 15: restricted access on other beach sections during daytime hours
- ●Sep 15 - May 15: dogs allowed off-leash all day on the entire beach
- ●Maximum 4 off-leash dogs per handler
- ●Dog waste must always be cleaned up — must carry cleanup tools
- ●Dogs must be on leash on cycle paths at all times
- ●Dogs forbidden in bird breeding areas during breeding season
Local Tips from Dog Owners 💡
- 🐾Park at De Kuil (Wassenaarse Slag 30, Wassenaar) — about 700 spaces, follow the marked dog route to the beach
- 🐾Zeelust parking (180 spaces) is an alternative but De Kuil is closer to the dog beach section
- 🐾The dog beach exit is between poles 91 and 92 — head north from there for off-leash freedom
- 🐾Maximum 4 off-leash dogs per handler — Wassenaar enforces this
- 🐾Always carry dog waste cleanup tools — it's mandatory and checked
- 🐾Parking can be expensive in summer (up to EUR 20/day reported) — consider off-peak visits
Nearby Attractions 🗺️
Location
Amenities
Heading to Wassenaar 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 🐾
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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.
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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.