Wijk aan Zee is called the best-kept secret on the North Sea by some. With the widest beach in our little country and set among a beautiful protected dune area, this does not surprise me much. I joined Anne Albers, professional surfer and born and bred Wijk aan Zeese, for a day of surfing in the rugged North Sea. Anne also shared with me some of her favourite eateries and spots in Wijk aan Zee. With these tips, you will have a wonderful day or weekend in Wijk aan Zee.
Take a surfing lesson from Anne - Surf school Ozlines
I visited Anne, of course, to go surfing with her. If you have no surfing experience yet, you can take a lesson at Surf School Ozlines. With a bit of luck, you will have Anne as your surf instructor. You can also rent a wetsuit and board there and go into the water on your own.
Wijk aan Zee is one of the best surf spots in the Netherlands. This is because of the extensive pier that makes the waves roll towards the shore in a fine way. Sometimes the sea is also calm, in which case you can enjoy supping here.
Relax in a sustainable beach pavilion - Beach tents Aloha and Timbuktu
I was dead tired after my first surf session. You can recharge your batteries on the terrace of beach pavilion Aloha or Timboektoe. Both beach pavilions do a lot when it comes to sustainability. For this, they received a Gold Green Key Certificate: the certificate for companies that do business in a sustainable way.
From the terrace you look out over the sea and on colder days you can warm up around the fireplace at Timboektoe.
Eat what the pot serves - Restaurant Be My Guest
For dinner, Anne recommends eating in the village of Wijk aan Zee, at restaurant Be My Guest. Here you are welcomed in a cosy living room restaurant. The menu changes daily and different chefs cook, so it's always a surprise what's on the menu. Of course, there are always vega(n) options to choose from.
The restaurant is also a shop. Almost everything you see is for sale. On the wall adorn clocks made from old cans, alongside boxes in which local entrepreneurs display their works. Jams, fresh bread, furniture, it's all for sale.
Spend the night at the village inn - Be My Guest House
Meanwhile, the restaurant has expanded to include Hostel Be My Guest House, which you will find just down the road. A special place to spend the night. You sleep in one of nine rooms, each with its own atmosphere. In fact, each room is designed by a local artist and are therefore all unique.
Watch the sunset - The Easter Dune
Wijk aan Zee is surrounded by woods and dunes - and Tata Steel, which makes for a special picture. You can enjoy cycling or walking through the woods here, but according to Anne, the best place to enjoy Wijk aan Zee is the Paasduin. This is an area some 30 metres high, which offers stunning views of the the village, the sea and Tata Steel. After a long day on the surfboard and in the waves, Anne ends her day here and enjoys the most beautiful sunsets.
