Scheveningen, Netherlands

Welcome to Scheveningen, a modern seaside resort located in The Hague, Netherlands. With its long, sandy beach, esplanade, pier, and lighthouse, Scheveningen is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The beach is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, with windsurfing and kiteboarding being popular activities. But Scheveningen is more than just a beach town – it has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Fishing was the main source of food and income for the early inhabitants, and the Battle of Scheveningen was fought off the coast in 1653. The village was hit by numerous storms over the centuries, but it persevered and even built a harbor in 1904. Scheveningen became a bathing resort in the 19th century, attracting tourists from all over Europe, and the hotel Kurhaus was opened in 1886. The village also attracted Dutch artists who painted the bomschuiten and fishermen at work in the North Sea. Today, Scheveningen is a vibrant community with a mix of locals and visitors. The original fishing village has changed as the fishing industry declined, but some of the original hofjes and row houses remain and have been protected by the authorities. Annual events include the Winter swim on New Year’s Day, Flags Day in spring, and fireworks in the summer. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Muzee Museum, the pier, bungy jumping, ziplining, Madurodam, Beelden aan Zee, Panorama Mesdag, and the four different beaches of Scheveningen. Nightlife centers around Pathé Scheveningen movie theater and the sea-front boulevard with its bars, restaurants, gambling halls, and other entertainment. Museums in the area include the Atlantikwall Museum Scheveningen, Bunker Museum Den Haag, Beelden aan Zee, Muzee Scheveningen, and Museumschip Hr. Ms. Mercuur. The Scheveningen Lighthouse is also a popular attraction, with its light beam flashing at alternate intervals of 2.5 and 7.5 seconds. The subdistricts of district Scheveningen are Scheveningen, Duinoord, Statenkwartier, Belgisch Park, Oostduinen, Maduroplein, Duindorp, Van Stolkpark, and Westbroekpark. Notable natives include politician Machiel de Graaf, dancer/singer/actress Romy Haag, artist Theo Jansen, admiral/privateer Cornelis Jol, football referee Dick Jol, football manager/player Martin Jol, cabaret artist Wim Kan, cyclist Bert Pronk, politician/diplomat Jan Pronk, industrialist Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, businessman/composer/environmentalist/archaeologist Tim Smit, and poet Piet Spaans. Come visit Scheveningen and experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and seaside fun!