How long does it take to walk through Scheveningen?

A full exploration usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. The route covers approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and includes stops at the old village, the lighthouse, and the modern pier.

Is the Scheveningen walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is mostly stroller-friendly. While the old village has some cobblestones, the main promenade and the Pier are paved and accessible for wheels.

What is the best time of day to start this self-guided walk?

Late afternoon is ideal for this route. Starting about 2-3 hours before sunset allows you to explore the historic village first and finish at the Pier just as the sun sets over the North Sea.

Can I see the inside of the Kurhaus without staying there?

Yes, you can generally enter the lobby and the Grand Ballroom area. However, the ballroom is occasionally closed for private functions, so it is best to check their event schedule beforehand.

Is Scheveningen worth visiting if I am not interested in the beach?

Absolutely, as the area has a rich history beyond sunbathing. The historic Keizerstraat and Muzee Scheveningen provide fascinating insights into Dutch maritime heritage and 19th-century architecture.

How do I get to the start of the Scheveningen walk from The Hague Centraal?

The easiest way is to take Tram 1 or Tram 9. Tram 1 will take you directly to the Keizerstraat stop, which is the starting point of this self-guided adventure.

Unlike a traditional guided tour The Hague, can I do this at night?

While the walk is safe at night, many of the historical landmarks like the Old Church and Muzee will be closed. However, the Lighthouse and the illuminated Kurhaus are beautiful to see after dark.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

The salty air and the rhythmic sound of the North Sea waves set the stage for this self-guided walking route through Scheveningen, the most famous seaside district in the Netherlands. For centuries, this area was a humble, isolated fishing village where residents lived in modest cottages and braved the harsh elements of the coast. However, the 19th century brought a dramatic transformation, turning the village into a world-class resort for European royalty and high society. This self-guided walking tour The Hague offers a deep dive into that dual identity, leading you from the historic narrow lanes of the old village to the grand, palatial architecture of the coast. As you explore independently, you will discover how these two worlds—the rugged maritime past and the elegant leisure of the ‘Belle Époque’—continue to coexist today. The walk begins in the historic heart of Scheveningen at Keizerstraat, the oldest shopping street in the neighborhood, where the local spirit remains vibrant. You will encounter the 15th-century Old Church, which has survived centuries of storms and floods, before heading toward the iconic red lighthouse that has guided sailors home since 1875. The route also invites you to uncover hidden gems at Muzee Scheveningen, a local museum dedicated to the lives of the fishing families who built this community. Transitioning from the village to the ‘Bad’ (bath) area, you will stand before the magnificent Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture that once hosted the likes of Audrey Hepburn and the Rolling Stones. The journey concludes at the modern Pier, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the vast North Sea. While searching for a walking tour The Hague, you will find that this self-guided stroll provides the perfect balance of historical context and the freedom to linger at a beach pavilion or browse local boutiques. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a walk; it is a journey through time, tracing the evolution of a community that transformed from a place of survival to a place of celebration.

Highlights

The historic atmosphere of Keizerstraat, the oldest street in Scheveningen

The 15th-century Old Church and its maritime legends

The iconic 19th-century red cast-iron Scheveningen Lighthouse

The grand neo-Renaissance ballroom of the Kurhaus Hotel

Panoramic North Sea views from the historic and modern Pier

Hidden stories of the fishing community at Muzee Scheveningen

Tour Stops (6)

Keizerstraat

Welcome to Keizerstraat, the historic backbone of Scheveningen. This is the oldest shopping street in the district, and its name, meaning 'Emperor Street', likely refers to Emperor Napoleon who visited in 1811. For centuries, this was the main connection between the village and the sea. As you walk along, notice the blend of traditional Dutch architecture and modern storefronts. This street was once the center of life for the local fishing community, where families would gather to buy supplies and exchange news. The atmosphere here remains distinct from the more commercial resort area further down the coast, preserving a sense of the village's original, hardworking character.

Old Church

Standing as the oldest building in Scheveningen, the Oude Kerk or Old Church dates back to the 15th century. This late-Gothic structure has survived countless North Sea storms and the devastating All Saints' Day Flood of 1570, which washed away half of the original village. Historically, the church served as a landmark for fishermen returning home from sea. Look for the statue of the 'Scheveningen Woman' nearby, dressed in traditional local costume. The church represents the spiritual heart of the community and stands as a resilient witness to the village's long struggle against the encroaching tides.

Scheveningen Lighthouse

The vibrant red Scheveningen Lighthouse is an unmistakable landmark. Completed in 1875, this cast-iron tower was designed by Quirinus Harder. It replaced an earlier stone tower that burned coal to guide ships. Standing 30 meters high, its light can be seen for 18 nautical miles. In the past, the lighthouse keeper had to manually wind the clockwork mechanism every few hours to keep the light rotating. Today, it remains fully operational, though automated. It serves as a reminder of the dangerous reality of North Sea navigation and the village's deep-rooted connection to the maritime industry.

Muzee Scheveningen

To truly understand the local identity, one must look at the lives of those who called this coast home long before the tourists arrived. Muzee Scheveningen is housed in a former school building and dedicated to the history and culture of the fishing village. It highlights the difficult lives of the 'bomschuiten' (flat-bottomed boat) crews and the women who stayed behind to mend nets and sell fish. The museum preserves the unique Scheveningen dialect and traditional dress, offering a glimpse into a way of life that was nearly lost when the area transitioned into a fashionable bathing resort.

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus

As you move toward the shore, the landscape shifts from village charm to imperial grandeur. The Kurhaus, opened in 1885, transformed Scheveningen into an international destination. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was designed to rival the great spas of Europe. Its central Kurzaal (Grand Ballroom) is famous for its ceiling paintings and incredible acoustics. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, world leaders, and legendary performers. In 1964, the Rolling Stones played a concert here that famously ended in a riot after only a few songs. The building stands as a symbol of the 'Belle Époque' and the birth of modern coastal tourism.

De Pier

The final stop is the iconic Pier. The original wooden pier from 1901 was destroyed during World War II, but the current structure, opened in 1959, represents the optimism of the post-war era. It is unique for its two-level design, featuring a covered lower deck and an open upper deck. Today, it is a hub of activity with its Ferris wheel, bungee jumping, and various food stalls. From the end of the pier, look back at the coastline to see the striking contrast between the historic village steeples and the modern skyline, concluding your exploration of Scheveningen’s evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Scheveningen maritime route is highly recommended for history enthusiasts. It covers the 14th-century fishing village origins, the 15th-century Old Church, and the 19th-century transition into a luxury resort at the Kurhaus.