18 Apr THE GUIDE TO VELSEN, NETHERLANDS
Velsen is a Municipality that consists of a few towns and villages by the names of IJmuiden, Santpoort-Noord, Santpoort-Zuid, Velsen-Noord, Velsen-Zuid, Velserbroek, and Driehuis. All different, but with their own charming features. In this guide, we will tip you on the best places to eat, stay, and visit.
IJmuiden
IJmuiden is by far the largest city in Velsen, known for its important harbor and seaside location. If you love seafood, there is no better place to try than in IJmuiden. Scroll down for our best recommendations.
Santpoort-Noord & Santpoort Zuid
Probably the two cutest villages in the Velsen region. Santpoort is surrounded by forests, and nature, making it one of the greenest regions in the Netherlands. Highlights are Hotel Duin & Kruidberg and the Santpoortse Feestweek. Read more about the two connected villages in our Santpoort Guide.
Velsen Noord, Velsen Zuid, Velserbroek, Driehuis
From parks to beach bars, restaurants and boutique hotels and museums, these towns all have something to offer.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN VELSEN
Beeckenstijn
Located in Velsen-Zuid, this lunch and dining restaurant serves outstanding food for any budget. They even won the Restaurant of the Year award in 2022! Ask the chef to surprise you, he never disappoints. Additionally, you can walk around the grounds of Beeckenstijn which has a beautiful garden, pond, and walking paths.
Hokkai Kitchen
A big favourite in IJmuiden is Hokkai Kitchen, a no-nonsense but high-class sushi restaurant in IJmuiden. Many locals refer to this restaurant as having the best Sushi in the Netherlands. With not many seats available, you must reserve a table. Go Check it out!
Villa Westend
Set in Velsenbroek, overlooking the water – set next to a man-made beach. This is the perfect location for events, and summer evenings. We love the fact that Villa Westend changes their menu at special occasions such as Easter Brunch, Mussel Week, and more.
Staal
Lunch, the way the Dutch like it! Big salads, meat for meat lovers, vegetarian or dishes, and the casual chit-chat with the kind owner or waitress. Go for their famous Asian Chicken on Flatbread, or fish salad (see photo).
Café Staal
De Meerplaats
This restaurant in IJmuiden is famous for its fish, so don’t come here for anything else or you’ll regret it! Paired with good wines, and fish from Dutch Seafoods, De Meerplaats has been a favourite for over 30 years.
Timboektoe
A favourite for surfers, families, and friends. We come here every summer, and it’s close to anyone who live in the Velsen region. The beach is wide and long, the staff is friendly, and the beers are cold. TIP: come early for coffee at the beach during Spring and Summer and wake up with a fresh sea-breeze.
Café Middeloo
Go back in time, and visit one of the oldest cafés in the Velsen region that dates back from 1870. Locals from Driehuis and villages nearby come here for drinks, but they also serve a simple lunch menu, snacks and bites.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN VELSEN
Eco-Hotel Rococo
One of our favourite places in Velsen without question. Plantage Rococo is a fancy and stylish eco-hotel. The property includes a large garden where lunch is served between April and October if the weather allows it. Read more about Rococo!
Duin & Kruidberg
If you like sleep and dine in a historical setting, Duin & Kruidberg is a wonderful option. Overlooking the water and garden, this location is often used for weddings, so you can imagine the romantic vibes. You can book your stay here.
Duin & Kruidberg
Hotel & Restaurant Augusta
The building itself dates back from the 1700’s, but has been renovated over the years. With 25 rooms, you can call this hotel cozy and elegant, with old-fashioned features that make the hotel charming. Extra nice: the hotel restaurant/brasserie is a hit in IJmuiden and offer shared dining with pretty dishes that vary from fish, meat and vegetarian. Book your stay here.
EVENTS IN VELSEN NOT TO MISS
It’s one of the things, that makes this region so exiting. Velsen has many returning events, worth your visit. We’ve selected a few, that you you add into your diary.
- 24/25th of June HavenFestival IJmuiden: this festival showcases the thing that IJmuiden is famous for, its harbor. Experience free boatrides, cook workshops, eat fresh fish, listen to music, film and poetry. Entry is free and starts at 12 noon.
- 30th July – 6th of Aug Feestweek Santpoort: This event is over 200 years old(!). It THE event for the locals, and the whole town of Santpoort-Noord is celebrating for 9 solid days. During the day you can enjoy games for young and old, and in the evening you have several bands and DJ’s. There is a big fair, market, and horse race planned.
- 8/9/10th of Sept Summer Park Sessions: Park Velserbeek is home to the stage of this cultural event that takes place every year.
- PIV Festival, Dutch Valley are all dance festivals to keep an eye out for this summer. For more info and events in Velsen, check the agenda.
All in all, Velsen is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, that you should discover, soon! Read more about Santpoort, Bloemendaal and Haarlem below.
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