- Trams from central The Hague reach the beach in roughly 15-25 minutes
- The Kurhaus is a grand 1880s seafront hotel
- The harbour area is known for fresh fish restaurants
- Combine a beach day with The Hague's museums
- Airports
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Rotterdam The Hague (RTM)
- Best time to go
- June-September
- Type
- Coast
Scheveningen is the seaside district of The Hague in South Holland and the busiest beach resort in the Netherlands. Once a fishing village, it became a fashionable bathing resort in the 19th century, and its grand Kurhaus hotel still presides over the promenade. Today it combines a long sandy beach, a pier, beach clubs, a working harbour and a lively boulevard.
For UK visitors it is the easiest way to add a beach to a Dutch city break: trams run straight from central The Hague, and Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden are all close. Read our Netherlands guide for more ideas.
Things to do in Scheveningen
- The beach and boulevard – kilometres of sand, with beach clubs and pavilions from spring to autumn and a busy promenade lined with restaurants.
- The Kurhaus – the landmark hotel, opened in the 1880s, has a spectacular domed main hall; stopping for a drink or afternoon tea is a way to see the interior.
- The Pier – stretching out to sea, with a Ferris wheel at its entrance offering views along the coast.
- Beelden aan Zee – a museum dedicated to sculpture, built partly into the dunes on the boulevard, with figurative sculptures by the beach outside.
- Scheveningen Harbour – a working fishing and leisure harbour with fish restaurants, food stalls and beach clubs on the nearby Zuiderstrand. Look out for the first Hollandse Nieuwe herring of the season in June.
- Muzee Scheveningen – a local museum about Scheveningen's fishing past, traditions and seaside life.
- Surfing and watersports – the stretch near the harbour is one of the country's best-known surf spots, with surf schools offering lessons.
- Westbroekpark and the dunes – just inland, the park has a famous rose garden, while the dune reserves north and south of the resort are good for walks and cycling.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Boulevard and Kurhaus area | Sea views and the busiest part of the beach |
| Scheveningen Harbour | A more local feel, fish restaurants and surf beaches |
| Statenkwartier | Elegant residential area between the beach and the city centre |
| Central The Hague | More hotel choice, museums and a short tram ride to the sea |
Getting there
Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and take a direct train to Den Haag Centraal, around 30 minutes, then a tram to Scheveningen, which takes roughly 15-25 minutes depending on where you get off. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is closer but has limited UK routes, so check what is currently flying.
By rail, take the Eurostar from London to Rotterdam and continue by train to The Hague, about 20-25 minutes. The Harwich-Hook of Holland ferry docks around 20-30 minutes' drive away.
Best time to visit
June to September for the beach clubs and warm weather, with July and August busiest. June is a good month for the season's first herring. Spring and autumn are calmer and great for walks along the shore, while winter brings dramatic seas and the traditional New Year's Day dip, which draws thousands into the cold North Sea.
the harbour end of the beach and the Zuiderstrand are usually less crowded than the stretch below the Kurhaus.
Top attractions in Scheveningen
MuseumAnne Frank House
The canal house where Anne Frank hid for two years and wrote her diary, now a moving museum on the Prinsengracht.
MuseumRijksmuseum
The Netherlands' national museum, home to Rembrandt's The Night Watch, Vermeer's The Milkmaid and 800 years of Dutch…
Scheveningen on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Scheveningen part of The Hague?
Yes. It is a district of The Hague, connected to the city centre by several tram lines.
How do you get from The Hague to Scheveningen?
By tram from Den Haag Centraal or the city centre, taking roughly 15-25 minutes. Cycling takes a similar time.
Is Scheveningen good for families?
Yes. The wide beach, the pier, an aquarium near the boulevard and plenty of places to eat make it easy with children.
Can you swim at Scheveningen?
Yes, in summer, at lifeguarded sections. The sea is cool, and you should follow flag warnings, especially near the harbour.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
