Zandvoort
Amsterdam'S Beach, 30 Minutes By Train, And Home Of Circuit Zandvoort, Which Hosted The Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix Until Its Final Running In August 2026 · Zandvoort, North Holland
Zandvoort is Amsterdam's beach: a North Sea resort about 30 minutes by train from the capital, with a wide sandy beach, a long line of beach pavilions, a modern seafront boulevard and a small old village centre behind it. On hot summer days it fills with city people; on grey winter days it is windswept and empty, good for long walks. In the dunes to the north lies Circuit Zandvoort, a classic racing track from 1948 that hosted the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix until its final running on 21-23 August 2026. From 2027 there is no Formula 1 here; the circuit continues with other racing, historic meetings, track days and events. Around the town the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park protects dunes where European bison, Highland cattle and wild ponies graze. The honest caveat: Zandvoort is a busy resort rather than a pretty village, the seafront is lined with apartment blocks, hot weekends bring traffic jams and full trains, and the North Sea is cold with strong currents.
Zandvoort aan Zee boulevard and beach, with Circuit Zandvoort in the dunes north of the village, Zandvoort, North Holland, Netherlands
The beach and boulevard are open all year and free. Beach pavilions mostly open from about March or April to about October, with a few open all year - confirm. Lifeguards are on duty at posts in summer daytime only. Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal, often direct, in about 30 minutes, and from Haarlem in about 10; the station is a few minutes from the sand. Circuit events and track days follow their own calendar - confirm and book tickets on the circuit's official channels. On hot days drive only early; parking is full and expensive.