Hilversum(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Schagen, the top budget option is Hostel De Windmolen, located just steps from the Old Mill Park. This former 18th-century mill offers dorm rooms and private cabins starting at €35 per night, with shared kitchens, free bike rentals, and a cozy lounge with board games. The hostel hosts weekly cultural nights where travelers exchange stories, making it ideal for solo or group backpackers. Its original wooden beams and windmill gears add charm, while its central location makes exploring the town’s historic lanes, markets, and nearby beaches effortless.

The historic town center of Schagen is perfect for first-time visitors. It’s compact, walkable, and centered around Town Hall Square and the Church of St. Bavo, offering easy access to local cafés, artisan shops, and the weekly farmer’s market. Stay at Hotel de Kromme Rijn, a charming boutique hotel with Dutch-style architecture, family-friendly rooms, and free bicycles. The area also provides quick connections to Haarlem Station (15-minute walk) and the Amsterdam Canal Ring, making it ideal for both relaxation and exploration.

In Schagen, experience the Spring Windmill Festival held annually in April at Old Mill Park, where traditional windmills operate and locals demonstrate milling techniques using century-old tools. Join the Historic Night Walk, led by local historians through cobbled alleys, sharing tales of medieval farming life. Don’t miss the Dutch Cheese Tasting Workshop, where you’ll craft your own Hollandse Gouda cheese and learn about the country’s centuries-old dairy traditions. These immersive events offer authentic insights into rural Dutch heritage.

Yes, Schagen offers stunning photo opportunities. Capture the golden morning light over the Rhine River as it reflects off ancient stone bridges and 17th-century warehouses. The Old Mill Park is another must-visit—its windmill casting a long shadow on still water creates a dreamy composition, especially during autumn when trees turn vibrant reds and golds. For architectural shots, the Gothic spire of St. Bavo Church and its stained-glass windows provide dramatic backdrops. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to fully capture the quiet beauty of this unspoiled Dutch village.

For couples, Hotel De Burcht stands out as a romantic retreat. Nestled in a quiet alley near St. Bavo Church, this boutique hotel features private terraces, heated bathtubs, and candlelit rooms with views of the church’s clock tower. Enjoy a private dinner for two featuring truffle risotto and Dutch rose wine, accompanied by live violin music. At dusk, stroll hand-in-hand along the Romantic Bridge overlooking the river, where city lights shimmer on the water—a perfect moment for unforgettable memories.

Try stuffed shrimp (Gebakken Zalm), a local favorite made with fresh herring, herbs, and cream sauce, served with roasted potatoes. Another must-try is Stamppot met worst, a hearty dish of mashed potatoes mixed with smoked sausage and sauerkraut, reflecting traditional Dutch farm cuisine. Visit the weekly farmer’s market for handmade Hollandse Gouda cheese, honey-cured apples, and dark rye bread. Dine at De Vleeswinkel, a rustic restaurant with timber beams and a fireplace, serving seasonal dishes that celebrate Schagen’s agricultural roots.

Absolutely. Schagen is ideal for a weekend getaway. Located just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train, it’s easily accessible yet feels like a hidden gem. The entire town center is walkable, with key sites including Town Hall Square, St. Bavo Church, Old Mill Park, and Maximilian Park. Even with limited time, you can explore via guided walking tours or rent electric bikes. Themed trails like the Windmill Route and Historic Buildings Trail allow deep immersion in Dutch countryside culture—all within a compact, picturesque setting.

Hotel de Kromme Rijn is perfect for families, offering spacious family rooms, children’s play areas, and free bicycle rentals. The hotel’s garden features a small playground and picnic zones, ideal for kids to burn off energy. They also organize family activities like dairy farm visits and cheese-making workshops. With a central location near Maximilian Park and Town Hall Square, parents can relax at cafes while children explore nearby attractions. Plus, the hotel provides cribs and high chairs upon request, ensuring comfort for all ages.

Schagen celebrates several seasonal festivals. In spring, the Windmill Festival brings old mills to life with demonstrations and crafts. Summer features the Open-Air Theatre Festival in Maximilian Park, showcasing Dutch plays and jazz concerts. Autumn hosts the Pumpkin Festival, where carved pumpkins and lanterns light up the streets. During winter, the Christmas Market at Town Hall Square fills with wooden stalls selling mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade ornaments, plus a Santa Claus parade. These events reflect the community’s rich traditions and create festive atmospheres year-round.

Getting around Schagen without a car is very convenient. The town has an efficient electric bus line 21 connecting to Haarlem Station and Amsterdam Central in under 30 minutes. Local roads feature dedicated bike lanes, and you can rent e-bikes from multiple stations throughout the town. Public transport is covered by the OV-chipkaart, allowing seamless travel across trains, trams, and buses. Walking paths link major attractions like the Old Mill Park, St. Bavo Church, and Riverfront Promenade, making it easy to explore the town’s charm at your own pace.