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

In Noordwijk, the best area to stay is near the beach promenade, where you'll find a mix of seaside hotels and cozy guesthouses. Hotel De Vliegende Hollander offers direct beach access and panoramic sea views, while B&B Het Zand provides a quiet, family-run retreat with garden access. Both locations are within walking distance of the Noordwijk Beach and the historic Dutch Windmill. The area is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxed coastal escape in the province of South Holland.

Visitors to Noordwijk can experience the annual Holland Harvest Festival, where local farmers showcase traditional produce like fresh asparagus and tulip bulbs. The town also hosts the Windmill Heritage Day, featuring live demonstrations of 19th-century windmill operations and hands-on workshops in wood carving and pottery. A highlight is touring De Molen, the restored 1800s mill now serving as a community arts center, which regularly hosts folk music nights and local art exhibitions. For an authentic taste of village life, join a guided Dutch-language walking tour through cobbled streets, learning about the town’s 17th-century agrarian roots and hidden architectural gems.

The most charming accommodation options in Noordwijk are found in the historic town center near De Molen and the old church square. This area features boutique B&Bs and heritage-listed houses converted into guest lodges, such as Het Huisje bij de Kerk, offering proximity to St. Nicholas Church and peaceful cobblestone lanes. Many of these properties provide breakfast with locally sourced ingredients, and guests enjoy easy access to the coastal trail network and seasonal markets. Staying here immerses travelers in the authentic rhythm of rural Dutch life, complete with morning church bells and evening strolls along tree-lined avenues.

For easy access to nature trails, stay at B&B De Veldweg or Greenfield Cottage in the eastern outskirts of Noordwijk, located just minutes from the Akkerstroom Nature Trail. These accommodations sit near the entrance of the Groningen Nature Reserve, offering direct access to scenic paths winding through wetlands, meadows, and forests. Guests can borrow free bicycles to explore nearby Fennel Forest and Broek Lake, home to diverse birdlife and native flora. Early morning hikes along the riverbank often reveal deer and waterfowl, making it a perfect base for eco-tourism enthusiasts seeking tranquility and connection with nature.

Must-try dishes in Noordwijk include Stoofpot, a hearty Dutch stew of slow-cooked beef and potatoes seasoned with herbs, and Bitterballen, deep-fried meatballs served with mustard. At De Koele Tafel, a local favorite, chefs use organic ingredients from regional farms to prepare the signature Groningen-style omelette, packed with local cheese and herbs. Don’t miss the weekly farmers’ market, where you can sample freshly made apple wine (Appelwijn)—a sweet, slightly tart beverage crafted from local orchards. These flavors capture the essence of rural Dutch cuisine and are best enjoyed in a cozy village setting.

Absolutely. Noordwijk boasts well-preserved historical landmarks rich in cultural significance. The Sint-Nicolaaskerk, dating back to the 14th century, features a striking Gothic spire and original stained-glass windows and wooden altarpieces. Nearby, De Molen, the historic windmill, has been transformed into a museum showcasing 19th-century milling technology and agricultural tools. The town also preserves several 17th-century Dutch farmhouses (Boerderijhuizen), some repurposed as art studios and small libraries. Walking among these structures offers a vivid glimpse into rural Dutch life, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.