Scheveningen beach, beach in the Netherlands
Scheveningen Beach is a wide sandy stretch beside The Hague extending about 4.5 kilometers to the North Sea. The main area features a famous pier with food venues, a Ferris wheel, and a jumping tower, while quieter sections like Zuiderstrand and Kijkduin offer calmer alternatives.
Scheveningen developed in the early 1800s as a seaside resort where people came for salt water bathing believed to have health benefits. The Kurhaus opened in 1884 and became the area's landmark, hosting grand events and concerts including performances by the Rolling Stones.
Scheveningen began as a fishing village with its own dialect and local traditions that remain active today. Working fishermen still operate from here, and fresh catches appear regularly at nearby markets and restaurants.
The beach is free to access and offers showers, facilities, and lifeguards during summer with flag systems indicating water safety conditions. Parking gets crowded on sunny days, so cycling or taking the tram from The Hague takes about 30 minutes and is often easier.
The beach uses a flag system for water safety where red means no swimming and yellow warns of caution, while on New Year's Eve thousands of wooden pallets burn along the shore in a loud traditional celebration. This annual fire festival draws crowds who gather to watch the glow and flames light up the night.
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